Macintosh Products and Services for Combating Software Piracy
There are a number of products available that can help computer users effectively deal with the software piracy issue.
KeyServer is an application that controls access to commercial software over an AppleTalk network. This program restricts network access and allows administrators to monitor and control access to software using electronic “launch keys,” which are purchased based on anticipated usage.
KeyServer modifies the application program so that it will run only after receiving a go-ahead message from the KeyServer software. In order to open an application, the user requests a launch key from the KeyServer, which logs the time and distributes the key. If an application is in use by the maximum number of licensed users, the request will be denied, and the user notified when a key becomes available. Contact Sassafras Software, Box 150, Hanover, NH 03755; (603) 643-3351.
The Diskless Mac (TDM) is an anti-piracy system that allows computers on an AppleTalk network to startup from a system “image” downloaded from an AppleShare or UNIX file server. Once started, the Macintosh being used will not need a hard disk, or a floppy disk to run off of, as all of the system software is directly loaded into RAM.
The system consists of a ROM upgrade installed in a Macintosh’s NuBus Ethernet card, and two pieces of software: an extension that helps to start the computer, and a server-management package which helps network administrators create system “images” for workstation startups. Because Macintosh internal hard drives and floppy drives on the network are not used in this process, they can be locked, or even removed from the computer.
This means the user only works off of a file server, and cannot remove or copy files from the server unless he saves it to the server’s own hard drive. Also, under TDM, a network of Macintosh computers can be more secure against viruses, as users of diskless Macintosh computers cannot upload or download files to and from the server. $149. Contact Sonic Systems, 333 W. Camino, No. 280, Sunnyvale, CA 94087; (408) 736-1900.
The SPA has a Self-Audit Kit available to help organizations manage their internal software practices, the kit includes an auditing software program called SPAudit. SPAudit is designed to help inventory commercial software on a company’s hard disks. It automates the software audit process by searching for over 625 of the most commonly used programs in business today and printing out a list of all programs found. Users can then compare the printout to purchase records. The Self-Audit Kit is free. The videotape is $10. Contact Software Publishers’ Association, 1730 M St., N.W., Ste. 700, Washington, DC 20036.
EvE is a program security system intended primarily for software developers. EvE consist of a hardware “key,” which is installed in the Apple Desktop Bus port in a Macintosh (i.e., the Keyboard/Mouse plug), and a software package inside the system. Once implemented, the hardware key is needed to open software packages designated as secure by the software package.
Without the key, programs are unable to be opened, or will revert to demo mode. A Developer Kit is available for $4. Additional keys are $59 each. Contact Rainbow Technologies Inc., 9292 Jeronimo Rd., Irvine, CA 92718; (800) 852-8569.
SiteLock is another network-based anti-piracy software, designed specifically for networks running on Novell software. SiteLock meters use of software over a network, and only allows as many users to use software as there are registered copies available. SiteLock also keeps a running record of network usage, and can control which software applications run on the network, as well as which versions of software (preventing bug-ridden, beta, or outdated software from running, opening files, and contaminating them). Contact: Brightwork Development Inc., 766 Shrewsbury Ave., Jerral Center West, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; (800) 552-9876.
EasyShare Mac is a desktop management software package intended for educational network managers. What EasyShare Mac does is lock the desktop from manipulation from users who do not have authorized access. This allows the manager to only display the files student users need to use, and “hide” everything else. Essentially, it prevents anyone except managers from copying files off of the desktop, moving around files on the desktop so other users cannot find them, and copying files on and off of a file server. $795 for site license. Contact: LPC, 2850 Metro Dr., Ste. #413, Minneapolis, MN 55425-1405; (800) 926-3279.
Using Software: A Guide to the Ethical and Legal Use of Software for Members of the Academic Community is an eight-page pamphet published by EDUCOM and the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). The pamphlet is intended to inform those in the higher education community about intellectual property, copyright protection, and computer software 25¢; bulk discounts available (minimum of 1200 orders). Contact: EDUCOM, 1112 16th St. NW, Ste. # 600, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 872-4200.
