New version of DRM removal tools ("DeDRM")

[dunhill]

A query, does the plugin work on linux?

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by dunhill

A query, does the plugin work on linux?

Yes, the plugin works on Linux.

[jhowell]

It appears that Apprentice Harper has some competition.

Someone using the name noDRM has released a new version (10.0.0) of the DeDRM tools that incorporates various fixes including changes that various people have contributed to the DeDRM project since the last release (7.2.1) in April. See https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools.

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand the DeDRM torch was passed from Apprentice Alf to Apprentice Harper who has been a good steward of the software. On the other handle Apprentice Harper has been mostly absent in the last few years resulting in contributions of changes to the tools being ignored for long periods. If noDRM is going to be more active that would be a good thing. A negative is that creates a third place, besides Apprentice Alf's blog and Apprentice Harper's Github, where issues will be raised and support needed.

I am curious to hear what others think about this.

[odamizu]

Interesting. And thank you for heads up.

I share your mixed feelings. I think it's great that noDRM has the time and energy to actively develop this plugin, but it's a little jarring to have two DeDRM plugins being developed simultaneously. I guess I would prefer if noDRM and Apprentice Harper would collaborate on a single plugin, though I understand why they may not want to do so. It will be interesting to see what happens with the two different plugins.

ETA: It looks like noDRM is taking the plugin in a direction Apprentice Alf & Harper have always avoided (decrypting rented books and removing customer identifications).

Originally Posted by jhowell

... I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand the DeDRM torch was passed from Apprentice Alf to Apprentice Harper who has been a good steward of the software. On the other handle Apprentice Harper has been mostly absent in the last few years resulting in contributions of changes to the tools being ignored for long periods. If noDRM is going to be more active that would be a good thing. A negative is that creates a third place, besides Apprentice Alf's blog and Apprentice Harper's Github, where issues will be raised and support needed.

I am curious to hear what others think about this.

[rcentros]

Originally Posted by jhowell

I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand the DeDRM torch was passed from Apprentice Alf to Apprentice Harper who has been a good steward of the software. On the other handle Apprentice Harper has been mostly absent in the last few years resulting in contributions of changes to the tools being ignored for long periods.

I just figure I'll use what I've been using (unless it stops working).

[rantanplan]

They specifically mention Apprentice Harper, and they want to include their changes, so I think this can only be a good thing. It's better to have two possible sources for DeDRM plugins than only one that is completely outdated.

[Lynx-lynx]

Well my recollection is apprentice harper popped up out of the blue so to speak, to fill a void. And now this person has filled a somewhat temporary vacancy.

Perhaps someone could invite them to join mobileread, and if they choose they could introduce themselves. (Or not)

I'm not sure that it's a contradiction having another generous person step up, as much as having another collaborator. I send them a thank you

[Dopedangel]

This is why it is opensource so that if a developer is no longer willing to maintain it someone else can take over. Or if there is disagreement it can be forked.

[underscore]

let's hope they put efforts on LCP too before it became a serious thing

[rantanplan]

Originally Posted by underscore

let's hope they put efforts on LCP too before it became a serious thing

It already includes LCP support.

[Section8]

The changelog even mentions an integration with the DeACSM plugin:

If you're using the ACSM Input Plugin / DeACSM, the encryption key will automatically be extracted from that plugin if necessary.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by rantanplan

They specifically mention Apprentice Harper, and they want to include their changes, so I think this can only be a good thing. It's better to have two possible sources for DeDRM plugins than only one that is completely outdated.

Yes. Better too if on different hosting / Servicese / countries

[ApK]

Originally Posted by Dopedangel

This is why it is opensource so that if a developer is no longer willing to maintain it someone else can take over. Or if there is disagreement it can be forked.

I agree. Unless they are trying to usurp or deceive in some way, this is only a good thing.

By the way Dopedangel, have I mentioned how much I hate your creepy and disturbing avatar? I have to constantly resist swatting my monitor.


ApK

[jhowell]

Two significant differences I noticed in the noDRM version of the tools is that the blocks against decrypting library and rented books have been removed and also work is ongoing to remove any sort of customer identification from the resulting files.

Again I have mixed feelings. On the plus side this gives the user the freedom to make the decision of whether or not it is appropriate to remove DRM for those sort of books and reduces the chance that blame will come back on someone if a book they have DeDRMed gets out of their control. On the minus side this allows the tools to be more easily used for ebook piracy.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by jhowell

Two significant differences I noticed in the noDRM version of the tools is that the blocks against decrypting library and rented books have been removed and also work is ongoing to remove any sort of customer identification from the resulting files.

Again I have mixed feelings. On the plus side this gives the user the freedom to make the decision of whether or not it is appropriate to remove DRM for those sort of books and reduces the chance that blame will come back on someone if a book they have DeDRMed gets out of their control. On the minus side this allows the tools to be more easily used for ebook piracy.

I don't know about rented eBooks, but I do know there are no locks in place for library eBooks. There have never been locks for library eBooks.