How to let someone use but not download software I own?

by lawed

Posted: 14 years ago 17 replies

PROGRAMMING

I want to make the use of some software to a Helper. I own the software/license. This is a trial for a VA to do some tasks. Where can I put the software online maybe with password access or a temporary url? Is there an Open Source app that I can use?

Thanks

#download #software

SimonFairbairn 14 years ago

You want to use open source software to protect your proprietary software from being downloaded? That's quite the irony...

For a quick and not-very-secure solution, you could throw up a WordPress blog and have the download link hidden behind a password protected post. The link in your protected post could be a URL shortened link pointing directly to the download. That way, the person downloading it won't have any idea where it is stored on your server.

For a more robust solution, you'll need to configure some php scripts. Search for "php download protection" and you'll get a bunch of results.

Si
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- lawed 14 years ago
  
  Thank you very much for the information.
  
  Well, maybe if I am a bit more specific it will help to clarify what my ideal solution might be.
  
  Let's say without Downloading- Is it possible to "park" a woorking copy of software online which is secure and temporary- so that the authorized visitor can actually use the software and then copy or export a text or CSV file from it?
  
  I amthinking to make a keyword research tool available and let the woker generate results using the desired tool but not download it.
  
  Many thanks to anyone who can add to this
  
  Lawrence
  
  Thanks
  
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SimonFairbairn 14 years ago

You mean run the software off your web hosting server?

Not unless it is a piece of software written specifically for the web. A web server is not an operating system - you can't just run Windows programs from websites.

An alternative options would be to give your worker access to a stripped down version of an OS with the software installed and let them access it via remote desktop. Of course, you'd need a spare computer for that if you wanted to use yours at the same time they're working.

Anyone else have any ideas about this?
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- lawed 14 years ago
  
  OK I understand now. Thank you very much. I have learned much about server limitations on the web as a result of your information.
  
  It will be OK I'll approach the whole situation differently.
  
  Thanks
  
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childtalent 14 years ago

you might have to get some one to reprogramme your shoftware in php or asp and have it run online
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- lawed 14 years ago
  
  In this particular case I wouldn't undertake the expense and time for that involved a project. This came up just as a thought to test out potential help.
  
  But, you have taught me about the possibilities for the future on other projects.
  
  I thank you forthis.
  
  Lawrence
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  trumpetblast 14 years ago
  
  I agree with Simon that by far the easiest and least costly way to do this would be to give the worker remote desktop access to a computer that has your software installed.
  
  If you don't have a spare computer with which to do this you could look into an application hosting service, but you may struggle to find one that's reasonably priced for the little that you'd want from it.
  
  Thanks
  
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tdecker81 14 years ago

Install logmein.com's software on your computer and give them remote access to it. They'll setup an account also and you can add your computer to the list of computer that they can control. If you want to revoke their access just delete it online and they're off or uninstall logmein's software and they won't be able to connect anymore. Cheap easy and free.
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- lawed 14 years ago
  
  Thanks again for another helpful idea. I am not comfortable with granting access to my desktop butLogMeIn is certainly is an easy and no cost option.
  
  I've got to say that the help here (from techies) is the best and most understandable to me ( a tiotal non-technical type) I have ever read.
  
  At this point I can see that it isn't a practical way to go about things for my needs. I can put this on the back burner to be used in the future in different circumstances.
  
  Thanks
  
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getsmartt 14 years ago

hmm.....

1. Install Virtualization software i.e. VMware or VirtualPC
2. Install OS on Virtual Computer
3. Install software on Virtual OS
4. Share Virtual System with LogMeIn or equivalent

I haven't actually tried this yet but it should work, when they are done you can delete their user account from the system and create a new account for your next VA.
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- lawed 14 years ago
  
  Virtualization Wow!
  
  This opens up a whole new world for me. I didn't have a clue this existed until your post Getsmartt.
  
  Well, I do understand the concept of what you have said. But, I am not ready to migrate from XP or to spend anything at the moment.
  
  But, when I do (I think when I am forced to- MS does not support XP anymore) then I will be looking into the benefits of virtualization more actively.
  
  Too bad I didn't know about this years ago when it was Free.
  
  Lawrence
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  getsmartt 14 years ago
  
  Actually you can still get VirtualPC for XP and Vista here ... http://www.microsoft.com/windows/vir...l-pc-2007.aspx
  
  Or you can download the trial version of VMWare workstation http://www.vmware.com/products/workstation/, build your virtual machine and then use the free VMWare Player http://www.vmware.com/products/player/ to run it
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
  Signature
  
  Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stÃ¤rker
  
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  lawed 14 years ago
  
  OK Thanks for the Link
  
  I have an off topic question too and I sent you a PM- hope you don't mind Getsmartt
  
  Lawrence
  
  Thanks
  
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getsmartt 14 years ago

Hey Lawrence, I never got a PM?
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lawed 14 years ago

OK Thanks for the heads up...I'll try again

I checked out my PC and it doesn't meet the system requirements for Windows 7 with Virtual XP Mode

But, since they are providing a licensed XP OS at least it suggests that they are not going to drop all support for XP...that's the good news...
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fona 14 years ago

hi, I've no idea.
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TrafficMystic 14 years ago

if your using .net to write your software you could use 1-click deployment and verify the software exe date for example on startup of the app? or maybe download a file as part of the 1-click deployment and verify the data in the file that is maybe created via a hash algorithm
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How to let someone use but not download software I own?

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