A question for anyone who knows a lot about computers and software...

[battleknight24]

I recently purchased an Encyclopedia Britannica CD-Rom program, but I have a question. I have a computer at my house, and I also have a classroom computer at the school I am going to start teaching at. If I install this software on my home computer, will I not be able to use it on any other computer, like my school computer, for example? I know this is a really dumb question, but it has been a long time since I worked with computer software.


Peace,

[ZombieNixon]

1. It depends.

Does the CD have some sort of registration code you have to enter upon installation? If it does, then maybe you might be restricted to one computer (it depends on further factors and how far you'd be willing to go to get around it). If not, then nope, you should have no problems using it on multiple computers.

[battleknight24]

2. Yeah, I think it does have a registration code...

... I guess I'll just install it on my home computer. If I feel I need one for my classroom, maybe I'll purchase one for the classroom too.


Peace,

[TroubleMan]

3. Two things:

1. A registration code doesn't necessarily mean that it can't be on two computers....if it has an activation (it goes out on the internet, contacts the software creators with your registration #), then you can't use it on two computers. Otherwise, if it's just a registration code with no activation, then you can use it on as many computers as you want.

2. The software might require the CD to be in the CD drive to run. If so you'll have to bring it back and forth with you.....or you can make a "backup copy." However, many CD's have intentional errors on them so that the cd copying software won't copy them correctly (and your backup copy won't work). In that case, you'd have to use a program that recognizes that error and will copy the CD correctly, such as Alcohol 120% or CloneCD. Also, you can get a no-cd crack for it (if one exists).

....

Usually those type of protections are for games or office software, so yours may not have any of that.