Microsoft Applies To Patent DRM'ed OS Modules

wellingj writes "Microsoft has applied for a patent that sounds on the face of it like it ought to improve OS stability and reliability: the patent proposes to modularize device drivers much like Linux does. But, going further, Microsoft would apply DRM to these modules — as Groklaw puts it, 'using modularity plus DRM to restrict and contain and enforce.' The net result is that you might have to pay extra for OS hardware support. Things like USB keys, DVD-ROMS, Raid drives, and video cards might not be supported out of the box. LXer indulges in some dystopian speculation."

Box with credit card reader as dongle

[TransEurope]

A drm-protected blackbox with credit card reader as dongle for software. Like in the old day of the videogame halls, you have to pay for the time you play - or work - with your software. Would make it easy for the companies to sell their software, the xould be freely distributed, shared and downloadet, because the software runs only by paying to start it. Ehm... how much does a worldwiede patent proposal cost?

Guys, seriously. DRMed

[dsanfte]

DRMed. What is it with slashdot and misplaced apostrophes anyway? They're turning up all over the place. They must be fleeing the Quebec language laws.