Security

The program is secured with a key (also called a “hardware lock” or “dongle”). The key must be present for the program to cycle. If no key is present, the code operates in “Demonstration Mode” (see below). The program is offered with either a standard license or a network license. There are variances in the behavior of the program under these different license types; they require different keys as well.

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Figure 1: The security key for a network license is red;
for a standard license it is blue.

Standard License

On a standard license, which is designed for single-user program use, the security key should be present on the same computer where the program is installed. As detailed in the License Agreement, a standard license will allow up to two instances of the program to be cycled simultaneously. However, there is no limit to the number of instances that may be started. The key may be moved from one computer to another as needed.

Network License

A network license allows a single key to provide access to n program instances, where n is the number of seats purchased with the license. In this configuration, the key and the server software necessary to operate the licensing management software are installed on one computer (the server). The program is then installed on computers (the clients) that will access the license seats available from the server. The program may be installed on as many client computers as needed. When there are less than n licenses in use, a client that starts the program will start normally and will acquire its license from the server. If n licenses are already in use, a client starting the program will receive a Hardware Lock Not Detected! warning.

Demonstration Mode

If the program is started without the key for either a standard or network license, the Hardware Lock Not Detected error dialog will appear. When no key is present, the dialog provides the option to start the program in “Demonstration Mode” by choosing the Continue button. This mode is fully functional in every respect, except the program will only cycle models within certain model size limits. limited to 1000 balls, 1000 clumps and 10 fractures. CS: will need to figure out how to indicate the limits Efforts to cycle larger models will generate an error message indicating that the model size exceeds that which may be cycled in “Demonstration Mode.”