Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Anderson
If that is so, it implies that we need an internet connection, not only to install LabVIEW, but to run it. Is that truly the case? I'm just now copying the lv851.zip file to a CD so I can install it on the computer at our workshop. I had already been fretting that instead of carrying the data to the computer, I might need to carry the computer to the data. Now I'm getting worried that I might not be able to use the computer at the shop even after putting the software on it.
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No internet connection required. Our donated computer at our shop is not connected to the internet either. I installed the LabView software last night and when it got to the part about licensing I clicked a box to do it via email from another computer. It allows you to save a text file with everything NI needs and you email the file attached to a empty email (no subject line, no message) to a NI email address and in a minute or two they email you back the license codes.
As far as I can tell (good or bad) there really isn't any possible way for NI to control this distribution.
1) How to get it and the serial number to use are on a web site that anyone can see.
2) The serial number and installation is the same for everyone and there appears to be no limit to the number of computer (seats) that it will install on.
3) There are multiple ways to get the required license codes to use it for the licensed period (til January of 2010) including direct internet connection, email from a separate machine, and even just calling up NI over the phone.
4) On the two machines I have installed it on - my laptop with an internet connection and our donated team desktop without and internet connection getting the activation code was a simple automated process. I just asked a machine to give it to me and it did (in a matter of seconds). No human @ NI was involved, thus no verification for FIRST team only use or not.
I assume they don't care if this is out there for everyone because:
1) Even though it is the "Full Version" of LabView it seems to be a FIRST specific distribution.
2) It will shut itself off in a little over a year.
3) If someone outside of FIRST gets it and learns it and then starts using it and then gets dependent on it they are going to be out of luck in a year and will be forced to buy it.
4) It is version 8.5.1 and the latest version seems to be 8.6. I assume we will be getting 8.6 in a box with actual CDs in the KoP in January.