Let’s see some ID, please - The end of anonymity on the Internet?

[kcredden]

Let’s see some ID, please
The end of anonymity on the Internet?

As the joke goes, on the Internet nobody knows you’re a dog. But although anonymity has been part of Internet culture since the first browser, it’s also a major obstacle to making the Web a safe place to conduct business: Internet fraud and identity theft cost consumers and merchants several billion dollars last year. And many of the other more troubling aspects of the Internet, from spam emails to sexual predators, also have their roots in the ease of masking one’s identity in the online world.

more here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ID/10441443)

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On a note here: I like the idea of the pluses they list. However I do NOT like the idea, that this chip can be used by companies, to control what I can and cannot do with my system. I've strongly been against companies like RIAA, MPAA, and others saying basically I can't listen, view or use software on my system, simply because they don't want me too. I do not wish to be treated like a crimminal.

I wonder then as well. Does this control over us, require both the OS, and the chip? Or can the chip do this purely by itself? I suspect if I'm using Linux, this chip is basically just a heating element in my system. What's others thoughts?

[tkcomer]

This wouldn’t be a bad idea if the consumer could turn the chip on and off. Turn it on for secure business and off for anything else. I’ve had my online only credit card swiped twice. Maybe three times. Egghead.com didn’t know if my card number was in the database that got stolen a few years ago. But since it’s obvious they are not going to give the consumer control, I’d be very leery of it. And what do you do if you sell the computer to someone else? Does your identity go with it? I see the slow end of buying software. You’ll just be renting it. If your subscription lapses, it won’t work. And don’t even talk about playing HD-DVDs on a computer. Some of the copy protection schemes they are thinking up means that in the end, you’ll have to have a HD-DVD compliant ‘puter AND monitor to play them. And once these computers have been out a few years, you can bet the software manufacturers will have a code that allows it to only run on TPM equipped computers, forcing everyone to upgrade.

[kcredden]

Sadly, TK I seen the very same thing. There was some talk, early on that companies could reach into your system and turn off the software you bought if you don't upgrade or such. I've gone so far, as invision the day our office, will have two sets of systems. One the main systems, which will have all the normal software and such, and then a set of 'net computers' designed only for one thing; to get onto the net. To use them, we simply use a switcher box, that allows us to use the same keyboard, mouse and monitor, but allows us to switch back and forth from either system with the turn of a switch.

It *does* have advantages in one way. A net computer can be whiped and reinstalled inside a couple of hours, and all we loose is a bit of time incase of infection, or a cracking. Our main systems however, will be immune to malware, crackers, and the like.

I haven't implimented such a system yet, but in 06, when I get my new systems, I have enought parts to build a net computer to try this. I'll report here what I do, and what happens.

[tkcomer]

Oh wow, two beige boxes to deal with. And the hassle of sending stuff from the net ‘puter to the mainframe safely. Kinda why I have a second hard drive, in case the OS gets whacked by who knows what I did. It’s got to the point you have to be online to get some of these programs to work right. That verification issue again. And I understand software companies plight to stop piracy. I mean, even I didn’t know that all the “New, never opened” movies were all shipped to China to be sold on E-bay. It’s the “renting” of software that bothers me. Renting software wouldn’t be a bad thing, it’s the high cost of admission when you first get it. It’s kinda like a TiVo. The recorder isn’t that bad, but 13 bucks a month for a program guide? Jeeze. The never ending fees for a program you’ve bought is bad enough. But the schemes IRA and MAP are thinking up are unbelievable. We’ll end up spending big bucks to NOT record a movie on cable. Or make a music CD with just our favorite songs.

[Jeremy]

I see the slow end of buying software. You’ll just be renting it.

That's already the model for many software packages like Norton Antivirus or other subscription based software. Some companies are even experimenting with metered usage. Like Adobe is experimenting with metered Photoshop. You only pay when you use it. Good for people doctoring family photos. Bad for people like me :)

[kcredden]

Yes, that is a problem, TK. First, 2 boxes to deal with. I've been considering getting a PicoBTX design for the net system. It's only about the size of a shoebox, and fits neatly against the monitor. Contains a CDR, Video card, motherboard, HD, and has USB, and Lan connection. For a net system, that'd be pefect really. I got to see some of these in action at the Rowan County Clerk's office. Really a nice design. Here's an example: http://global.shuttle.com/Product/Barebone/SB61G2%20V4.asp

