Funny computer chess story

One of my first computer opponents, back in the early 80ties, was a certain Chess Champion MK I. When I accidentally made an illegal move against it, it simply played on, which gave me the idea to start with 1.Rh1xh8 in the next game. Probably seeing its Ng8 was attacked, it played 1…Nf6 – a blunder, as this allowed 2.Ng1xg7 mate. The champion acknowledged the mate; its window said: LOSE. In the next game, I opened with 1.Bc1xe8, hoping to settle the question of the shortest game forever. But Chess Champion MK I did not comply – it played 1…Qd8xe8, somehow leaving me without a plan.

by Tim Krabbé

http://www.xs4all.nl/~timkr/chess2/diary_15.htm

How to remove DRM from wmv files

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management

Updated for 2010.

How to remove drm from video files you own. It is legal to remove DRM from files you own, for example if you want to put it on an ipod or watch it on tv without using cables connecting it to a windows PC.

1. Install VMware Workstation.

2. Install Windows XP Pro (NOT SP3). (SP3 comes preinstalled with WMP11 which you can’t uninstall) Preferably, install the earliest 32-bit version of XP. Not win2k as it doesn’t support WMP10.

3. Install Windows Media Player 10. (may need to run wga.reg  (google it) )

4. Find/Download FairUse4Wm Fix 1.3.

5. Individualise your XP box. In internet explorer, go to: http://services.wmdrm.windowsmedia.com/indivSite/en/indivit.asp

6. Use Mirakagi, press start.

7. Transfer wmv file to XP.

8. Double-click to open video in WMP10, enter any login details and password if needed.

9. Press play and it should be possible to watch a few seconds of video.

10. Run FairUse4Wm. Drag and drop protected wmv file into the box, and click output to the same directory for convenience. Press next and it should convert (should take about 1 minute depending on filesize).

11. Delete original wmv file, and transfer the new file back to your OS. Rename. You now have the same file minus the DRM.

There are many reasons why DRM is bad. Here are some: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management#Controversy

One of the reasons is that if you purchased a file to keep ‘forever’ and the original website you got it from goes bust, then you won’t be able to license your file and won’t be able to play it anymore.