Types of Licenses
There are several types of licenses available so it is important to know what type of license you have prior to installing it. Here is a brief description of the common options.
Eval License
This is a temporary license that is active for a short, defined period of time (Typically 30 days.) The time period is set when the license is created so it is important to remember this when requesting an eval license. You wouldn't typically ask for a 30 day license just before going away on a two week vacation since half of your eval period would have expired by the time you returned to the shop and were ready to look at the software!
Node Lock License
This is a license that is tied to the "MAC Address" of your PC. When you purchase a seat of software with this type of license, you supply your "MAC Address" and the license is created using this information. If you subsequently purchase a new computer, you will not be able to run the software on the new machine unless you request that your account be updated. A new license created with the "MAC Address" of the new machine is generated.
License to a Key (USB)
This is a license tied to a removable Key (Years ago we used Parallel Port Keys called "Dongles." Currently, the Keys are lightweight USB Keys slightly smaller than a typical "Memory Stick.") The advantage to this type of license is that you can install the software on several computers (Office, Shop, Home, Laptop) and wherever you go you insert your Key and the software will run on the machine that currently has a key installed. Your license is tied to the Key, not to the PC. You must be sure to install the Sentinel Driver Program off of your Softwrae CD-Rom on each machine where you want to run, otherwise the machines will not recognize the USB Key. You must also install a copy of the license on each of the machines that will be used.
Home Use License
This is a special convenience license provided to users who want to work at home on occasion or want to practice with their software at home but don't have a key license or do not want to carry the key back and forth from the office to home. You would request this as a special option and supply the "MAC Address" of your home computer so a special home use license can be generated.
Floating (Network License)
This is typically used by companies with several users who spend substantially less than 100% of their time on CAD. The CAD software is installed on as many machines as desired (All machines must be on a common LAN) A special administration program is installed on the server. A license is purchased for "X" number of users. The first "X" users who try to log onto the program get on. The "X+1" user who tries gets a busy signal until someone else logs off. This works best in the following situations:
Many of the users are not "full time CAD jocks."
Users are disciplined and always log off when not using the software. <TOP>