Computer readable storage medium for securing software to reduce unauthorized use

• US 6,813,718 B2
• Filed: 06/26/2002
• Issued: 11/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David S. Colvin
• Original Assignee: z4 Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Colvin, David S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sheikh, Ayaz
• Assistant Examiner(s): REVAK, CHRISTOPHER A
• Application Number:
  US10/180,616
• Publication Number:
  US 20020162016A1
• Time in Patent Office: 860 Days
• Field of Search: 713/200-202, 713/193, 709/223-224, 705/14, 705/50-59
• US Class Current: 726/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/121 Restricting unauthorised execution of programs
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 Advertisements

Abstract

A computer readable storage medium having data representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software. The medium includes instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period. The medium also includes instructions for requiring the user to contact a representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during a subsequent authorization period beyond the initial authorization period without further continual communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The medium further includes instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. The medium additionally includes instructions for disabling the software following the initial authorized period if the additional authorization code is not entered.

Claims

1. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being, enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

2. The medium of claim 1 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

3. The medium of claim 1 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

4. The medium of claim 1 wherein:

the usage of the software is dependent upon execution time of the software on the computer.

5. The medium of claim 1 wherein:

the usage of the software is dependent upon number of accesses to the software on the computer.

6. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

7. The medium of claim 6 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

8. The medium of claim 6 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

9. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

10. The medium of claim 9 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is an unauthorized user.

11. The medium of claim 9 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

12. The medium of claim 9 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

13. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

14. The medium of claim 13 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is an unauthorized user.

15. The medium of claim 13 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

16. The medium of claim 13 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

17. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered.

18. The medium of claim 17 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

19. The medium of claim 17 wherein communicating the at least one additional authorization code immediately follows providing registration information to the representative.

20. The medium of claim 17 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

21. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered.

22. The medium of claim 21 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

23. The medium of claim 21 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

24. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information matching at least a portion of previously provided registration information.

25. The medium of claim 24 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the registration information provided by the user to the representative indicates that the user is an unauthorized user.

26. The medium of claim 24 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

27. The medium of claim 24 wherein the previously provided registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

28. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information matching at least a portion of previously provided registration information.

29. The medium of claim 28 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the registration information provided by the user to the representative indicates that the user is an unauthorized user.

30. The medium of claim 28 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

31. The medium of claim 28 wherein the previously provided registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

32. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information matching at least a portion of previously provided registration information or upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered.

33. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is determined to be an unauthorized user.

34. The medium of claim 33 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

35. The medium of claim 33 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

36. The medium of claim 33 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

37. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is determined to be an unauthorized user.

38. The medium of claim 37 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

39. The medium of claim 37 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

40. The medium of claim 37 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

41. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative to determine if the user is an authorized or an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user an unauthorized user.

42. The medium of claim 41 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

43. The medium of claim 41 further comprising:

instructions for transferring the at least one additional authorization code to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer if the user is an authorized user.

44. The method of claim 41 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

45. The method of claim 41 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

46. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on usage of the software;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative to determine if the user is an authorized or an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is an unauthorized user.

47. The medium of claim 46 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

48. The medium of claim 46 further comprising:

instructions for transferring the at least one additional authorization code to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer if the user is an authorized user.

49. The medium of claim 46 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

50. The medium of claim 46 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

51. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

52. The medium of claim 51 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

53. The medium of claim 51 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

54. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

55. The medium of claim 54 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

56. The medium of claim 54 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

57. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

58. The medium of claim 57 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is an unauthorized user.

59. The medium of claim 57 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

60. The medium of claim 57 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

61. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software following the initial authorization period if the at least one additional authorization code is not entered.

62. The medium of claim 61 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is an unauthorized user.

63. The medium of claim 61 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

64. The medium of claim 61 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

65. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered.

66. The medium of claim 65 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

67. The medium of claim 66 wherein communicating the at least one additional authorization code immediately follows providing registration information to the representative.

68. The medium of claim 66 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

69. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered.

70. The medium of claim 69 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

71. The medium of claim 69 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

72. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information matching at least a portion of previously provided registration information.

73. The medium of claim 72 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the registration information provided by the user to the representative indicates that the user is an unauthorized user.

74. The medium of claim 72 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

75. The medium of claim 72 wherein the previously provided registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

76. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information matching at least a portion of previously provided registration information.

77. The medium of claim 76 further comprising:

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the registration information provided by the user to the representative indicates that the user is an unauthorized user.

78. The medium of claim 76 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

79. The medium of claim 76 wherein the previously provided registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

80. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring, the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for communicating the at least one additional authorization code to the software upon the registration information matching at least a portion of previously provided registration information or upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered.

81. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the, computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is determined to be an unauthorized user.

82. The medium of claim 81 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

83. The medium of claim 81 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

84. The medium of claim 81 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

85. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is determined to be an unauthorized user.

86. The medium of claim 85 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

87. The medium of claim 85 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

88. The medium of claim 85 further comprising:

instructions for encrypting at least a portion of information exchanged between the representative and the user.

89. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to selectively choose either manual or electronic registration and provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative to determine if the user is an authorized or an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user an unauthorized user.

90. The medium of claim 89 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

91. The medium of claim 89 further comprising:

instructions for transferring the at least one additional authorization code to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer if the user is an authorized user.

92. The method of claim 89 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

93. The method of claim 89 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.

94. A computer readable storage medium having stored data which is directly or indirectly readable by a computer, representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software, the medium comprising:

instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to at least partially enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period, the initial authorization period being based on a predetermined period of time;

instructions for requiring the user to contact a software license compliance representative for retrieval of at least one additional authorization code to repeat the enablement of the software on the computer for use by the user during a subsequent authorization period after the initial authorization period and allowing the repeat of the enablement of the software to be performed prior to the expiration of the initial authorization period so the enablement of the software can be continuous from the initial authorization period to the subsequent authorization period, the software being enabled during the subsequent authorization period without requiring further continual communication with the representative following entry of the at least one additional authorization code;

instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the at least one additional authorization code, the registration information including computer specific information;

instructions for comparing previously stored registration information related to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer with the registration information provided by the user to the representative to determine if the user is an authorized or an unauthorized user; and

instructions for at least partially disabling the software if the user is an unauthorized user.

95. The medium of claim 94 wherein the instructions for at least partially disabling the software occur in response to a disable code.

96. The medium of claim 94 further comprising:

instructions for transferring the at least one additional authorization code to at least one of the software, the user, and the computer if the user is an authorized user.

97. The medium of claim 94 wherein the instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information include instructions for allowing the user to provide the registration information to the representative by contacting the representative during installation of the software.

98. The medium of claim 94 wherein the previously stored registration information is stored on a database associated with the representative.