--- Forwarded Message from Judi Franz <[log in to unmask]> ---

>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Tue, 21 May 2002 12:22:11 -0700
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>From: Judi Franz <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #6694 Copy-protection crashes computers?

I just now read a blurb about this in the Los Angeles Times:

'Poisoned Pellet' Discourages CD Piracy

Copycats beware! Sony Music has planted a "poisoned pellet" of 
software in the European version of Celine Dion's latest CD, "A New 
Day Has Come."

Those who attempt to make copies of the disc risk having the optical 
drives of personal computers crash and, in some cases, permanently 
freeze. Warnings that the discs don't play in computers are on the CD 
case and on the discs themselves.

In Europe, fans have found that they can't always eject the discs, 
and Apple Computer has issued a warning on its Internet support site 
offering tips on dealing with the situation.

A spokeswoman for Sony Music Entertainment told the New York Times 
that the discs do no permanent damage to PCs and are part of a 
continuing drive in the industry to discourage unauthorized copying.

Though these discs have been distributed only in Europe, she added, 
the first tests in the U.S. will begin shortly--starting with promo 
discs sent to critics.


Judi Franz
UC Irvine

>--- Forwarded Message from Ursula Williams <[log in to unmask]> ---
>
>>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>>References: <[log in to unmask]>
>>Date: Fri, 17 May 2002 11:12:20 -0600
>>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information 
>>Forum               <[log in to unmask]>
>>From: Ursula Williams <[log in to unmask]>
>>Subject: Copy-protection crashes computers?
>
>------------------
>This came to my attention last evening by way of one of our Arts and
>Letters consultants. I wanted to share it with you, and to learn if
>there is confirmation from other institutions:
>
>
>>There is a new generation of copy-protected audio CDs that can crash
>>your computer or render it unable to start up properly.
>>
>>These discs are not audio CDs following the standard industry
>>specification, and will say "Will not work on PC/Mac" in place of the
>>Compact Disc logo. If you intend to play an audio CD on your
>>computer, inspect the packaging for any warnings about
>>computer-specific copy protection measures present on the disc.
>>
>>Inserting one of these discs into a computer can cause unexpected
>>harmful results, including freezes, crashes, and startup problems
>>that may require the machine to be sent back to the vendor for
>>service. This service will not be covered under warranty, and charges
>>for these incidents will be the responsibility of the individual user.
>
>Ursula Williams
>Notre Dame