Re: Java and limiting users...

From:

Knute Johnson <nospam@rabbitbrush.frazmtn.com>

Newsgroups:

comp.lang.java.programmer

Date:

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:35:46 -0800

Message-ID:

<WdL1j.410$so3.16@newsfe18.lga>

tiewknvc9 wrote:

Hi!

Im trying to add some security to a software application that I
developed using Java.

What I would ideally like to do is to be able to sell my application
so that only 1 or 2 users can install and use the application.

So clearly the first thing that I need to do is find out how I can
detect the username of the user who first uses the application, then
limit all future interactions based on that stored value.

ANy ideas?

thx

There are a million schemes from hidden files to dongles to server
checkins to strongly worded admonishments but in the end they all can be
defeated or they are expensive and inconvenient. Or they will be such a
pain to the user that they will use something else instead of your
application.

I think the best approach if you are really concerned is the dongle. It
requires the most effort to defeat. It also is the most expensive and
requires that the dongle be delivered physically.

You have to weigh all the options of cost, hassle and effectiveness.
Are you willing to give up 10% for no cost or is $5.00 a unit for a
dongle worth 99% effectiveness?

--

Knute Johnson
email s/nospam/knute/