How do they know?

[ChristopherCoy]

I was reading the PS Licensing agreement and came across this:

2.5 Portable or Home Computer Use. Subject to the important restrictions set forth in Section 2.6, the primary user of the Computer on which the Software is installed under Section 2.2 (“Primary User”) may install a second copy of the Software for his or her exclusive use on either a portable Computer or a Computer located at his or her home, provided that the Software on the portable or home Computer is not used at the same time as the Software on the primary Computer.

We've got a Macbook Pro laptop that Brit edits on, and {hopefully-by this weekend} we'll have an iMac desktop at the studio. *IF* we upgrade to CS5, according to the above, we should be able to install it on the desktop, and the laptop, however we can only use one at a time.

My question is... how can the systems tell that both installations are operating at the same time?

My first thought was that when you open PS, it has an automatic connection to the internet. However if you aren't connected to the internet, that would negate that thought.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

My first thought was that when you open PS, it has an automatic connection to the internet. However if you aren't connected to the internet, that would negate that thought.

Short answer...Yes.

How Many Computers Can You Install Adobe CS5 On? | ProDesignTools

[brad]

The answer is they don't know.

The EULA gives you license to do it.. any violation of the terms of the EULA is prohibited.

There is nothing that says they enforce it or otherwise prevent you from using it at the same time... just that you aren't supposed to.

[andyz]

Microsoft used to allow that, then they did away with it. I don't know what is on MS licensing agreements now. But it often comes down to honesty.

I'm surprised that with PS new installs don't necessarily remove the older version. You effectively can have two versions loaded which makes working easier. Just seems odd to me. Topaz is like that too. I have 3 and 4. I didn't uninstall 3 yet for fear that I'll remove a shared file or something.

If you do use CS5 on the desktop and laptop at the same time, the person who reported you for not having a business license that you posted about, will tell them. Its his/her job to make your life miserable.

[tukaniray]

We have 3 computers at our office that utilizes CS3 at the moment. And I can tell you that they put something in the software to block the ability to use it on 2 mediums.

We tried it out before buying 2 more copies at the time. With 2 computers on, the last one opened will pop up saying this software is being used by another user then options that come up are either Quit or Report issue to Adobe.

Same goes for our FCP 3 software.

Adobe also makes you register your software or else you are subject to the 30 day trial if you don't. Once you hit 2, you will receive a note if you try to install on a 3rd computer. Pop up comes and says your serial already has 2 computers registered. Then you have the option to un-register a computer or cancel.

-Ray-