DashWare 1.0.2

[Rolf]

DashWare 1.0.2 was just released. Existing DashWare users please download this new version. Uninstall your old version and then install the new one. You will not lose your projects, custom templates, custom video profiles, or custom gauges.

If you are not sure of the version you are running, go to Help > About DashWare. Ignore the 3500 in the version number.

The purpose of this update is to address some more licensing issues, and some .NET installation issues that were affecting some people. We threw in a new Corvette ZR1 gauge too :)

We inadvertently had the licensing setup to require online validation every hour. This was preventing people from using DashWare while offline (like at the track). This was definitely not our intention. You should now be able go 15 days between online checks.

Our installer was previously using a light weight version of the .NET 3.5 SP1 Framework. We thought that was all we needed and it worked for most people, but not for everyone. This was preventing DashWare from running on some people's PCs (it would crash on startup).

You will be asked to register again (side effect of the fixes). Your serial number will still work. We made another licensing change that should hopefully not require this again with future releases.

[Wizco]

You should now be able go 15 days between online checks.


I paid for software that calls home every 2 weeks? Wow. Why is that necessary?

[Rolf]

Hi Wizco,

As you probably know, online software activation / license validation is nothing new. Many software companies have been doing it for years to protect their investments. The most obvious example being Microsoft.

In the "good old days" you would simply get a serial number, enter it once, and you're good to go. The problem is, hackers are simply amazing at figuring out the key algorithms and making key generators (just do a google search for "keygen" and you'll get a bazillion hits).

These keygens create serial numbers that appear to be correct and unlock pirated software. Having online activation / validation makes their jobs harder because the serial number has to be validated by a server. If the online validation check is only performed once, and the software is allowed to run indefinitely without further checks, this leaves a gaping back door that pirates use to their advantage.

We chose 15 days as our interval thinking it allows our valid customers to use the software as they please without these anti-piracy checks getting in their way when they are away from their Internet connection. If the 15 day interval proves to be too restrictive for people, we will need to consider increasing it. We spent a considerable amount of time developing our software and want to protect our investment, but most of all we want to make our customers happy. It is a balancing act that we welcome feedback on.

Thanks,
Rolf

[Rolf]

Periodic licensing checks removed in 1.0.3:
http://www.chasecam.com/forum/showthread.php?p=919