Patent ID: 6023763
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A software protection system adapted to enable implementation of a software program on a computer having an external port, the software protection system comprising:a removable hardlock adapted to be inserted into the external port of the computer, said removable hardlock including an access variable set to one of a plurality of values; andan installer that installs the software program on the computer when the removable hardlock is inserted into the external port of the computer, including;means for reading the access variable, andmeans for conditioning the software program to prevent the software program from being implemented on the computer when the access variable is set to a first value and the removable hardlock is removed from the external port and to allow the software program to be implemented on the computer when the access variable is set to a second value and the removable hardlock is removed from the external port.