1 Apr
2004
1 Apr
'04
6:03 a.m.
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.