When Apple announced that it would start using Intel processors across its whole range of computer products, users immediately asked about the transferability of PC and Apple software onto the two types of hardware. Unwilling to authorise the use of its own software on anything other than Apple hardware the corporation installed a security chip, also known as a Trusted Platform Module (TMP). The TMP is supposed to lock Apple software to Apple Mac machines. Invariably loving a challenge, online users were determined to get round this and thus the Osx86 Project was born with users from across the world sharing thoughts, tips and theories on how to circumvent the software.

Last week reports spread across the internet that Apple had gagged the discussion by invoking the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). The application of the DMCA in this instance raised questions about freedom of speech and expression and angered some users who believe that corporations like Apple create a monopoly by locking their software to their own hardware. It is generally understood in online communities that the DMCA does not cover theoretical discussion of circumvention techniques.

The problem in this instance was that Osx86 Project had provided links to a certain a hackers site thereby actively engaging in DMCA violation. The links have now been removed and the discussion is back up and running. In any case, Apple seems to have acknowledged that the hardcore users will always find ways to get round this type of technology and has engaged in some light hearted exchange with them, leaving an encrypted poetic message which hacker Maxxuss found:

“Your karma check for today:
There once was a user that whined,
His existing OS was so blind,
He’d do better to pirate,
An OS that ran great,
But found his hardware declined.
Please don’t steal Mac OS! Really, that’s way uncool.
(C) Apple Computer, Inc.”

Not to be outdone the a hacker replied:

“Rime of the Ancient Hacker:
There once was a hacker named Maxxuss,
Who Steve did not think was a genius
But Steve pondered awhile,
Grabbed the phone with a smile,
And said “Bill, there’s a thing to discuss…”