I have noticed there are some programs out there that offer fully featured free trials for a certain amount of time. What prevents users from reinstalling the program once the trial period is over? If they put something in a preferences file or something, can't that be deleted before reinstalling?
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What prevents users from reinstalling "free trials"?
- Thread starter karohan
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Some programs even install hidden .plist files or other hidden files so that even if you were to trash the visible ones and reinstall, the trial may not start over. Sure, if you're willing to take the time to find such files, you can essentially beat the system.
Yea it's all about the .plist files. I've thwarted the system a few times by finding and deleting them, but it is kind of annoying to have to keep doing it.
And if enough people steal applications that way the developers will stop making trials available.
1) hono(u)r
2) hidden files
3) one-use or time-limited registration codes i.e. product activation
4) if they really cared they could put copy protection code into the application that would require you to attain the services of a cracker to 'crack' it. Most apps don't go that far for technical reasons or don't want to go that far as it annoys customers.
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