[antiRepublicrat]

The last thing we need is a bunch of hackers out there messing with BIOS codes

I still don't see any increased danger. So, the BIOS is closed. Reverse-engineer the flashing software and modify it. That's what people did with DVD drive firmware. In direct opposition to MPAA schemes, I can play all of my legally purchased Region 2 DVDs on my computer now that I've flashed my DVD drive with a reverse-engineered firmware updater that stops the reader from counting down to the time when it'll be stuck at only one region.

It is exactly this kind of consumer control and fair use that will be hindered when DRM is embedded into the hardware. That's why it's a bad thing and why Stallman is right in concept (stripped of all the extremist hippie talk).

[Bush2000]

It is exactly this kind of consumer control and fair use that will be hindered when DRM is embedded into the hardware. That's why it's a bad thing and why Stallman is right in concept (stripped of all the extremist hippie talk).

Organizations have every right to design their products to include anti-piracy/anti-hacking technology. Don't like it? Too bad. Don't buy the products -- or design your own alternatives. You do not have an absolute right to dictate the hardware designs of computer manufacturers -- any more than you have input into the design of a microwave, car, or any other consumer device.