DRM Issues: Windows Expert Looking to Move to Linux
Security expert Jesper Johansson is planning to remove Windows Media Center from his computer and to install Linux MCE due to frustration with his former employer Microsoft's DRM software.
Prior to moving to Amazon in September 2006, Johansson was Senior Program Manager for security with Microsoft. He publicly vented his frustration with Windows Media Center in his blog referring to the "Blue Screen of DRM Death", or the death of Windows Media Center. Johansson's frustration was triggered by his attempts to get a cable network video system to run on the machine. Shortly after the movie launched, the image was replaced by a blue DRM screen. Several unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue followed, however, the machine kept on crashing after installing the Internet Explorer update for Microsoft DRM recommended by Microsoft. "Microsofts 'security update' caused a denial of service (DoS)", Johannson states. DRM fanatics made the Microsoft product completely useless, he writes. Johannson views Linux MCE as an alternative. Many users have reacted to his blog entry in the meantime, and shared their experiences with various systems, including MythTV on Ubuntu Linux. Surprised with the vehement responses, Johannson added that he had been satisfied with the Microsoft solution up to this point.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.
-
Canonical Bumps LTS Support to 12 years
If you're worried that your Ubuntu LTS release won't be supported long enough to last, Canonical has a surprise for you in the form of 12 years of security coverage.
-
Fedora 40 Beta Released Soon
With the official release of Fedora 40 coming in April, it's almost time to download the beta and see what's new.