] Microsoft's new Windows Media Data Session Toolkit allows
] media companies to add a protected "second session" to
] CDs and DVDs for use on PCs. This second session includes
] the audio and video content in Microsoft's Windows Media
] format, plus rules for the use of that content, Microsoft
] said.
]
] For example, content owners can limit the number of times
] a user can play the content on a PC and restrict copying
] of audio and video or transferring of songs to a portable
] device, Microsoft said. The protection is handled through
] Microsoft's Windows Media Digital Rights Management
] technology, Microsoft said.
]
] Microsoft's product announcement comes a week after
] representatives of the recording and technology
] industries, including Microsoft and the Recording
] Industry Association of America, urged the U.S.
] government to keep its hands off of the digital
] copyright protection issue.

Ok, let me make sure I have this straight.. Before, I couldn't play a copy protected CD/DVD in my computer. Now, if Microsoft has its way, I can't play a copy protected CD/DVD in my computer unless I'm running windows.

If this continues to move in this direction, I am simply not going to be able to listen to music _at all_ without obtaining it via illicit means. Its going to be the only option if I want to retain my freedom to use open technology. Either that, or the artists I support will have to work outside the current system.

The chains are both becoming clearly visible and heavy.