this post was submitted on 22 Jan 2024
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Technology
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“ See ink cartridges can be vectors for viruses because they have chips in them.”
“Why does a container of ink have chips in it?”
“To make sure you don’t use third party ink cartridges”
The virus thing is bullshit, but inkjet cartridges usually have chips in them because the print head requires a digital controller. They aren't generally just a container of ink.
Now, using the need for a controller to add anti-consumer lockouts? That's what we call malware.
By far most ink cartridges come without heads. The heads are mounted in the printer itself. Even if the head is on the cartridge the controller can still be in the printer.