In the future, new software may need to be installed to listen to Sony BMG Music on personal computers.

CDs from Sony BMG can be played only on the included software program for the company’s copy protection. The software, however, does not install on Macintosh computers or normal CD and DVD players. On Friday, Sony promised to temporarily suspend production of CDs with the new anti-piracy software, because hackers are sharing programs on the Internet to get around the software.

This software is known as “rootkit” and has been referred to as spyware because it cannot be uninstalled without going through a vigorous process.

Sony has implemented the software to stop illegal copying, but it also has a hidden file to track how consumers use their products, which may open up personal computers to other harmful software.

“The fact that current software opens your machine for installation of other malicious software would not be a good way to go,” said Michael Bowman, director of ISU IT security for Academic Information Technologies.

“This appears that the installation of this software on a Windows computer opens it up to other vulnerabilities that could be exploited.”

The software also prevents users from being able to load songs on to Apple iPods.

John Rearick, Webmaster of the Ames Mac Users Group, said people could just avoid using Sony products for a while.

“People are always going to find a way around tamper-resistance stuff,” said Rearick, junior in management information systems. “[The software] probably won’t hurt computers, but it might violate the user’s privacy.”

ISU students have differing opinions about Sony’s fight against piracy.

“It’s a violation of civil liberties because it controls how you use your own music,” said Matt Schroeder, sophomore in electrical engineering.

Schroeder said the rootkit software is easy to get around, and Macintosh is a good example of finding a way to get around it.

“It really inconveniences the honest customers,” he said.

Ben Anderson, sophomore in pre-business, said he does not have any problems with Sony’s new policy.

“I don’t care if it’s a multi-million dollar corporation like Sony; they are just protecting themselves,” he said.

Anderson also said he believes the software is not dangerous.

“People are calling it spyware to make Sony sound criminal in some way,” he said.

He said he doe not think the new software will prevent people from downloading songs, but he can see why companies like Sony are introducing new measures.

“I think what people don’t understand is that as long as they are listening to music, it is going to cost somehow,” he said. “Either musicians are going to stop making music or else there is going be more corporate sponsorship in the shape of commercials.”