Re: A89: U.S. Encryption Laws
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Re: A89: U.S. Encryption Laws
So you have a strong voice for freeware? I can't make out exactly what you
support.
-Miles Raymond EML: m_rayman@bigfoot.com
ICQ: 13217756 IRC: Killer2 AIM: KilIer2 (kilier2)
http://www.bigfoot.com/~m_rayman/
----- Original Message -----
From: "Zoltan Kocsi" <zoltan@bendor.com.au>
To: <assembly-89@lists.ticalc.org>
Sent: Friday, December 03, 1999 6:22 AM
Subject: Re: A89: U.S. Encryption Laws
> > That's what I thought, too. That would explain why TI wants to sign
all
> > software: nothing stops you from copying software but software checks
> > your serial number and self-destructs if it isn't right. And you can't
> > modify software to accept your serial because its signed because calc
> > checks signature. And TI wants to moderate signed programs so you can't
> > sign your modified software.
>
> Depending on their customer profile, they can either succeed or loose
> completely. Younger members of the society tend to be low on monetary
> resources but would take high risk to attaing gain, fame or just the
> thrill of it. If TI's main line of customers is mostly teenagers then a
> possible scenario is that someone (for a few bucks, probably) with
> suitable equipment (a reasonable soldering iron :-) would disable the
> HW protection (permanently or temporarily) and overwrite the signature
> and checksum parts of the FLASH to anyone in the neighbourhood.
>
> This would obviously void the warranty, however, if the cost of the
> software is high enough, then that won't be a deterrent. As a secondary
> effect, the unprotected calculators would merrily run all sorts of other
> applications such as games and alike - this might make people do the
> desexing of their calculator even if they would not otherwise pirate
> software sold by TI. (Now, however, that their calc can easily install
> anything, they will get that cool package from their friends...)
>
> I do not know a single software protection scheme which was
> successful. The more they protect it, the quicker the warez puppies
> break the lock: dongles, key-disks, serial numbers, license managers,
> you name it. It is only a question of whether customers want to get
> the SW for free or willing to pay even if it's an arm and a leg.
>
> Zoltan
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