[olug] Non-Linux - DRM

[Bill Brush]

First a little background:

I recently got a TabletPC (Compaq) at work.  I confess that in spite of it
running WinXP I really like it.  One of the apps I've found on it that I
like is called Zinio reader.  It lets me read digital magazines in a format
that very closely approximates an actual magazine, especially when combined
with the portrait aspect of the tablet.

(Now the question:)

HOWEVER, I just had to re-install the reader to download some freebie
magazines, and it installed some DRM components.  This concerns me what
with all the press DRM has gotten and most of it has been, shall we say,
somewhat unconcerned with personal privacy and rights.

Does anyone have any info on the DRM for this reader?  I don't mind
companies protecting their property, but I do draw the line at them making
my computer their "bitch".  This is one of the things I don't like about
WinXP, but at least you can shut off most of it's spy modes.

Thanks!
Bill

PS:  The Linux community needs to jump on this technology, especially the
handwriting recognition.  The Windows version of this is good, but it's
still in its infancy.  This is one area where Linux could start out even
with MS.  IMO this form factor is going to evolve and supplant the other
form-factors as PC's evolve into commoditzed appliances.