FCC Licensing of Personal Computers

From: Fred Cisin <cisin_at_xenosoft.com>
Date: Thu Apr 1 14:03:07 2004

On Thu, 1 Apr 2004, R. D. Davis wrote:
> The user will be able to access the CPU's serial number through the
> use of a computer program distributed on a CD ROM with each new PC
> sold. The program must remain installed on the computer whenever the
> computer is used with the Internet.

That program requires that the computer be running Windoze XP, and have
Office 2003 running, since it interacts with the files used by Clippy
(which must be enabled and active)

> Owners of older computers will be exempt from this new law until
> December 25, 2006, "giving them plenty of time to upgrade their
> systems as necessary in order to comply with the new law", says Onie,
> who commented that this program will also be "very helpful to the
> economy."

That extension of time is only for machines running XP.

> After that time, the FCC will work with the CIA, state and local law
> enforcement officials to conduct random high-tech sweeps throughout
> the country to check for the illegal possession and use of
> unregistered computing equipment.

The checks will NOT be random. They will be systematic, and thorough.
EVERY machine must be connected to the internet and have it's ID program
running at 4:00 PM of every day.

> Fines and penalties were not specified, but sources say that illegal
> possession will be considered to be a very serious offense, necessary
> for the freedom, safety and well-being of all Americans.

MOST transgressions will be handled by special internet software that
will destroy non-compliant hardware, using code very similar to what was
in the "Good Times" virus.
Received on Thu Apr 01 2004 - 14:03:07 BST