Sam wrote:
>The above describes only one type of scheme that could effectively prevent
>one from installing the same software package on more than one computer.
>There are other ways by which software developers can protect themselves
>from would-be license violators.
Yes it would partially prevent people who are semi-legal (ie. have diffrent
serial numbers on their Windows installations).
I would (if I would want to install one of these new programs and they
worked like this) do it the following way:
1. Install the program.
2. Exchange my HD(s) with that/those from one of the other computers that I
wanted the program installed on.
And repeat until I'm finished.
If I were Microsoft I would do as Sam has pointed out, but also send the
serial numbers on the LAN when contacting Windows servers. If the serial
numbers match the client should get a message about this (ala. NetWare
Lite) and forcing a reboot in some way (perhaps forcing the user to hit an
OK button). And then somehow limit the users freedom with the computer
forcing him/her to uninstall.
The server shouldn't be hanged - but a message on the screen would be good.
This wouldn't prevent illegal copies, but it would seriously reduce the
ability for companies to save money copying Windows (you could in theory
also check other programs). It would also prevent (in a lesser way) people
connecting their computers together to a LAN that otherwise doesn't know
each other very well (at a "computer party").
Does this violate your privacy? I don't think so since no sensitive
information is sent out, only a serial number.
//Bernie
http://bernie.arachne.cz/ DOS programs, Star Wars ...
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