Synopsis? Well, in a nutshell...

Basically, Windows new digital content manager silently controls what programs and files you can use on your computer (thanks to DMCA, UTICA, and powerful music and Hollywood lobbies).

UTICA, if enacted universally, allows software companies a LEGAL backdoor into your computer so they can modify their software however they want to (include turning it off whenever they please).

There is also several major projects underway that will scan all computers on the Internet looking for illegal software. And from what I've read, they will have the power to hack your computer to look for this software.

So, I recommend a bare-bones computer hook-up to the Internet (with a good firewall). Keep all of your programs on a separate computer that NEVER hooks up to the Internet.

I also suggest you purchase a full version copy of Win98SE while you can. That way, if you buy a new computer, you can wipe Win XP from the hard drive.

Here's my 2 cents:

In my opinion, most Poser users (and computer users in general) are totally unaware of recent and current legislation concerning computer software. The DMCA and UTICA have profound consequences. And users of Win XP wSP1 and Win 2000 wSP3 probably haven't or won't even bother reading the changes in MS's EULA.
Do any of you use Win XP? Do you know that Win XP silently updates a list of programs and files you are not allowed to use? It's called the digital content manager. A few minutes of speculation should open most peoples eyes about the future of using software.
Now, in this kind of atmosphere, I'm supposed to trust software manufacturers? Come on....

Fellow Poser users;
After 4-5 phone calls to Daz last year, it became clear to me that the car models Daz sells/brokers do NOT come with the proper licensing that would allow someone to use one of the models in any commercial endeavor. Use them, or any other model you find on the net, at your own risk.