You've got lots of options, most of them not very good :-) You can build your own, but keep in mind two things: (1) Cryptology is tough to get right. An good encryption algorithm can easily be rendered useless by using it the wrong way (do a search for WEP crack). (2) "Design your protection as if everyone has access to the source" - this is a Rob Kenedy almost citation - the wording might be wrong. Why? Maybe you can't read/write assembler but for someone that can read assembler your compiled exe is just as informative as your non-compiled (source files). If you can disable your protection by altering a single line of code in your source file, some one can do the same for the compiled exe (change a few bytes).
You may also use commercially available solutions. Those are easily deployed, probably provide good cryptographic implementations but also attract a larger base of hackers - so "generic" cracks might be available. Ask the list for details and experiences using ready-made protection applications. Finally, take into account the time it takes to implement a security system and how it affects the final user. If it takes too long to implement or it's too inconvenient for the final user, it's not worth it. -- Cosmin Prund [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Hi, > I have a standard delphi .exe that I want to distribute to authorised > Users, but do not want the application to be copied/sent to their > friends/colleagues. > I need a way of linking the executable to a specific computer, and only > allowing it to run on that machine. I have already looked at using the > disk serial number to make the computer unique, so that if John sent the > executable to Fred, it wouldn't work on his compuer because the disk > serial number is different. But, the administration of this is a bit > unwieldy, because Fred would have to run a program to tell him his unique > disk serial number, he would email it to me, and I could then save it to a > server, and have the application check the disk serial number on startup - > or something similar. > > Basically, I'd like some advice on how to best control software & > distribution easily, quickly, and cheaply - preferably by using a Delphi > component, or by any other easy method > > Regards, > Steve Bowker > > > *****************************************************************************Wincanton > plc is a leading European provider of supply chain solutions. We design, > implement and operate creative solutions for customers in 15 countries. Our > business has a turnover of over EUR2.7bn /GBP1.81bn and employs 27,000 staff > across 360 locations. Warehousing, transport and specialist services are > provided for customers in a range of sectors including automotive, retail, > FMCG, petrochemicals and manufacturing. Further information on our unique > achievements and competencies can be found by visiting > www.wincanton.co.uk > *****************************************************************************This > e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended > solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you have > received this e-mail in error please contact IT Service Desk on +44 (0) 870 > 870 9393 or e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Any views or opinions expressed are > solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of > Wincanton plcor any of its subsidiary companies. Unauthorised publication, > use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this e-mail and its > associated attachment(s) is strictly prohibited.Wincanton plc, Methuen Park, > Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 0WT. > ***************************************************************************** > _______________________________________________ > Delphi mailing list -> [email protected] > http://www.elists.org/mailman/listinfo/delphi > > _______________________________________________ Delphi mailing list -> [email protected] http://www.elists.org/mailman/listinfo/delphi
