Digital Workshop

Dear all,

I've been trying to find out how to lock a PC into an evaluation, as my understanding of the evaluation function is that it will run x times on any one PC and not just the PC of the person you want to look at it.

Being new to the functions of opus and a complete novice at scripting, the only way that I know of how to do this is to pick a variable at random and assign an 'unlock' code to that on a front page. The evaluation is then set to run x times in the properties (currently not set in the publication). I would also hope to have about 100 variables to choose from in the end version. I've looked through the posts to try and come up with a better way but was not able to find anything, or rather find something that I could understand with my limited knowledge of opus. I've also put a reset button in on the last page which obviously would not be in the publication.

I'm wondering how secure this is and if there is a better way to do it?

Variables starting with;
AD = 123456
CF = 234567
Aa = 345678
WW = 456789
NP = 567890
SK = 678901
NK = 789012
KT = 890123
HI = 9012345
RK = 0123456

I look forward to any advice.

Best regards

Dear all,

Please note the last two variables had an extra number which I had missed out originally. The original message has now been ammended. Sorry.

Best regards

Hi Simon,

Opus in the property>security tab has an option to set up a hardware lock specific to one machine. However, if you set up a number of evaluations, these by-pass the locking: once the specified number of evaluations runs out, then an unlock key generated by you (uses the Key Generator utility accompanying Opus Pro) would be needed by the user to unlock any further viewing.

But not for locking evaluations...Probably can be scripted with a lot of work.

Or, check out EnigmaProtector http://www.EnigmaProtector.com for a full-featured protection program that can do many of these locking chores.

HTH

Kind Regards

Hi Stephen,

Thanks for the info. I've now created 60 possible variables and believe that this should be enough linked in with the evaluation option of runing for x times. I don't think most people would be willing to load and reload for that many times just for the chance of running it a couple more times. Plus as far as they know, its completely random.

Best regards

Simon

Hi Simon,

Yes, that sounds like it will work fine.

Kind Regards,

Hi Simon,

Good security is about understanding your audience and then implementing a system that reflects the value of your product.

Your system uses hard-coded keys and if you believe that people will be willing to collect these key - whether individually or collectively then your product is at high risk of being used without payment because registry based tracking - such as the number of days evaluation is completely useless against sandbox technology.

We've created activation systems for many of our customers and a few things we point out are:

1. keep things unique - no hard coded keys
2. link to something that identifies the customer and display this on screen - embarrassment is a power deterrent.
3. If necessary and available, make use of on-line database to store and check activations.

Mack

Hi Simon,

Mack is quite correct.

By the way, if you want a robust protection system at modest cost, consider EnigmaProtector. The developer just added an automated key generation system, seamlessly tied into the other protection features, that can be added to a website and configured to automatically generate keys.

HTH

Kind Regards,

Hi Mack and Stephen,

Thanks for the good advice.

Best regards

Simon

Hi Stephen,

Hope all's well.

I've still not been able to get a demo version past 1.61 of Enigma so am still concerned that there are issues with it.

It's a great program with many options though and I really need to find the time to sit down and double check.

Mack

Hi Mack,

All is well.

Why not write to Vladimir, the developer, at EnigmaProtector and see if he can get it working for you? It's very capable protection software; the new automated web key generator feature is a nice addition. Vladimir provides excellent support.

Write to him at: support@enigmaprotector.com

Kind Regards,

It's on my ever growing list

At the moment I'm just adding the last touch to our new website and various products.


I was waiting to try it with the latest demo. Seems pointless testing it to make sure that I explain what seemed to be the problem on an older version as it might have been fixed.

But yes, it a very powerful idea and I'd love to use to use it for our DLLs.

Mack

Hi Mack,

I haven't checked the demo, since I have a latest, full version. But if the demo is not the latest release, when you get a chance, you may want to ask Vladimir if he can send you a trial of the latest release so you can get a complete view of its capabilities. Say hello to Vladimir for me.

Kind Regards,

Will do.