Commercial Distribution

[DiverDan]

Hi guys,

 

One of my niche engineering programs has been picked up for distribution by a national wholesale product distributor. I currently have the software "shareware" protected with a 10-day trial without the registration code and am applying for a US copyright. Can you offer me additional advice to further protect the software or myself.

 

Thanks,

Dan

[wyrd]

I don't know anything about commercial distribution, but I do know a congradulations is in order. :)

 

When it's distributed give us a link so we can check it out. :)

[DiverDan]

Thanks Wyrd, and I will post a link in a few weeks.

 

Dan

[Cassio]

Im doing a commercial app. And i'm using an online register system. I made a web service that checks the serial number on a sql database. If the serial number is OK the program writes in the registry and the app is good to go. This way Ill have more control of my clients, but I dont know if you can apply it on your case.

[ThePentiumGuy]

speaking of commercial distribution

how do u make a 'demo' version of a game?

i have to disable features such as 'unless you purchased this program, you can't go past level 7, or soemthing'

I can do an InputBox that pops up at the beginning of the program, and ask the user to type the serial number, but then it will get too complicated and everything,

[mutant]

The first time its ran you could ask for some kind of identification, write to registry indicating whether the user has premission to go beyond certain point, if not you just exit the program. A simple If...Then will do it.

And if not entered first time its ran, provide some optio to turn on the registration screen.

 

BTW. Good job on your app DiverDan :)

[DiverDan]

I'm currently using the registry for basic information, user name, company and version. A hidden file is generated in the window's directory that holds either a date code (it's a true code) or the 16 place registration code. I will be using an independant registration company to handle the monies and registration. I like using a third party for this purpose as it keeps the wholesaler and myself honest with the money dispersement.

 

Hi PentiumGuy,

 

It's fairley easy to create a demo or limited play version from your game. When your program opens, have it either create or check (If File.Exists(your hidden file) Then...). This will then open the remaining levels of your game. I've found that using a hidden file is better than the system registry 'cause the registry should be cleared if the program is uninstalled.

 

BTW

 

In my about screen, special thanks is given for all the gurus at Extreme.Net Forums along with other specific individuals. Thanks guys!

 

I wish the best for you PentiumGuy!

Dan

[Robby]

Way to go Dan, congrats :)

[DiverDan]

Okay,

 

I just finished the web site. Volts is the program that has been picked up for wholesale distribution. Conversions is being looked at by others also, but nothing yet.

 

http://www.dolphins-software.com/

 

...gotta plug the ocean theme somehow

 

Let me know your thoughts if you have time,

Dan

[wyrd]

Wow.. lots of work went into that, you can tell just by looking at the screenshots, not to mention the insane list of features. Some top quality software. Just think.. we may have a millionaire in our presence. :cool:

[Robby]

Excellent look Dan. Seems to have lots of features.

[divil]

Very nice!

[DiverDan]

Thanks for your kind words and encourgement. It'll be nice if these programs work out.

 

Dan