SecuRom

SecuROM, specifically, installs itself in your computer's registries (unmentioned in the Sims 2: Bon Voyage EULA) and makes itself hidden and then remains in your machine even after you uninstall the software it came with. Very much like a rootkit.

I have no problem with yer average copy protection software so long as it isn't intrusive, but this one has known issues with disabling disc emulation/burning software such as Alcohol 120% or Nero. It is also known to disable disc drives, printers, USB flash memory and can cause system sluggishness or crashes. These are known issues with SecuROM since before it's inclusion in Bon Voyage.

Some other games that include SecuROM: Bioshock, Armed Assault, Neverwinter Nights 2, Overlord, World in Conflict, Supreme Commander, Command & Conquer 3 and Stalker

The mere fact that it doesn't remove itself upon uninstallation of it's "host" software is illegal and improper. There is no "official" way to remove SecuROM from your system once installed, but computer savvy folkshave come up with a few solutions that involve messing with your registry.

Doest this answer your question?:)

Some other games that include SecuROM: Bioshock, Armed Assault, Neverwinter Nights 2, Overlord, World in Conflict, Supreme Commander, Command & Conquer 3 and Stalkerfizzlefist

STALKER, at least the US version, allows me to play the game without a cd once it has been installed. Another reason I like this game! Good job GSC Gameworld/THQ.

However, I've never had an issue with SecuRom, or copy protection in general.

Except for BioShock, which is a bit overboard requiring an internet connection (checks a master server for "permission" to install) and it's limited allowance on the number of installs.

Have a look as some of the comments from the Slashdot article on the scandal.

Well, Supreme Commander also had SecuROM disc check patched out since the second patch. And SecuROM has been around for a while without much controversy - certainly not at the levels of StarForce anyway. Also should be noted is the fact that what kicked up the controversy in the case of Bioshock was NOT SecuROM itself - but its online validation feature. 2K has already at one time said this is separate and removable. Personally, copy protection will continue to annoy consumers until they: 1) Make it transparent, so consumers know exactly what they're getting themselves into. 2) Make it universal. It is in people's nature to adapt to the familiar, but currently there is nothing familiar about copy protection in PC games: you have one that requires internet validation, and others that don't. You have one that you have to update or it might mess up your system, and others that don't. It's a mess, and there is zero continuity between title to title. Just as people are starting to get used to one copy protection scheme, another completely different one comes up. 3) Make it easy. Five install limits? Revoke tool? Uninstallation utility for something that should have been uninstalled with the game? Please, just cut the fat.madrocketeer

QFT very well said :)

Yeah, it sucks! It probably will kill the PC gaming world!