PC Gaming, and DRM copy-protection security issues...

[Rex Rhino]

Hey - I just purchased a gaming rig after going many years without PC gaming. A lot has changed, and much of it for the worse.

The biggest thing I am worried about is DRM rootkit schemes like SafeDisk, SecuROM, Starforce, etc. (And yes, they *ARE* rootkits even if they aren't purposely malicious).

I am paranoid about security, and the idea of installing DRM software as a constantly running system level driver is terrifying. Plus, why should I sacrifice CPU and RAM on that crap when I am not running a game?

Is there some way to run programs, say that use SafeDisc for example, without actually having SafeDisc installed on my machine? Is there some way to use these games without giving them root access (or whatever the Windows specific jargon for 'root access' is) on my PC? Is there some way to run them in a virtual machine or something? The idea of compromising my security in order to run a game is absolutely disgusting!

Also, I prefer to purchase my software legally, but I looked at some of the pirated versions of games online in case that is the only way to get DRM free games. The big big trouble with pirated games is that they seem to be the standard install of the games, with a crack installed. So the installation program still installs the SafeDisc rootkit, but the pirated version is cracked so that it bypasses SafeDisc security... great if you want the game for free (I don't, I prefer to legally purchase my games), but not so great if you want to play the game without installing a rootkit (which is what I want).

I can't be the only security conscious person who wants to play PC games, can I? So is there any way fix to this problem, or is PC gaming on my new rig just a bust?

[Punkster]

if you're so paranoid about the security of your PC then maybe you should play on games consoles instead.

Or just take a chill pill, what can go wrong with just playing a game? Loads of people play games all the time, and you don't hear them getting any malicious programs installed as a cause of their gaming.

[Rex Rhino]

if you're so paranoid about the security of your PC then maybe you should play on games consoles instead.

Or just take a chill pill, what can go wrong with just playing a game? Loads of people play games all the time, and you don't hear them getting any malicious programs installed as a cause of their gaming.

So is the average PC gamer really that offended that some people might not want to install rootkits on their PC? Or is Punkster just a random fanboy and not really representative of the PC gaming community?

Sorry folks, I just don't trust Starforce or Sony or whoever to look after the security of my machine. It is *MY* machine, and I shouldn't have to turn over complete control of my computer over to some dubious corporation just to play a game. I came here hoping to find knowledgeable PC gamers who might have dealt with this themselves, and I asked what seems to be a totally reasonable and fair question about PC security. I don't see why you are so pissed off about my question, Punkster.

[Punkster]

well i'm not really pissed off, but it think you could relax a little about the machine you bought. coz by the sounds of it, it's like you bought this machine but you're too scared to use it.

It's a bit like when you buy a nice sports car, but you're too scared to drive it in case you get a little scratch on it or it gets a little dirty so it just ends up being put their on display and collecting dust. just take the risk which is probably only a very minute risk, play games and enjoy your hardware's maximum gaming potential. i know that's what i'd do.

[GoombaStalker]

Have you looked into PeerGuardian? One of many programs I run that has been helpful to me..

[canveyboy]

i gotta agree with punkster, stay off the paranoia pills.
harcore gamers (and i know a lot of them) dont like to pay for software
I download software and use it and share it, ooooooooooh knock knock, aaaaaaaaaah the internet police are at my door !!!
seriously m8 dont sweat it dude.
unless your downloading illegal porn useing your credit card (which i dont) or shed loads of mp3 or movies from sites that can trace you (for now limewire is safe-ish) and torrents. then dont worry, or how about useing a router or hide you ip or a thousand other things you can do.
all you need is anti virus, anti spyware a router or cracked proxy blah blah, reboot your dsl or modem or whatever from time to time, most of the web is now hooked as dynamic ip, clear out cookies, remove your tracks and stop worrying, personally i dont do half that stuff.

[Punkster]

there's more way more important crimes/issues for police to handle let alone the internet which is just about the hardest thing to regulate ever.

just think, millions of people do it. what are the odds of you getting caught. and the worst that will happen is maybe your ISP will give you a warning about cutting their service off from you. perhaps a warning from the police who can't be bothered to sort out internet piracy for now etc etc