You brought out a good point, with the verification thing, one thing I wasn't thinking about at the time. The only way I can see around this, is a very cheap dial-up service, and physcially disconnecting the phone line when not in use. Elimates the stealth dial-up I've heard about before. At least with dial-up, the minor amount of stuff that needs to go out, can be done, and keeps the programs happy. I've already experienced this already. I have a laptop and the office has an old IBM as well. The IBM isn't on the nets at all, and the laptop can be plugged into the net. The only program that needs to do (briefly,) get on the net is Avast AV. At least the IBM doesn't need updated every week, since it's totally off the net. It seems about 90% of Windows updates is security based. So it doesn't need updated.
Of course, you need to update programs and the OS at times. At least with Linux, you don't have to have a connection. You can burn the updates to a CDR then update. That's what really bites me about Windows. You HAVE to have a broadband connection to update it. It takes about an hour to install Windows, and 3 - 4 to update it after a new install, on cable

As for the hassle of moving stuff from the net system, to the mainframes that is one thing I'm already working out at least on paper. One thing a friend suggested, is a cat5-cat5 direct lan connection, but that still leaves your system open to an attack, unless it's physcially disconnected too. That, or maybe a gig USB drive. Like I said, it's things I'll have to work out when I build my new system.

Renting software is coming, I'm afraid. I've been reading up on SaaS (Software as a Service) in several IT journals. It sounds good at times, but one thing I don't like, is the idea that your data is on a remote server. yes they say it's encrypted, but that's no guarentee, and what happens if the remote software company goes bankrupt? The system is damaged? Broken into? No matter what people think, a system can be broken into, if you got a skilled enough, and determined enough cracker. I strongly suspect it won't be the placenta businesses think it'll be; much like outsourcing.

Finally the TIVO thing. That's the main reason I never bought a Tivo. $13 a month is too much for a program guide. For $13 I can go to the computer and get what shows I want off things like ZapTV. You can build your own TIVO but a) the linux version is so difficult to set up, even linux gurus have problems, and b) the Windows version I hear still require a subscription fee (Plus there is the Windows DRM potential). There is talk of a linux TIVO that is suppose to be nearly as easy to install as the Windows one but I haven't tried it yet. I've considered building this, using this new linux OS I mentioned above, and expanding it into a full home entertainment center (HES). With a DVD±RW drive for playback, and burning. The HD for the Tivo, MP3 playback with a good quality sound card hooked to the stereo system, a Lan connection to the net computer to move MP3s and videos from the net to the HES. Yes it may be worth the cost and effort Who knows? I could even build them and sell 'em. Anyone interested? :)

Jeremy:

Ug, the idea of metered photoshop. What I think they should do instead of that, is create a photoshop 'lite' for people who do as you mentioned; doctoring their family photos, and leave the high-powered stuff to ones like us who have the money AND the need for such power. But too, what's needed is things like the GIMP to have more exposure to the average joe 6byte. For doctoring photos, or such, GIMP is perfect for my needs. Loads far faster than Photoshop, and can be ran on very slow systems, like our old 500 mhz IBM. There needs to be a balance really here.

[Jeremy]

What I think they should do instead of that, is create a photoshop 'lite' for people who do as you mentioned; doctoring their family photos, and leave the high-powered stuff to ones like us who have the money AND the need for such power.

They have that already. It's Photoshop Elements. A little bit cheaper than Photoshop and targeted more to the casual user. Sometimes it comes as trial versions on new systems.

[DecupldSolutions]

Let’s see some ID, please
The end of anonymity on the Internet?

As the joke goes, on the Internet nobody knows you’re a dog. But although anonymity has been part of Internet culture since the first browser, it’s also a major obstacle to making the Web a safe place to conduct business: Internet fraud and identity theft cost consumers and merchants several billion dollars last year. And many of the other more troubling aspects of the Internet, from spam emails to sexual predators, also have their roots in the ease of masking one’s identity in the online world.

more here (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ID/10441443)

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People were never as anonymous as they thought. But there is a deniability that might let some people do things they normally wouldn't offline. If someone or something wants to find out bad enough where or who, it can and will done. As far as chips, there will be workarounds. Someone will figure it out. Share the info somewhere and those that dig deep enough will find it, study it and implement it. Then the powers that be will make a solution to stop the workaround. Then a new workaround. A vicious cycle.

As far as subscription software, it's simple. Don't support it as a consumer. Use AVG for protection as an example. Most virus scan companies are offering free on-line scans now days anyways. Why pay for it? Especially if you are using a hardware firewall like everyone with broadband connection should be. Let the corporations foot the bill for mass licensing. Or get the cracks that come out and try other workarounds. Those are the options.