Online Activation

[chk071]

I've seen people state that they wouldn't buy software that used online activation, and that they found it unnecessary and intolerable.
So, really I just wanted to know what the angst is about.

I obviously can't speak for others, but the main issue with these things is that they aren't future proof. If you are dependent on a server to use the software, it also means that if the server disappears, so does your ability to use the software.

What about download servers? I mean, you have to be able to download the plugin's installer in the first place to be able to use it, right?

[gaggle of hermits]

I've seen people state that they wouldn't buy software that used online activation, and that they found it unnecessary and intolerable.
So, really I just wanted to know what the angst is about.

I obviously can't speak for others, but the main issue with these things is that they aren't future proof. If you are dependent on a server to use the software, it also means that if the server disappears, so does your ability to use the software.

What about download servers? I mean, you have to be able to download the plugin's installer in the first place to be able to use it, right?

the point that sailed over your head is "the future". sensible people take a backup of the installer so they can install it in the future just in case the supplier keels over (or just to roll back to a stable version if an update doesn't work). it's going to be a lot easier to activate the software if it just needs a serial, a keyfile or a dongle rather than a C/R activation server that might no longer be there.

[chk071]

The thing that sailed over your head is that the majority of people out there aren't so "sensible" that they all backup their installers.

If the website and servers hosting the downloads is gone, it's pretty much exitus for most.

But, let's be honest: Both scenarios (activation and download servers gone) happens in the least of the cases. I can count the plugins I own on one hand, which had that happening. And, for the most recent example (Novation V-Station), it can at least be activated, if you still have installer backed up.

This whole talk always assumes that there wouldn't and couldn't be anything done about the activations before discontinuing the software. I know, hip KVR talk, but, it doesn't always end up catastrophic (surprise, surprise).

[chk071]

Anyway, as far as I understood it, Bombadil was just interested. And, look where this all ended up again: The same ol' KVR rebellious "every copy protection is nazi" discussion. Some things are so predictable.

[gaggle of hermits]

The thing that sailed over your head is that the majority of people out there aren't so "sensible" that they all backup their installers.

well no, as I distinctly remember writing "sensible people" on the basis there will be people who don't.

Bombadil asked a question that has now been answered though with a weird diversion into download because you didn't seem to understand it or the earlier answer. sjm's points were pretty reasonable. I don't get why you seem so intent in finding "gotchas" in other people's responses when all you do half the time is trip yourself up. and half is being generous.

[chk071]

The thing that sailed over your head is that the majority of people out there aren't so "sensible" that they all backup their installers.

well no, as I distinctly remember writing "sensible people" on the basis there will be people who don't.

Bombadil asked a question that has now been answered though with a weird diversion into download because you didn't seem to understand it or the earlier answer. sjm's points were pretty reasonable.

No, not at all.

And, if you think that any kind of software is future proof, just because of its copy protection, then you're simply wrong. Ask the Mac people.

[gaggle of hermits]

ffs. it's just this endless parade of strawmen with you isn't it?

that's right, no-one has ever kept an old computer either on a network or hooked up to midi to run old software. that's just beyond human comprehension.

[gaggle of hermits]

you are also missing: "it won't matter anyway because the universe will just sputter out as entropy triumphs"

[sjm]

What about download servers? I mean, you have to be able to download the plugin's installer in the first place to be able to use it, right?

As GoH said. It's also right there, in my post:

You don't have that problem with serial/keyfile, because as long as you back up the key or file, and keep an installer hanging around, you can use the software until you are no loger running a compatible OS.

Your question has already been answered.

[PatchAdamz]

I just spent a week dealing with online activation hell for a video plugin.
After getting over charged $800 because of their "mistake" (causing bank overdrafts), the 2nd license didn't work.
I knew the license was getting blocked on their server because of the first Fk-up, but went ahead and went threw several of their "Techs" all wanting the same screen shots, uninstalls, firewall tweaks, etc..

Finally, after a week, they found it it was blocked on their server......

Its important to remember, if there wasn't so much digital theft, all this licensing crap wouldn't be necessary. Yes, its very often poorly implemented but most companies don't want to loose their products and income.

[ghettosynth]

The thing that sailed over your head is that the majority of people out there aren't so "sensible" that they all backup their installers.

If the website and servers hosting the downloads is gone, it's pretty much exitus for most.

No, because if anyone else has the installer and is willing to share, then the software can be installed. This happens all the time on KVR. So, sure, it's responsible to backup your software, but failing to do so often can be mitigated. I have a backup of Reactor 5.0, the one with multiple windows, or NIs organ plugin, or PRO-53, but I can't install them because those NI auth servers no longer work for those products. There is a very big difference between download servers not working and activation servers not working.

This is one of the reasons that I like iLok. It seems that it is less critical to protect the installer when there is solid external copy protection.

[whyterabbyt]

The thing that sailed over your head is that the majority of people out there aren't so "sensible" that they all backup their installers.

actual evidence required.

[osiris]

The biggest issue I've had is when I install a plugin and it tries to do this inside the DAW when you first pull it up and my virus scan goes nuts because all of a sudden an unknown connection opens up. If it does this at first install, no problems.

[BertKoor]

No, because if anyone else has the installer and is willing to share [...]

then that's a manual torrent net

[ghettosynth]

No, because if anyone else has the installer and is willing to share [...]

then that's a manual torrent net

Except it's not because I'm more likely to trust an installer from someone in a community that I know vs from a torrent net. You can't reduce this to simple equivocation. The effort to circumvent an activation server is vastly different from the effort needed to mitigate availability of an installer.

Note that the scenario was imagined in the context of equivocation of these two different needs. NI is still around and yet you can't register old software. If Komplete had just a keyfile, a serial, or a dependence on the original media, e.g. Reason 5.0, then one could still install older versions.