Hidden copy protection software that installs on Windows PCs when playing music CDs from Sony BMGis label has computer users up in arms. To make matters worse, hackers have created a virus that exploits the copy protection software, according to a Reuters article. Mac users remain unaffected.
Sonyis music copy protection software is considered by many to be nothing more than a virus itself, because it installs on Windows machines without authorization, and hides its code so that it is almost impossible to find. This new virus, called Stinx-E, hides itself inside Sonyis copy protection code.
Since the virus, and Sony BMGis copy protection software are for Windows only, Mac users are unaffected. On the other hand, this also precludes many music CDs from playing in a Mac.
Sonyis move has managed to alienate both sides of the OS camp. Windows users are angry because "rootkit" software is installed without authorization, which led to the filing of a class action lawsuit against Sony in early November, and Mac users canit play the CDs.