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From: n8541751@unicorn.cc.wwu.edu (Where there is darkness, light)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc
Subject: Re: printer port key software protection
Message-ID: <1991Feb13.090108.11277@unicorn.cc.wwu.edu>
Date: 13 Feb 91 09:01:08 GMT
References: <1991Feb13.044757.19348@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Organization: Monkey Tree Computer Services
Lines: 30

tateishi@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca (Nao Tateishi) writes:

>I need to protect some custom written software but am a little confused.  I've
>looked into the adapters that plug into the printer port and even sent away for
>a demo kit from one company.  After reading the docs, it seems that it shouldn't
>be too hard to create a compatible key.

>Has anyone successfully bypassed these keys or are they as safe as the manuf.
>say they are.


Why don't you change your plans?  Software protection using anything other
than the honor system is out of fashion.   I won't buy a 
protected program, no matter what it is.  If I buy one accidentally,
it goes back.  I don't make illegal copies either, but
do feel it is my right to make as many backups as I choose, in any
format I choose, be it a floppy, a tape, a worm disk, or even 
another hard disk.

I also would detest having to crawl between my desk and the wall, to unplug the
printer cable and replace it with a key every time I wanted to run a
particular program.  It's hard enough with many companies to get technical
help with the software itself, and I don't need additional problems or
expense caused by a pointless copy protection scheme.

Kris.
-- 
Kriston M. Bruland          |    . .         . .      . . .      .       . .
n8541751@unicorn.cc.wwu.edu |    .   .     . .        .        . .       .   .
8541751@nessie.cc.wwu.edu   |    .             .         .     .   .     .