The forthcoming version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system, code-named Whistler, will be equipped with anti-piracy security which has already been broken by hackers and the method explained on a UK internet news site.

The beta version of Whistler has been criticised by IT professionals because the anti-piracy measures are said to be very inconvenient for routine installation and use of the operating system. This inconvenience is expected to encourage attempts to hack the protection.

IBM will be offering technology to prevent unauthorised MP3 file distribution on Napster and similar services. The concept relies on what is called superdistribution. It allows consumers to swap music files that contain limits on their use. It would allow the file to be locked after a certain number of “plays”.

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