RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] three CAD/CAM contenders...

Bob:

I can't say which is the 'easiest,' but Vector uses a 'key' diskette with a
really convoluted serial number on it that gets copied into the VectorCAD
initialization file. I believe that his license allows you to run it on two
machines, which would allow for a notebook and a desktop. There's no dongle
and neither the key disk nor the CD are required when you're running the
program. You most likely could edit the ini file and enter the serial number
by hand if you wanted to. (I wonder how many tries it would take to get it
all right)

When I've installed newer releases of 9.3 (Fred's released at least 3
updates that fixed some problems that have surfaced once the product was
released), I've simply saved my Vector.ini file, deleted the old and loaded
the new software, copied the ini file back to the directory with Vectorcad,
and I was back in business with Vector customized as I wanted it.

One nice thing about Vector - I think that Fred takes his computer to bed
with him and on vacation as well. I've not seen a turnaround time on
questions any faster anywhere.

I believe that Fred offers a version without a printed manual (at least,
this is how the CAD only teaser is offered). The manual is large enough that
you'll come close to exhausting an ink cartridge when printing it out (and
you DO want printed with any program of this complexity) that it may be
worth the extra bucks to get a printed version. I think that most anyone who
uses the program will agree that, while you can become productive with it in
a short time, Vector has enough goodies built in that you never cease
discovering goodies.

-- Jerry

-- Jerry

|-----Original Message-----
|From: Bob Stone [mailto:spoothammer@...]
|Sent: Monday, May 06, 2002 10:41 AM
|To: CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com
|Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] three CAD/CAM contenders...
|
|
|
|Hi,
|
|Ok, it seems that the big three contenders for NC CAD/CAM are: Vector,
|Dolphin, & Bobcad. I have read numerous arguments for all three
|and am still
|unsure which one I am leaning towards. So here is the clincher:
|
|What kind of goofy copy protection do they employ?
|
|I understand BobCad 1.8 uses a stupid scheme like Microsoft where you have
|to install the product and then call in for an authorization number. This
|stinks because I do work at work, and at home. Most licenses are
|reasonable
|(like Borland used to be) where you could install a product on as many
|machines that you liked. You only were supposed to have any copy running
|though at one time. I realize that is too loose for most vendors.
|As much as
|I hate dongles due to Microsoft & hardware issues, I guess a USB dongle
|would be OK because I could carry a dongle back and forth from work.
|
|All the other schemes like key disks only allowing one install to run at a
|time are also lame. What, are you supposed to load and unload the
|key avery
|time you switch machines? Also a big pain.
|
|It's a shame that in the US, most software protection has disappeared
|(Autocad, Solidworks, etc.) but in Europe & Asia, it's so rappant that
|evrything has a cumbersome protection scheme attached that makes
|portability
|next to impossible. I think companies here realise that people
|want manuals,
|support and upgrade deals, making purchasing a no-brainer. Elsewhere,
|paranoia looms and protection schemes abound. Too Bad.
|
|Sooo, getting back to the big three... which package has the most painless
|and fair protection scheme (assuming they all use some form).
|
|Thanks,
|
|Bob
|
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