Computer Systems

The XBox came back today! That's only 11 days. We'll see if it works later. Also, been having trouble getting my G4 Powerbook onto the net wirelessly with WPA and there is conflicting info online about whether it will work or not (Apple says it can, but is vague about it), and I tried to get Galactic Civilizations II running under Parallels but there is conflicting information about that as well (and it isn't working). Everything is uncertain!

Update: They sent me a different XBox (new? refurb?). Seems to work so far, although there is a loose part inside. Think they would have noticed that. I have it hooked up to my Apple Airport Express, which is rather amusing, although it means I don't have to adjust any wireless settings on the XBox (since it's all done to the AAE on my iMac, much better interface). 

Returning The XBox, Again

It is true, I have just returned my third XBox 360 to the mothership via UPS in the nice white box. (This is the one that RRoD'ed on me immediately when I got it back last time. Well done, Microsoft.) You'd think they could make better technology. Oh wait, how foolish of me, these are the people that make Windows and the Zune, what am I thinking? Off to Mesquite, TX, with it.

DRM - Dummies Rule Media

DRM is a horrible, horrible thing, and even though it's been pointed out again and again, companies still use it (are the DRM peddlers FUDsters?).

Penny Arcade has a nice three-parter on DRM, although part three is best (part one, part two). Of course there are the accompanying comics (one, two, three). 

You should of course read Cory Doctorow's Microsoft talk about DRM (or maybe watch the video).

The Machinist at Salon has a nice write-up of the dust-up over the Spore DRM. Omg it installed SecuROM on my Mac?!?! Not acceptable! Well I guess I have to find out how to remove it now...

Don't forget the Sony rootkit fiasco either. Wikipedia's external links for the article may be better, there is one for BoingBoing and one for Groklaw.

Oh and, a late add, XKCD's recent take on it. Pretty accurate and concise.