Digital archaeology of the microcomputer, 1974-1994

[William Donzelli]

> I don't buy that "most" software is encumbered by software protection-
> -unless the author is talking about games.  Even so, much of the
> early software protection is easy to hack.  What concerns me more is
> modern software that requires activation via the internet to run.
> When companies disappear (as they are wont to do), the user is left
> with no recourse.

Even modern copy protection does not really stand a chance, even with
programs that require activation by the net. Just look at all the
warez sites with cracked programs of recent vintage.

I am not worried, as I know that in 20 years or so, when we are
playing with today's junk, the tools and technology will be able to
deal with the stuff. We will have programs that can easily and quickly
crack even the toughest of today's encryptions, FPGAs that will easily
emulate today's ASICs, and hardware tools that will allow us to get a
damn good idea of what is happening inside of today's black boxes.

I am not worriesd about today's stuff. In time, yes, it will be worth
expending lots of effort to save. And it should be saved, as it is
very important in the whole historic timeline. For me, right now, I
would rather expand my resources on the stuff that is tipping over the
brink (this is why I do not get excited about saving Suns, PDP-11s,
Altairs, etc. - lots of them still out there.).

--
Will