Re: [APML] At last - Full 16 bit operations in PhotoShop

[Jerry Lodriguss <jerry@astropix.com>]

>What exactly is product activation stuff? Things like having to own a 
>physical disc of PS 7? Wanting to know too much information about you?


Hi Tony,

This is basically the same kind of activation that Windows XP employs. When 
you install, the process takes an inventory of things like the hardware on 
your computer and links the serial number to that. It's probably noting 
information in the Window's Registry also. Who knows what other information 
its copying and what its doing with it.

If you try to install the program on another computer, or if you change 
your hardware, like put in a new hard drive, or buy a new computer, it 
thinks you are trying to illegally use the program on more than one machine 
and requires you to contact the software company to activate it so that you 
can use it.

It is an attempt to prevent illegal copying of software. The problem is 
that there have been nightmare stories about legally bought programs that 
have stopped working because of simple things like defragging a hard drive. 
It's one of the reasons I have not switched from Windows 2000 to XP.

It's also one of the reasons why I don't recommend RegiStar anymore either, 
which uses a similar scheme. I use this product professionally and I had 
reformatted and reinstalled my software one time because of a problem I was 
having. A couple of days later I was working in the middle of the night on 
deadline on an astronomical image that I had to deliver the next day and 
when I tried to use RegiStar it would not work without contacting the 
company and going through the process of getting a new activation code.

Product activation schemes inconvenience and sometimes totally shut down 
legitimate users. Companies who employ them worry more about the people who 
have not sent them money than their paying customers who have. It is really 
a case of misplaced priorities because the real thieves will get a copy of 
the program where the activation protection has been completely disabled 
and steal it anyway.

You also have to worry about having a piece of software that you can't use 
at all if the company goes out of business.

Jerry

Photoshop for Astrophotographers - http://www.astropix.com/PFA/PFA.HTM











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