Do they tell you in the setup application that they are installing this
Not directly. I had Starforce present on my PC after installing a DEMO of Trackmania. First I knew about it is when I got a message saying,
"Starforce installed. You must restart your computer."
Initially, I thought I had picked up a virus. After searching around and reading up on the 'protection' I posted a rather blunt message on their Digital Jester site demanding that they explain why their software may have jeopardised MY pc.
They said, "Don't worry, the protection only runs when you play the game. Besides, the EULA covers us."
Which is absolute **** as far as I am concerned.
There is NO mention of Starforce in the EULA.
Make a stand ... BOYCOTT STARFORCE PROTECTED GAMES
Let the publishers know why you refuse to buy their games too.
Check these previous posts:
http://www.blitzmax.com/Community/posts.php?topic=57409&hl=starforce
http://www.blitzmax.com/Community/posts.php?topic=55793&hl=starforce
http://www.blitzmax.com/Community/posts.php?topic=55686&hl=starforce
Oh, and I've got over 80 Non-Plug and play entries in my device manager list. I wonder how many of those are a bit suspect(?)