How To/Get a Userful Multiplier License Key
From Userful Support
How to Get a Userful Multiplier License Key
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Copyright © 2005-2008, Userful Corporation. All rights reserved.
(Updated 2008.07.11)
Contents |
Overview
The software program described below is installed automatically with Desktop Server and Userful Multiplier and makes retrieving and installing license keys simple and easy. The user simply enters the number of stations to be activated and a secure account access code and then connects to Userful's licensing server over the Internet. The licensing server generates then sends back an appropriate license file tied to the specific hardware of that system which is then installed in the appropriate location on the hard-disk. There is no need to reboot for the license to take effect and the registration nag screen should then immediatly stop appearing. This simple process must be repeated once on each multi-station computer system. In the event that a system needs to be re-imaged, the process will need to be repeated. However, because the license is tied to hardware the second and subsequent license downloads for the same system will not decrease the number of remaining licenses on the account.
Step 1: Download and Install Multi-Station Software
Userful's multi-station software must be installed and should be working properly on you PC prior to obtaining a license key file. The following Userful multi-station software downloads are available:
- Userful Multiplier - 15 MB download for adding multi-station functionality to existing Linux desktop systems
- Desktop Server - 2 to 4 CD download "reference implementation" that installs both the multi-station software and the full Linux operating system on a new PC, hard drive, or partition.
Detailed installation instructions can be found in the README.txt or README.pdf file included in the downloaded zip files, and are also available from the Userful Control Panel.
Step 2: Obtain or Purchase an Activation Code
2.1. Launch the Userful Control Panel
After installing, launch the graphical activation tool on the multi-station computer you wish the license to be installed. The location of the menu entry to launch this application varies depending on your Linux distribution:
- Desktop Server/Fedora/Redhat/Ubuntu: Applications > System Tools > Userful
- Suse: Applications > Utilities > More Programs > Userful
- NLD: Applications > Accessories > More > Userful
/usr/share/1box-utils/about-dialog.py
Note: The graphical activation tool depends on gtk. If gtk is not installed, you may wish to execute unset DISPLAY prior to proceeding. This will result in cleaner command line output. If the dialog does not display due to this or other dependencies (such as a missing python interpreter), follow the command line options in each step below.
2.2. Launch the Graphical Activation Tool
The Userful licensing process requires Internet access.
In the Userful "About" dialog, click the [Activate] button, this will launch the activation tool. The activation tool accepts an activation code or launches the on-line Userful license activation tool which generates an activation code.
2.3. Purchasing or Obtaining an Activation Code
If you have an activation code, skip to step 3.1.
If you do not have an activation code, you will first need to purchase one. Click the [Launch Browser to get activation code] button to start the registration process using your web browser. The browser submits basic system information required to create an appropriate license file, including the system's MAC address, the Linux distribution and version, and installed video cards to Userful's on-line licensing server. Userful's licensing server then redirects you to the appropriate web-page which will either allow you to purchase a license key electronically or will give you the sales contact information necessary to obtain a license key.
Note: The command line equivalent is the /usr/share/1box-utils/register.sh script. This will either launch a web browser or provide a URL for you to follow to complete the web based registration process.
The website will walk you through steps to complete your purchase of the Activation Code.
On completion of your purchase you will receive a confirmation message containing your unique activation code that will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. If you are unable to receive mail at the e-mail address you provided, or if you have not received your activation code within 30 minutes of requesting a license, please contact the vendor you purchased from for assistance.
Once you have an activation code proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Using the Activation Code to Obtain and Install the License Key
Re-launch the activation tool if it is not already still running (see step 2.2 for instructions). Click the [Activate] button in the Control Panel (see steps 2.1 & 2.2 above). Enter your unique activation code into the application and click [Activate]. The Userful licensing application will then automatically download, install and activate your license key file.
Note: This activation process can also be run from the command line. To do this, run the install-license.sh script providing your activation code as the only argument. For example,/usr/share/1box-utils/install-license.sh 12345678. If the activation was successful, it will install the license key file and display a success message. If the activation was not successful, it will display a message returned from the server.
Getting Help (For License Installation Support Only)
If you are unable to obtain or install a license using the instructions above, send an e-mail message containing your MAC address and any error messages received to license-support@userful.com. Only questions pertaining to license key file installation will be answered at that address. Userful also provides a free support forum in which Userful software and licensing related questions may be posted.
