The PC Guard software protection suite includes a comprehensive "Demo mode" feature designed to create robust trial versions of applications. This mode operates by imposing one or more limitations on the protected software, which can be combined as needed. There are four primary types of limitations: a finite number of executions (number of runs), a set number of days from the first launch, a fixed calendar period, and a cap on total application runtime.

The system provides granular control over the end-user experience, particularly regarding the activation dialog box. Developers can configure when this dialog appears, such as always on startup, only when a trial period is nearing its end (based on a "threshold" of remaining days or runs), or when manually invoked by a special key.

Advanced capabilities include a secure mechanism for resetting trial periods for new software updates, a feature contingent on a sequentially increasing Update ID to prevent abuse. Furthermore, the demo mode can be integrated with serial numbers, requiring users to input a valid serial to access the trial. The system is designed to be tamper-resistant, preventing users from extending their evaluation period by simply reinstalling the application. This demo functionality is compatible with all of PC Guard's core protection methods, including REMOTE, PLAIN, and USB.

Demo Mode Limitations

PC Guard offers four distinct methods for limiting a demo application, which can be used individually or in combination to meet specific trial requirements.

1. Execution Limitation

This method restricts the total number of times the protected application can be launched.

• Parameter: Number of runs
• Range: 1 to 999 runs

2. Time-Based Limitations

These methods restrict the application's usability based on a calendar period.

• Days from First Run: The application functions for a specified number of days starting from the date of its first execution.
  • Parameter: Number of days from first run
  • Range: 1 to 999 days
• Fixed Date Period: The application is only usable between a predefined start date and expiration date.
  • Parameter: Valid from (start date)
  • Parameter: Until (expiration date)

3. Runtime Limitation (Timer)

This limitation terminates the application after it has been running for a specific amount of time, measured in minutes. It operates in two distinct modes.

Configuration of User-Facing Dialogs

The system provides multiple options to control the behavior and display of the activation dialog box presented to the end user during the demo period.

Limitation Counter Display

Options exist to display the remaining demo time or runs directly on the activation dialog.

• Display execution limitation counter: Shows the number of runs left. (Default: OFF)
• Display date limitation counter: Shows the number of days left. (Default: OFF)

For both options, a Threshold value determines when the dialog begins to appear:

• Threshold = 0: The activation dialog is displayed on every run.
• Threshold > 0: The activation dialog is displayed on each run only during the final xxx runs or xxx days before the demo expires. For example, a threshold of 15 for a date limitation will cause the dialog to appear during the last 15 days of the trial.

Activation Dialog Box Display Logic

The visibility of the activation dialog is governed by the interplay between the threshold, a "Special key pop-up" feature, and other settings. If the threshold is met, the dialog will always be displayed. If the threshold has not been met, the dialog will only appear if the special key feature is enabled and the user has toggled it.

The precise behavior is defined as follows:

Forced Dialog Display

• Always display activation dialog box option: When enabled, this setting forces the activation dialog to be displayed on every application startup during the evaluation. This option is only valid when using the remote protection method. (Default: OFF)

Advanced Features and Integration

Demo Reset for Software Updates

This feature allows a developer to release a new software update that reinitializes the demo period on a user's machine, giving them a fresh evaluation period for the new version even if the previous one had expired.

• Option: Reset demo mode for this update option (Default: OFF)
• Security Mechanism: This feature is triggered only if the new update has a higher Update ID than the previously installed version. This prevents users from extending their trial by reinstalling older updates.

Behavior under Specific Protection Methods:

• REMOTE protection: The reset option is ignored if the previous version of the application is already activated on the remote computer.
• PLAIN protection: The reset option is ignored if the previous version was protected with serial numbers and either of the following conditions is met:
  1. The "Serial number is required for demo mode" option was OFF, and a valid serial number was not set.
  2. The "Serial number is required for demo mode" option was ON, and a valid serial number was already set.

Serial Number Integration

• Option: Serial number is required for demo mode
• Functionality: If selected, the user must provide a valid serial number to use the application in demo mode.
• Compatibility: This feature is valid for REMOTE, PLAIN, and USB protection methods.

General Characteristics and Security

• Combinability: All available demo limitations (runs, days, timer, etc.) can be combined to create a tailored trial experience. The demo mode feature itself can be used in conjunction with any of the available protection methods.
• Tamper Resistance: The documentation explicitly states that an end user cannot gain additional evaluation time by uninstalling and reinstalling the protected application.

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