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From: kim@mips.UUCP (Kim DeVaughn)
Newsgroups: net.micro.mac
Subject: Re: Copy protection
Message-ID: <267@mips.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 13-Dec-85 04:34:26 EST
Article-I.D.: mips.267
Posted: Fri Dec 13 04:34:26 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 16-Dec-85 03:48:57 EST
References: <5018@stolaf.UUCP> <430@ucsfcca.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: mips ... where RISC is a way of life
Lines: 39

> It is called a "dongle" and really effective ones incorporate a bit of
> the application on the card.  This makes it very difficult to do 
> without the dongle.  In volume they can be produced for about $20.
> One way to employ them is by attaching to a modem port.  A cheap
> micro chip with its subroutine in its ROM is enough.  Very effective.
							^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
NOT if you have a good debugger, logic analyzer, and some a reasonable
amount of intelligence (say, a 5th grade education).  They can be broken
*quite* easily, and afford little "protection" against shoplifters.

The reason I chose to use the word "shoplifters" is to remind the soft-
ware industry (and in particular, the ADAPSO crowd) that they aren't any
different than any other type of vendor.  ACCEPT THE FACTS OF LIFE PEOPLE,
YOU *WILL* GET RIPPED-OFF NOW AND THEN.  Why not try taking the mature,
rational, sensible approach that Borland has pioneered.  NO COPY/EXECUTION
PROTECTION ... just an excellent product, a *reasonable* price, quality
documentation (in a form that's difficult to copy), good support, and a
site licensing policy (Borland is a bit *too* high on this, in my opinion).

You think they haven't profitted?  Go look at their offices in Scotts
Valley ...

/kim


Disclaimer:  I believe that the above opinions represent a majority of the
             marketplace today (other than the ADAPSO crowd).  I could be
	     wrong, but I doubt it.  In any case, these opinions, while not
	     copy-protected, are also not Guaranteed to do *anything* for 
	     any purpose whatsoever.  My employer may or may not agree with
	     my opinions.
	     
	     BTW, there is a good discussion on the copy-protection of human
	     genes going on somewhere on the net ...
-- 

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