ok guys, you have me confused.
If I get this straight:
1)If I buy from GG, then I get securom and only securom (plus GG program)
2)If I buy from spiderweb then I get a serial key which can be used once and the game contacts some server when you install it to check the key. If you want to re install the game, you need to contact spiderweb to have them send you another key for the activation.
correct?

When you install the game there will be a.. game key you then give to spiderweb, they then give the activation key that matches. You enter that, it unlocks. No need for a connection. You just need the right key for the right install.
If this somehow confuses you, install the demo and it will explain. :P

Since I will not buy the game due to the DRM used, I am not clear at some points either. However, I do not believe Spiderweb has online servers you connect to as Azarr said. If I do have it right each time to move the game or I think uninstall the game and reinstall you need a new code. That is unless you save some file I think.
Jeff does not make this very clear at all in his blog, nor can the users online seem to make it all that clear. What I keep hearing is that you will receive a new key anytime you need one. I just want to buy the game, receive one key and have it work for life; I honestly do not think that is asking for too much from a game that can clearly be proven is paid for.

ok, I think I get it now.
You probably have an installation code which is generated by the program and the hardware/software it detects. Like a hash key or something. This one (with another key perhaps) you send it by email to spiderweb, and then they send you a unique key which only works for your key, to unlock the game.
New Star used to have a similar system before they went drm free.
I didn't buy any of their games before they did.
I am not going to buy any of spiderweb's games either. I just don't trust them.
Oh well, it's not like there is a lack of RPGs around.

Yep, same feeling here. The result, lost sales from honest customers due to needless DRM on their products.

From what I understand, when you first install and run a Spiderweb game, it comes up with a unique ID number. This number appears generally in the bottom right hand corner of the menu screen. When you buy the game, you give that number (either over email or in a form on SW's webstore) and Jeff emails you back with a matching unlock key.
From my experience, I know that:
A) There is no online activation. I've installed and played the Geneforge and Avernum games successfully with no problems offline.
B) The registration key is not hardware dependent. As I've said before, I've transferred registered copies of my game to other Macs I own (and I've backed it up to burnt DVDs and reinstalled from there to other Macs) with no problems whatsoever.

Maybe we can get them to change their stance if we email them. If everybody is ok with it, I'll join in. It may change their minds if they see there is a demand for this.

You know guys, unless they've changed since I bought my Avernum trilogy disc, you could just simply buy the games in CD-ROM form from Spiderweb and not have deal with any registration keys at all.

I have a question about the CD: I sent an email asking them what the packaging was like, and they said it comes in a cardboard sleeve. So is it just the disc inside a thin slip of cardboard?

I don't know what they come in now but mine came with a plastic clamshell case. This was a few years ago though.

Was the disc label anything fanciful?

Let, me ask. If I understand you correctly, you are saying that the disk version of the game(s), does not need any code what-so-ever.
If I buy the the disk, start the installer, I would never receive a dialog asking for a key of any nature, and on top of that I could then take this same disk to another computer and install it again with no key needed or required.
Is the above correct?

I just loaded up my Avernum Trilogy disc to confirm it, I didn't input any codes nor was I prompted to. The installer program said "Welcome to the full version of Avernum" and when I booted the game and clicked "Register Copy" it says "This is already a registered copy of Avernum." So yeah, unless they changed how they distribute things on their CDs.

somberfox, thanks. I guess I will have to write to Jeff directly and ask.
EDIT:
OK, I wrote him and when I get a response back I will let you know what he says about the DRM and the DRM on the CD version of the game.

I already bought it off GG, but I may consider getting the games on CD in the near future.