This may seem like a silly question, but....

from WinCustomize Forums
This may seem like a silly question, but does anyone have an idea as to how difficult it would be to make WindowBlinds, IconPackager and CursorXp portable? I've been using John Haller's PortableApps.com to put progs like Firefox, Thunderbird and Pidgin (an IM proggie) on my usb drive an then use them on computers at work and elsewhere because they're run totally from the flash drive. So all I need now is to be able to take WB, IP, and CXP with me wherever I go and I would be one extremely happy camper. Now how cool is that? :)
6,811 views 12 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I imagine it could be done. Except for CXP it sounds almost like a Mycolors download.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I was under the impression that these apps were strictly and exclusively for one machine only once purchased.

That sharing a licensed copy on other machines is prohibited.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Cp

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And by the way, when you're trying to gather information, finding truth or learning something, I found the silliest question is the one you don't ask!

Cp

 :CONGRAT: 
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
From the WB EULA:
YOU MAY:
1. Install and use one copy of the
SOFTWARE on a single computer.
2. Install a second copy of the SOFTWARE on a
second computer only if you are the main user of
this computer (home computer or laptop for
example).
3. Install the SOFTWARE on another computer only
if you change your main workstation. In such a case
you must uninstall the software from the old
computer.
4. Use the SOFTWARE via a network, only if you
have purchased an adequate number of licenses.
The number of users must not exceed the number of
licenses you have purchased.
5. Make a copy of the SOFTWARE for archival
purposes only.

As long it's only on the one you are using . .  you should be fine. (I think)
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
OK, I get what you're telling me, but if it's a portable version that installs nothing on the computer you're currently using, would that violate the terms of the EULA? Remember, everything is running off of the flash drive and goes with you when you eject the drive.

My main reason for asking is because on the computer I use at work, the policy is--and I'm sure you can understand why since you all work in the IT field--that employees are prohibited from installing any software on county computers. A portable usb solution sounds brilliant because nothing is installed. It all runs on the flash drive.

Here's the program that got me to thinking about this. I ran across it while looking at sites that have portable apps. The program is called Thinstall. From what I was reading it appears to do exactly what I want. The only thing is that the program is geared toward a corporate environment. And at $4995.00 it had better be! (:( :LOL:
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I see what you're saying Stupendous, but my thinking is that to use these products it has to go through activation before you can use it and activation is based on registration.

And with this in mind, I don't think the product will work from a flash drive and if you can, it could be interpreted as hacking or pirating.

Bottom line, you can't run this stuff on just any machine, it has to be your machine, your laptop or your new machine with the old machine's copy deleted.

The EULA that Zubaz posted will tell you the limitations.

Hope this helps, I know that I learned something from this.

 :CONGRAT: 

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Bottom line, you can't run this stuff on just any machine, it has to be your machine, your laptop or your new machine with the old machine's copy deleted.
End of quote
I disagree. You can install (which I will read as "run the application") on the primary PC you are using. Section two states that you can use it if you are the main user. If I am sitting in front of it at the moment I want to use WB, I am the main user. As long as when I leave that PC I take WB with me . . I think you're OK.

I don't know that WB could even run from a USB . . be cool if it could. Back in the OS/2 days you could package up a desktop with apps and distribute that. Very cool.


Addendum . . Stardock is wicked cool about using their products.  they want you to uise them . . just not pass them around.  :)
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As far as the EULA, I guess it would depend if a USB stick would qualify as a 'computer', since that is where it would actually be installed (assuming it could be done of course).

Would be a cool idea.  ;) 
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't know that WB could even run from a USB . . be cool if it could.
End of quote


Isn't there an issue about skin folder placement with WB6?

I seem to remember a lot of discussion about folders being placed in the "all users" directory. I don't know if that makes a difference.
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

The Stardock EULA does not indicate limitations/prohibitions re the use of a flash drive...and essentially you would still be using the software on your computer as per the limitations - provided the computers used were yours.

The issue will arise, however if there is a requirement to enter the product activation/serial/s individually onto each machine for it to run as that would be the equivalent of a multiple install and thus beyond the terms of 'your primary, and a secondary ie-laptop'...;)

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The issue will arise, however if there is a requirement to enter the product activation/serial/s individually onto each machine for it to run as that would be the equivalent of a multiple install and thus beyond the terms of 'your primary, and a secondary ie-laptop'
End of quote



That's what I was talking about.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
When I saw the info on Thinstall I thought this would be great if it could run WB virtually on other computers, even if it was only in a limited way. I hate having to look at XP's GUI all day long when I have such sweet stuff as Cyclops, Diamond, and Molten at home. And it's likely to be another 3 or 4 years before Vista shows up here at work. On the other hand, I agree about the problems/difficulty with activation/registration on multiple machines.

Well a guy can dream.....