A Hardware Key (HASP), also called a "dongle", is a software copy protection device that is plugged into the USB port of the computer. Upon startup, the application looks for the key and will run only if the key contains the appropriate code. Hardware keys are very effective copy protection devices, because they cannot be duplicated by the user.
- The HASP for DREAM Suite is sent (by PC Progress) by mail and its use is very simple. You just connect it to the computer via the USB port and DREAM Suite is then immediately authorized. The DREAM Suite software then does not require any further activation.
- Although the drivers for the HASP should normally be installed automatically when it is connected to the USB (Windows operating system and Plug-and-play should take care of that), we still recommend installing drivers at the same time the DREAM Suite software is installed (during the DREAM Suite installation). In one of the dialog windows that appears during the installation, there is a special check-box "Install the hardware-key driver", which needs to be checked - see Figure 2.3.1. "Installation directories".
Advantages of HASP
- Proven solutions by SafeNet, verified by hundreds of installations and users.
- No activation of the software (e.g., DREAM Suite) is needed. Activation of the program brings some disadvantages, such as that the program can be activated only on the allowed number of computers and that the activation is always time-limited (up to 1 year) and needs to be repeatedly renewed. Under certain circumstances, the activation code may not be immediately available and users will have to wait untill they get it (e.g., activation by e-mail). The hardware key (dongle) provides users assurance that the program can be easily installed and used, for example, on a new computer.
- The program (e.g., DREAM Suite) can be used on multiple computers (e.g., desktop and laptop) by transferring a small USB key.
- Easier and safer installation of a network version. The network installation using a software key (activation) is somewhat more complicated and some network administrators have complained about its lack of flexibility. The use of HASP eliminates these problems.
