When I went through the process of getting the software set up after receiving a serial number from my PR contact, I couldn't help but notice how complex it all was. I had to register an account on their Web site, enter my serial number, then agree to a long EULA before I was allowed to download the software. I checked the online EULA and unfortunately they only allow for one install and activation of the software - in this era of laptops, it's not uncommon for people to have two or more computers, and it's unrealistic for companies to expect that any user will purchase more than one copy of their software. Per-user licensing is realistic; per-computer licensing is not.
Once I downloaded the software, installation of TMPGEnc 4.0 Xpress was uneventful. When I started it up for the first time I noticed the "Obtain a License" button with a check-box for "Automatically Validate Next Time". This is their online activation process, which checks against a server to verify your serial number - although it does't seem to do it every time, because I've used the software offline. I really dislike activation schemes, because they treat customers as though they're dishonest. There's a presumption that the software isn't legitimate, and activation schemes like this are based on the assumption that the company and their activation server is going to be around for as long as the software is useful to customers. What if TMPGEnc were to go out of business next month? The software you just paid $99 might not be usable. I have a deep respect for software developers and their intellectual property, but complex security measures on software usually only end up hurting legitimate users. I think I've made my point: I don't like the licensing and activation of this product.
tmpgenc 4 xpress serial number te4x
2ff7e9595c
Comments