This is precisely the reason why I've stopped paying for music downloads and now share my mp3s for free on file sharing networks. I should probably also mention that I've spent 20+ years as a record producer at the top end of the music business. Even I can see the writing's on the wall...

Alastair, London,

Tikhon Savrasov is absolutely right - the pirate networks are distributing a far better product than the record companies are. The companies need to get a grip and produce something BETTER, rather than punishing their paying customers without inconveniencing the pirates in the slightest.

Chris, Reading,

I never download music from sources like Microsoft,Sony, iTunes, etc, for the very reason's mentioned in this article.

I now listen to free music offered by bands on the web, then pay for full 'albums' of stuff I really like. And I never have these issues. Ironic, really. The labels will get hurt

Paul, Toronto, Canada

Once you've bought it once, you still own the right to have it, so if it stops working simply redownload from Limewire or something. Alternatively, as soon as you download the DRM protected stuff, burn it to CD and then re-rip it in an unprotected format.

Ross, Huntingdon, England

Paradoxically, a pirated music track doesen't come with any problems like this- providing incentives for people to download illegaly. Which makes companies like Microsoft use even more extravagant DRM software...

The more they tighten their grip the more users will slip through their fingers.

Tikhon Savrasov, London, England

Would love to see this followed by an article about Linux and the Open Source movement.
That is the only way to be free from DRM. Linux is now widely used on small laptops and Ubuntu is easier to install and use than ever.
There are alternatives to Microsoft and Apple and its FREE in every sense.

Francois, Torquay,

As much as I dislike the iTMS (iTunes Music Store) I must say the contrast between most DRM schemes and Apple's "Fair Play" is stark: Fair Play really did strike a greater balance with the record companies and the consumer. Fair Play allowed you to use your music on 5 computers which could be reset.

sandifop, Falls Church, USA

DRM exists in the background of any Microsoft product. You do not own the XP operating system nor Office 97. In effect you RENT it. That tie-in has not always been apparent. When Microsoft authenticates anything it is registering your computer as theirs.
Go to Open Office, Google Docs and borrow CDs

JANE FLEMING, Whittlesey, United Kingdom

Or do the sensible thing and buy the CD's. Rip your music to any computer or gadget and have it already conveniently backed-up!

Paul, Southampton,

iTunes DRM licensing agreement allows users to transcode to AIFF or mp3 and keep that track without DRM. It may be burned to a CD or moved to an iPod or other portable music player. This guarantees all iTunes users that they will NEVER lose their music. This may change but Apple wont be to blame

Richard Dalziel-Sharpe, Ringwood, Australia

SCRAP Digital Rights Management.
Music should NOT be tied into Microsoft as there are other operating systems that people use - WHY SHOULD they be penalized?
I for one use Linux so I am not able to download anything which contains any microsoft DRM.
Microsoft want to rule but they can't.

Allan Pointon, Stafford, England