Digital Workshop

Hi Folks,
I’m going to sell a software package designed in opus. I’m a bit worried about security. Question - is it a good idea to lock the software to a computer using the built in features or would that annoy end users and leave me with a headache answering emails. Is there other security solutions you could design or recommend or is a generic password the way to go. I dont want the end computer to have to be online - I think.
Cheers
Paul

Also I'm thinking of selling using fastspring, anyone any experience of them.

It depends on various factors such as intrinsic value, type of customer and anticipated sales.

It might sound like a daft question, but what expectations do you have from the copy protection?

Mack

I don't quite understand your problem on the user needs to be online ... would be for software activation and licensing? Opus has some protection schemes that can help, but if you need a stronger tool, I recommend the fantastic software Enigma protector by Vladimir Sukov.

http://enigmaprotector.com/

Hi Folks
Due to the nature of the program the end user computer may not be wireless or in a position to be networked ie an older stand alone, so online activation may not be feasible. Not to sure about sales as I just pursued it out of interest so maybe the OPUS registration id is the way to go. But have read that hardware locking is not popular with end users and developers tend to stay away from it. Just looking something that stop joe bloggs using it without a struggle when it goes out into cyberspace. Others I have read say if its copied just take it on the chin.
Any thoughts???
Thanks Folks

It sounds like you just want to educate the user to prevent piracy. We do this with our software for schools by using the school name to generate a serial. The school name is then displayed on screen at start-up and / or other key screens.

It doesn't use DW's hardware lock. But you can achieve something simple starting with a replacement cipher such as ROT13. The registration number then becomes a linked serial.

This won't lock it to a machine or windows but will ensure that a serial is needed and displaying somebody else's name on screen is both a nuisance and deterrent.

Mack