If you want MBX apps to time-out after a certain number of days, you have to build it yourself. The simplest method is to hard-code a "time-to-die" date into the code and test that against the systems clock. To check that the user hasn't rolled back the system date, just check the dates on some system files to see if any are newer than the system date.
Other techniques involve writing the install date in an encrypted file or in the registry, but these are easily defeated if the user knows where to look. To get around this, you could use a demo mode setting for new programs and have the user register by phone or web link to get a code from you to upgrade the app to full. That way if the user tries to wipe out the key file, the app drops back to demo level. There's even fancier tricks, but you have to ask yourself how much protection do you really need vs how much trouble it is to code? In the end, there's no bullet-proof scheme that will stop a dedicated hacker (even dongles get hacked easily), but most legitimate users won't bother to try, nor will most be able to defeat a simple system, especially if they have to get a key from you to run an app in full mode. There's also other tools besides code solutions: license agreements and lawyers, for starters... - Bill Thoen "Frank Aaron (EUS)" wrote: > > I produce a number of mbx's that are employed by our company's internal employees >and external contractors -- to that end would it be possible (and does MapBasic >support) to integrate a segment of code that would limit the duration of the >program's usage? Currently, we have several Visual Basic Applications where a code >segment and a licensing program allows us to set the applications duration of use and >protects against roll-back of the PC's clock. Does anyone have recommendations or >examples of how one might be able to add such functionality to a MapInfo/MapBasic >Tool? Thanks in advance, > > Frank Aaron --------------------------------------------------------------------- List hosting provided by Directions Magazine | www.directionsmag.com | To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Message number: 4848
