Raising fears that Microsoft Palladium will be used to block installation of other operating systems, that developers will be charged to write Palladium applications; that Microsoft will be able to remotely delete files from user PCs, and that Palladium is part of a plan between Microsoft and Hollywood entertainment companies to make it impossible for users to copy movies and music -- even perfectly legal copies made from personal use, are downplayed by Microsoft sources claiming that this is only the beginning and that the real "Palladium" potential privacy threats are farther ahead in our future.

But according to my own research and to what Microsoft is doing now with Windows Update I suggest to read with attention what Microsoft says.

Read the full story here:
http://www.internetwk.com/breakingNews/ showArticle.jhtml?articleID=8100165

Bruce Schneier, CTO of security consultants Counterpane Internet Security said: "My fear is that Pd (Palladium) will lead us down a road where our computers are no longer our computers, but are instead owned by a variety of factions and companies all looking for a piece of our wallet. To the extent that Pd facilitates that reality, it's bad for society. I don't mind companies selling, renting or licensing things to me, but the loss of power, reach and flexibility of the computer is too great a price to pay."

He also says, "Pay attention to the antitrust angle. I guarantee you that Pd (Palladium) is a way to extend its (Microsoft) market share, not to increase competition."

On the positive said he also said: "Like everything else Microsoft produces, Pd Palladium) will have security holes large enough to drive a truck through. Lots of them. And the ones that are in hardware will be much harder to fix. Be sure to separate the Microsoft PR hype about the promise of Pd from the actual reality of Pd 1.0,"

For more information about Microsoft Palladium please see:
Briefing Book: Microsoft Palladium
http://www.internetweek.com/story/ showArticle.jhtml?articleID=6400230

Find here a good short introduction to Microsoft Palladium and a good series of annotated links to both important sources standing on both sides of the issue.

I also strongly suggest a good look at the exhaustive amount of quality information made available by Andrew Grygos at:
2003 And Beyond
http://www.aaxnet.com/editor/edit029.html

Here you can find a sober, independent and well researched source of information about what is coming your way (from Microsoft) and how you can prepare yourself for this. Highly recommended! (Thanks Max)

Grygos does not hold any punches when it comes to reporting about what Microsoft is getting ready for, but he does an excellent job by also providing some intelligent and qualified advice on available alternatives to break out of Microsoft matrix.

Within his effective content Grygos reports about Microsoft Palladium and how Microsoft touts this new technology in a different communication campaign (help wanted ads): "Our technology allows content providers, enterprises and consumers to control what others can do with their digital information, such as documents, music, video, ebooks, and software. Become a key leader, providing vision and industry leadership in developing DRM, Palladium and Software Licensing products and Trust Infrastructure Services".

Andrew Grygus also states:

"You will find it impossible to run Microsoft software on any computer other than the one to which it was originally registered - or anything else Microsoft doesn't want you to run.

Palladium requires computers to have a special chip, which both Intel and AMD have already agreed to incorporate. "Protected content" will not run on a computer lacking the chip, or with the Palladium features turned off. You will have to buy all new computers to run Palladium enabled software."

and also:

"Of utmost interest is Microsoft's statement that Palladium will allow creation of content that has an expiration date, and which cannot be used or viewed after that date."

To dig deeper about Palladium and its threats please check out:
http://www.aaxnet.com/editor/edit029.html #palladium

An exhaustive and well written FAQ about Palladium and its ambitious strategy is accessible at:
TCPA - Palladium FAQ
http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~rja14/ tcpa-faq.html

Breaking news articles on this hot topic are accessible from Google News at:
http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q= Microsoft+Palladium