Ron Schenone

Convicted Pirate Told To Dump Linux – Must Use Windows

Posted by on Aug 24, 2007 | 7 Comments

A convicted hacker known only as sk0t is telling a tale of some of the consequences of his/her conviction. It seems this pirate was caught by the Justice Department uploading copyrighted material to be shared with others. So after being convicted of 2 felonies he is now on probation. Part of the deal is that if he wishes to use a computer he must use tracking software on his system to be monitored by his probation officer.

The plot thickens. It seems that sk0t is a Linus user and there is no software compatible with Linux o monitor his actions. Which basically means he must use Windows if he wishes to surf the Internet or give up computing all together. On his/her website is a statement:

So, I am getting shafted by the Justice Department again…
Here goes: I had a meeting with my probation officer today, and he told me that he has to install monitoring software onto my PC. No big deal to me, that is part of my sentence. However, their software doesnt support GNU/Linux (Which is what I use). So, he told me that if I want to use a computer, I would have to use an OS that the software can be installed on. Which basically means: MICROSOFT AND MONITORING SOFTWARE or NO COMPUTER. I use Ubuntu 7.04 now, and they are trying to force me to switch.

First they give me 2 felonys, then they throw me in prison, and now this…

There are some 38 comments made to his/her post. Some indicate that the government should be required to provide a copy of Windows to track his surfing habits.

So what do you think? Should the pirate be required to purchase Windows to comply with the request?

Comments welcome.

Site located here.

[tags]linux, windows, pirate, copyright, surf, internet, [/tags]

  • EIGHTcore

    Welcome to the new world order of socialism, (we call it -democracy). I thank G-d, and the soldiers for what little freedom (which is dwindling) we have. Just think the MAY 2008 rulling where the computer chipping becomes mandatory, and the camera sysystems that are being implimented casually, so we will be unaffected when the use is changing.
    Big Brother is watching all of us, and this is just one more effect of it..
    I agree pirating takes away from people making a LEGIT LIVING, and should be punished. This reminds me of goverment regulating stiffer fees on internet radio, so they can shut that down also.

  • EIGHTcore

    Yes, and the computer to operate it…., but the goverment should not be able to tell you in your home; “You CAN NOT use your computer!” That would be like them telling you , “You can not take a bath, or eat your food you purchased. You must eat only our food, and we will watch you eat it.”,,,,,,,(but miss paying the taxes, and find out whos house it really is, OR the mortage.)

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello EIGHTcore,
    Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us and also for your comments.
    Ron

  • Scott King

    Use Windows or a couple years of “Prison Showers”. hmmmmmm, tough choice…………….

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Scott,
    Good one. :-)
    Ron

  • Don Naphen

    Funny seeing the pro’s & cons of this “poor” fella’s dilemma! A CONVICTED felon crying over his probation rules! Geez, as a previous comment put it: that or prison showers for a couple of years! Don’t want to turn this thread into a “right or wrong” issue, but hacking is the stealing of proprietary software/hardware, and usually intended to make a buck in the process.

    Have I ever made a copy of a cd (program, music, etc.) ?? I’ll take the 5th on that one Ron, but “if” I was to do it (other than a backup for myself), it would be as a favor, and never for money. Yeah I know, this is splitting hairs, as wrong is wrong, but ……….. LOL

    Apparently, “Charlie” was doing something on a much bigger scale and got caught, convicted and now paying the price. Tough S***

    Don

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Don,
    You play – you pay. :-) I’d be happy to use Windows to avoid a stint in jail. But some are saying his having to use Windows is cruel and unusual punishment!
    Have a good weekend.
    Ron