Plea to Programmers/Vendors: Registration codes

[Kati Compton]

I love software. I have a lot of very good software for the PPC.

But please, if you're writing a PPC program that has a PC-side installer, PLEASE let me enter the registration code on the PC during installation.

1. I can use cut&paste from the registration email or a real keyboard (I am NOT buying a keyboard for my PPC just for entering registration codes)
2. If I forget to enter the code in Flexwallet and I need to use the program when I'm away from the computer, I can't unlock the program. I much prefer the forced reminder at installation.

It doesn't solve the "entering long numbers" problem when using CAB files, but I'd find it much more convenient, please.

At least one program I've purchased has done this. I much prefer it.

Thank you.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled forums.

[Jason Dunn]

I agree completely! It's agonizing that most developers don't allow it. :cry:

[nosmohtac]

I agree Kati.

I usually activate the program immediately after installing it, but I often forget to enter the reg code in ewallet. I don't mind the way most software developers have their registration set up, but some programs are just ridiculous. One example is TomTom Navigator. You have to enter the key that is written on the CD case of disk 1, then enter a code off of the software registration screen on their website, then they generate a code that you have to enter on your device. A bit much IMHO.

[Jon Westfall]

I agree as well. Also, it would be helpful to let me know on the desktop that the code is invalid if I type it in wrong - I hate it when you put in the wrong code, get out on the road, and find its still in eval. mode when you fire up the app.

[JvanEkris]

One example is TomTom Navigator. You have to enter the key that is written on the CD case of disk 1, then enter a code off of the software registration screen on their website, then they generate a code that you have to enter on your device. A bit much IMHO.Then something has gone completely wrong during the installation process. The last step you mentioned is normally completely performed through the application itself, without he user really being aware of it. The procedure you describe only is performed when a user installs from a PC that is not connected to the internet.

Jaap

[Jon Westfall]

This raises another issue i have with 'verification' codes and such that are sent over the internet. NOT EVERYONE HAS AN ALWAYS-ON CONNECTION!!! I know many people still on dialup. It has to annoy them to download a product, install it, and find that they need to reconnect to the internet to activate their product. This is especially annoying if its a situation where they are sharing a phone line and have to leave soon - its either kick someone off the line or go app-less. Can't their always be an alternate 'phone in' system if a manufacturer insists on this extra level of protection?

[buckyg]

The long registration keys are bad enough on a PC-based app but on a PPC? Sheesh...

Anyway, it seems to me that there are assumptions that developers are using with their registration schemes that may or may not be true due to changes that have happened over time. (i.e. You are always connected to the Internet, you are installing via ActiveSync vs. a CAB file, etc.) Yes, it maybe difficult to cover all of these, but it's something I hope that they think about.

[Jon Westfall]

Yes, it maybe difficult to cover all of these, but it's something I hope that they think about.

Personally, as an ex developer, I think they simply don't have to deal with it. For example,

When I programmed, I had a protection scheme was a basic reg code off the users name. I could either email the registration code (which was what I usually did) or make a special 'key' file that could be placed in the app's directory and registered it.

Now when I used my own app... what did I do... Usually the key file, or (in rare cases if really lazy) I'd just build myself a version that didn't have the protection in it (after all, I wasn't going to rip myself off).

So its my opinion that most developers do this, thus never having to actually be a user of their own dumb registration scheme. Unless they are a diehard fan of others products and have had to go through their schemes.

[buckyg]

Personally, as an ex developer, I think they simply don't have to deal with it. For example,

When I programmed, I had a protection scheme was a basic reg code off the users name. I could either email the registration code (which was what I usually did) or make a special 'key' file that could be placed in the app's directory and registered it.

Yes, most of the software purchased for my PPC uses either of these schemes. If it is a code to be entered, most are blessedly short. Those are not bad.

I do understand needing to do some sort of registration scheme, don't get me wrong. Just don't make it difficult for the user, that's what I'm asking. (hoping it doesn't come across as a whine)

[Jeff Rutledge]

Everyone should learn from SPB Software. On the PC, you can choose to install a Trial version or Registered version. At that point, you enter the code (I'm pretty sure it's validated at that point as well) and then installation to the PPC proceeds.

[Zack Mahdavi]

Everyone should learn from SPB Software. On the PC, you can choose to install a Trial version or Registered version. At that point, you enter the code (I'm pretty sure it's validated at that point as well) and then installation to the PPC proceeds.

I agree.. I really enjoy SPB's software registration scheme, well to the extent that one can enjoy such a scheme! :) But seriously, SPB's is very intuitive and doesn't get in your way.

[tanalasta]

Everyone should learn from SPB Software. On the PC, you can choose to install a Trial version or Registered version. At that point, you enter the code (I'm pretty sure it's validated at that point as well) and then installation to the PPC proceeds.

Very similar to cnetX's products :)

I'm another user up for shorter registration codes! (one company had 5 digit numbers once upon a time) or PC entered codes. Automatic registration would be nice but is more complex and requires an internet connection. I dislike products that require online-registration as it means that if the program stuffs up, I can't use it till I get home and reactivate/sync. Then again, you only have to enter the code "once".

What I normally do is keep all my registration emails/codes in a word document on my PC / PPC (encrypted using resco file explorer) and whenever I have to re-enter a code, I simply open the document, highlight the registration code, then use the pencommand for copy and then paste :) Can't get a typo that way!

[Jon Westfall]

Anyone want to create a reg. code hall of shame on here with the worst registration codes they have in their possession (of course modified to be unusable and without identifying the product). I'll start. Here's a code I hate to put in... Mostly because its 2 codes! A Serial Number and a Key Code:

MM-E120-02-1E994D-0001
30CF21-098B2E-6FABDA

Always a pain to enter. Anyone else care to join in?

[Janak Parekh]

1. I can use cut&paste from the registration email or a real keyboard (I am NOT buying a keyboard for my PPC just for entering registration codes)
Small nit: don't you currently do copy-and-paste from FlexWallet? I use that from eWallet and it works OK.

My fear of having desktop installers handle authentication is related to dadarkmcse's: they'll start incorporating activation mechanisms because they can. In some ways, having activation on Pocket PCs is "simpler" in that regard.

Those two points aside, I think you have a good point. You should write up the rant and put it on the frontpage... ;)

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

Anyone want to create a reg. code hall of shame on here with the worst registration codes they have in their possession (of course modified to be unusable and without identifying the product).
Try the "manual activation code" of a Microsoft product if you activate by telephone. It's... long. 8O The last time I had to do it was for Terminal Server licensing.

--janak