It's useful for more technical people to consider how we can help explain ideas to the general populous. Often it's helpful to come up with a metaphor that people will be familiar with. With that in mind, here's how I would explain DRM:

DRM (Digital Restrictions Management) is like the anti-shoplifting scanners in stores (the ones that beep if you try to take something out the door). Really that's about all you need to know, but I'll just make brief note of a couple small details where they differ.

Because you can still steal songs and movies after you've bought them, the scanners have to be installed on your front door. And your back door. And the basement door. And in the air vents. It might seem expensive to install all these, but don't worry -- because it's your house the stores don't have to buy the scanners, you install the scanners for them. It's part of how you get the privilege to listen to music. So I should say "you install the scanners for you".

But really they are more forgiving than the scanners in stores! In a store they could send you to jail. The attendants on the DRM scanners just confiscate whatever you stole. The DRM attendants also don't need to look at your receipt, listen to your explanation, or let you talk to the management. They just take what you stole and send you on your way.

But don't worry about the cost of the attendants! Just like the scanners the attendants are your employees (and they work cheap)! You can actually choose any of a number of competing services to secure you from theft. Sorry, maybe that should be secure you from thieving (think of them as guards for your immortal soul). Because you have choice the market will protect you. With DRM and the market looking out for you, you are doubly safe.

The only caveat at this time is that you can't tell your new attendants what to do. And you can't fire them or take out the scanners, unless you are willing to give back everything you have bought. Refunds on purchases are not available. But remember: you have a choice.

I hope this helps reassure anyone who feels uncomfortable about DRM. Next up: I'll explain why "piracy" (the taking of property from others on the open sea by violence) is such a good metaphor for unauthorized copying.