PLAIN Protection Examples
Best for standard software distribution models where hardware-bound machine licensing is not required.
| Your Business Goal | PC Guard Out-of-the-Box Setup |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Distribution | PLAIN: The protected application runs seamlessly on any target workstation without runtime restrictions or validation checks. |
| Traditional Retail Keys | PLAIN + SERIAL NUMBERS: The application prompts for a unique serial key on startup and cannot be executed until a valid retail key is supplied. |
| Time-Limited Trial (Demo) | PLAIN + DEMO: Software executes freely for a limited evaluation window (defined by custom execution counts, system dates, or runtime days) and locks post-expiration. |
| Try-Before-You-Buy Funnel | PLAIN + DEMO + SERIAL NUMBERS: Runs as a free evaluation trial while displaying active countdown metrics. Seamlessly converts into a lifetime license as soon as a key is provided. |
| Mandatory Serial Activation | PLAIN + DEMO + SERIAL NUMBERS (SN Required Option): The software strictly blocks startup initialization entirely until a tracking serial number is supplied, after which the time-limited trial phase unlocks. |
Technical Insights & Implementation Notes:
- No Hardware Binding: Please note that there is no hardware-bound machine locking applied within the PLAIN protection method.
- Persistent Storage: Once a valid serial number is entered, it is securely stored on the host computer. End-users will no longer be prompted on startup.
- Immutable Status: Serial numbers cannot be altered or overwritten by the end-user once successfully registered.
- API Accessibility: The precise value of the serial number and embedded custom features can be programmatically queried via the Protection Interface.
- Programmatic Control: Developers can leverage the
SetSerialNumber()protection interface function to register keys directly from within their internal application code.