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> their copy protection management tool/device driver - iLok. They're still using that? These things were successfully cracked in the nineties, I was convince
by dvfjsdhgfv 7y ago
> their copy protection management tool/device driver - iLok.
They're still using that? These things were successfully cracked in the nineties, I was convinced nobody uses hardware dongles anymore.
- trynewideas 7y agoBuy your third-gen iLok today for only $49: https://www.avid.com/licenses/ilok https://www.avid.com/licenses/ilok
- adreamingsoul 7y agoyes, they are still an industry standard.
- lukeh 7y agoI believe the current generation is stronger.
- RealDinosaur 7y agoOh, it's not just Avid. Some audio production software such as ReFX Nexus still uses a USB dongle. There is no way to use the software without it plugged in. It also has a policy where if you damage the dongle, you have to buy again and get a 10% discount off the FULL price of the VST. In the age of people gigging on laptops, I'm not entirely sure how they think they are gonna sell any more of them. I fancy it myself as it has quite a few 'familiar' sounds on it, but not with all the downsides.
- episodeiv 7y agoTo add to that, it's not just media production. In the medical field, almost all software for performing and analyzing EKGs, X-rays, MRIs etc. comes by default with some sort of dongle-based protection. Apparently, it's not enough that you need the biggest dongle in the world (i.e. the machine itself!) to use the software. Some vendors do offer alternatives if you fight them hard enough but the default still is a trip to dongle town.
- tecleandor 7y agoAh, but they need to control that CD recording device on the workstation, just in case you're handing out CDs to your patients WITHOUT A CD RECORDING LICENSE. They have the weirdest licenses.
- stallmanite 7y agoSo there is software on a medical device concerned with users copying a Billy Joel CD?
- tecleandor 7y agoThey sell every functionality as an aditional "license" or "plugin". So, for example, it's not unusual that, by default, your half a million USD scanner, that includes a powerful workstation to control it (the one the technician uses behind the window) will only let you write CDs (for example, to give your patient a copy of his/her scan) if you pay an additional "CD Writing license" Now, with PACS and centralization that have changed a bit, but still...
- stallmanite 7y agoThanks for the explanation. Still gross but not as bad as RIAA checks being performed somehow.
- userbinator 7y agoApparently, it's not enough that you need the biggest dongle in the world (i.e. the machine itself!) to use the software. Same for a lot of other industrial equipment. In my (admittedly limited) experience, they get cracked pretty quickly by the owner, either before the factory ever gets any downtime, or right after the first time.
- lostgame 7y agoThis is fascinating, thank you for sharing it. Medical technology fascinates me, but I am nowhere near the industry. Same with things like CarPlay et al.
- TheSpiceIsLife 7y ago> There is no way to use the software without it plugged in. This is only true if the software hasn’t been crack?
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- unicornfinder 7y agoThing is, the majority of iLok protected software has never been cracked, or if it has been cracked, only very old versions that aren't exactly relevant anymore.
- TheSpiceIsLife 7y agoAh, right, fair enough :)
- fortran77 7y agoThe problem is, there are some industries where the piracy rate would be 100% if it weren't for dongles. Music production software, for one. And another surprising one is church software! (They feel they shouldn't have to pay because they're a "church" and serve a higher purpose.) I go to the NAMM (musical instrument manufacturers) trade show every year and work with music, sound, and church software vendors.
- wcfields 7y agoEmbroidery software is another ( https://www.wingsxp.com/ https://www.wingsxp.com/ )
- hajhatten 7y agoSteinberg Cubase uses these aswell
- NikkiA 7y agoCubase uses eLicenser, not iLok, and it hasn't been cracked since a version about 10+ years ago so it does a pretty good job - even if that does mean cubase has fallen in popularity.
- tolien 7y agoThe new Mac Pro tower has an internal USB-A port, explicitly for this reason [1]. 1: https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/06/04/apples-new-mac-pro-internal-components---answers-and-lingering-questions https://appleinsider.com/articles/19/06/04/apples-new-mac-pr...
- justinjlynn 7y agoI look at what the industry has allowed itself become and cringe.
- SyneRyder 7y agoiLok doesn't require the hardware dongle anymore, licenses can be installed onto the hard drive now. Some people prefer the dongle because they can carry their licenses from machine to machine, studio to studio etc. But as a user, I still much prefer the old-school serial number unlock without internet activation, though.
- unicornfinder 7y agoIt depends - a lot of software still requires the hardware dongle and it's much more secure than the machine licensing option I'm told.
- unicornfinder 7y agoActually the current generation of iLok hasn't been cracked yet (and from what I've heard it's unlikely that it ever will be). There was a time a few years ago when the wrapper got cracked but as far as I know the security itself is still strong.