From: yzarn@lhdsy1.lahabra.chevron.com (Philip Yzarn de Louraille)
Newsgroups: sci.math.symbolic
Subject: Re: Mathematica machineID problem
Keywords: Mathematica password
Date: 15 Sep 92 23:29:52 GMT
Organization: Chevron Oil Field Research, La Habra, CA.

In article <1992Sep14.235259.6309@usage.csd.unsw.OZ.AU> mcba@newt.phys.unsw.edu.au (Michael C. B. Ashley) writes:
>Hi folks,
>
>I have a major problem with Mathematica that is preventing me from using
>it easily. When I run the "mathinfo" program to obtain my machineID, I
>get one of two different numbers returned (2406-58617-78759 or
>2306-58617-78759). Wolfram Research have given me the password for one
>of these numbers but not the other. Sometimes I have to try 30 or more
>times to start up Mathematica before the right number comes up.

You have Mathematica 2.0.
I had th esame problem and Mathematica gave me two passwds, one for each
answer that mathinfo could return.
>
>I think that I am right in guessing the following
>  
>  (1) All I need is another password in my "mathpass" file that matches
>      the other "machineID".

YES.

Problem is solved with Mathematica 2.1 (for Decstations, Ultrix)

>  (2) The programmers who developed the security mechanisms for
>      Mathematica are entirely incompetent.
>
>Sorry if I sound a bit jaded, but I have been trying to get some help
>from Wolfram Research about this problem without any luck. Specifically,
>I sent them faxes on August 13, August 17, August 24, and September 3
>concerning this problem, and have not had a reply. I also e-mailed
>register@wri.com on September 14 and have not had a reply.
>
>It seems that having spent $2500 on Mathematica, and $375 on a
>subscription to Mathematica Plus, that Wolfram Research has delivered
>defective software that it refuses to fix. I have no objections to
>paying a reasonable price for good software, but object strenuously when
>I have a valid licence and the manufacturer's faulty security code stops
>me from using it. I have been teaching an undergraduate course in
>Classical Mechanics based partly on Mathematica, and now I find that I
>have to rewrite large sections since Mathematica is no longer usable.
>
>I would certainly caution against anyone buying Mathematica and relying
>on it being available. 
>
>Two other quick points while I'm here:
>  (1) How many more years will we have to wait before Mathematica comes
>      with a decent X11 interface?
>  (2) The line-mode Mathematica interface is extraordinarily primitive.
>      Why can't we have a simple history editing feature using the arrow
>      keys (c.f. "tcsh" and numerous other UNIX programs).
>
>Finally, can anyone suggest an alternative to Mathematica? I would only
>consider those for which the supplier has an enlightened attitude to
>security and licensing, and who will respond to faxes and e-mail.
>
>I would be interested in hearing if other people have had similar
>problems with "machineID". Incidentally, my machine is a DECstation
>5000/200 running Mathematica 2.0.3.

I just did.
>
>Yours sincerely,
>Michael Ashley (Lecturer in Physics, University of New South Wales,
>Sydney Australia) mcba@newt.phys.unsw.edu.au


-- 
  Philip Yzarn de Louraille                 Internet: yzarn@chevron.com
  Research Support Division                 Unix & Open Systems
  Chevron Information & Technology Co.      Tel: (310) 694-9232
  P.O. Box 446, La Habra, CA 90633-0446     Fax: (310) 694-7709
Newsgroups: sci.math.symbolic