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Amiga Vendor Forum · NewTek

DigiPaint / Protection

15 messages in this thread

#33874From: Charles NealJan 17, 1992 8:19 PM

I like the DigiPaint Program, however, I HATE the software protection strategy you used because it is inconvenient having to always look up the page number. (This is a 1987 version of DigiPaint and so I don't know if you still use the user's manual strategy.) Here is a better solution: NewTek, the great Toaster company, has a loud voice with Motorola, (at least, when you speak, you will be heard.) Convince them to spend the effort to put serial numbers into each 680×0 chip that can be addressed by software. Intel has something that is remotely similar where the program can ask about the type of chip. If each chip has a serial number, a program can attach itself to that particular chip and thereby prevent copying and free usage. Programs could have more than one "life" and could attach themselves to more than one chip. Of course, these programs would cost more and at least two lives would be necessary in case the computer broke. This wouldn't be cheap for Motorola to do, however, the benefits far outweight the cost. What do you think?

#33954From: Betty Clay/SYSOPJan 18, 1992 7:36 PM

So suppose your chip goes bad and you have to replace it. Should you then also have to replace all of your software, because every piece of it had latched onto that original chip number? After all, if one company can do it, they ALL can. Or – suppose you have two Amigas, and you need to switch your work between them sometimes. You should have to have two copies of everything you use, so that each can be latched to the CPU of each computer? Betty

#34262From: Charles NealJan 23, 1992 10:10 PM

I think all software should be sold with a minimum of 2 "lives" so that if one processor went bad, the program could be attached to another serial number. To use 2 computers at different locations, just "uninstall" the program from the chip it is attached to. Or use 2 "lives" for 2 computers. I think this idea is the best one to prevent software copying by unauthorized users.

#33960From: John GagerJan 18, 1992 9:38 PM

Charles: You could upgrade to DigiPaint-3 which does not have any copy protection, or if you are a legitimate owner of the 1st. version, there are a few copy programs that will strip the manual CP out of the program so you don't have to worry about it. Actually copy protection of any form is a bad idea, whether it is hardware or software based, IMHO. John – K7KB (via Whap!)

#33987From: John PendergrassJan 19, 1992 1:50 AM

Yeah, it's only $10.00 to get the latest version of Digi-Paint 3, which will work under WB2.0. I ordered it last week. Also ordered the DigiView 4.0 WB2.0 compatible upgrade…. sure hoping that will allow my ImageMaster-DigiView connection to start working again! –jp–seattle–

#34043From: John GagerJan 20, 1992 12:44 AM

I haven't done much with my DigiView lately because I'm seriously thinking about purchasing a full page scanner, like the Epson. Although I have digitized some good pictures with DV, it just doesn't give me the quality I like. I liked the demo of your Sharp scanner you gave me when I dropped by, and I considered purchasing one, but I figure for the extra $$ I will just go ahead and get the full page. John – K7KB (via Whap!)

#34102From: John PendergrassJan 20, 1992 9:45 PM

I envy you with the scanner. Enjoy! BTW, watch for Black Belt's FITS PI module due out any time now. I'm wondering how those Einstein images will work with it? If successful, then I'm going to start soliciting a far more complete collection for the future! –jp–seattle–

#34156From: Mark SterlingJan 21, 1992 8:29 PM

John, The FITS PI module is here! Just DL it. Now all I need are some FITS images. B( ….Mark Sterling 74335,1677

#34168From: John GagerJan 22, 1992 12:36 AM

John, the FITS PI module is already in the DL library, but it does not work with the Einstein images. Apparently the PI module is only set up to work with those Voyager images from the JPL. Guess I will have to order a set tomorrow. That will keep me busy for awhile viewing a few CD's of images 8^) John – K7KB (via Whap!)

#34203From: John PendergrassJan 22, 1992 9:39 PM

I saw your message to Black Belt. Given their reputation for fixing things (not that their FITS loader is broke – as you say, it is a 'flexible' format) I'm hopeful that it will be changed to support the Einstein images. You may want to upload an image or two to Black Belt, for them to take a look at? That would help them repair their loader? TTFN –jp–seattle–

#34272From: John GagerJan 24, 1992 1:12 AM

I'll be uploading some sample images plus docs for Ben tomorrow. Maybe he can come up with something so we can view those "Einstein" FITS images. I also need to find out which Voyager CD's are the one's compatable with his new PI module, and where you can order them. Anyone have an idea? John – K7KB (via Whap!)

#34360From: Mark SterlingJan 25, 1992 2:48 PM

Call NSSD in Greenbelt, MD. Their number is 301-286-6695. They can send or fax you the CD-Rom catalog. I believe the Voyager discs should be no problem as the samples Ben used came from this set (I think). They even take Visa or Mastercard! ….Mark Sterling 74335,1677

#34263From: Charles NealJan 23, 1992 10:13 PM

Thanks. I'll spend the $10.

#34264From: Charles NealJan 23, 1992 10:18 PM

How can a software company make money if it only sells to 1/4 to 1/2 of its customers, the legitamate users? I am in favor of NONcumbersome copy protection, if such a thing exists.

#34330From: John GagerJan 25, 1992 1:34 AM

That's just it Charles, I don't think there is such a thing as "NONcumbersome Copy Protection". Disk based, dongle, manual keyword, are all a pain. I suppose the least obtrusive is the manual based protection. But even then, people are going to complain about it. John – K7KB (via Whap!)