A method and system for reducing unauthorized software use include generating a key based on computer-specific information of a computer on which the software is installed and using the key to encrypt an authorization code which enables use of the software on the computer. A representative maintains contact with the software user as a new authorization code from the representative is required after some period of use of the software. The representative encrypts the new password using the key and transfers the encrypted key to authorize use of the software for a next period of use. The encrypted password is a form of digital signature or certificate which is unique to a particular computer and limits use of the software to the particular computer. The key may be generated using various computer-specific information such as the motherboard/processor identification, the number of bad sectors or hard disk identification, and/or the amount of installed memory.

A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first authorization code with the software. The first authorization code enables the software on a computer for use by a user for an initial authorized period upon entry by the user. The user is required to contact the representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during a subsequent authorization period beyond the initial authorization period without further or continual communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The user chooses manual or electronic registration and provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. The registration information includes computer specific information. The additional authorization code is communicated to the software upon the registration information indicating that the software has not been previously registered or upon the registration information matching a portion of previously provided registration information.

Systems and methods for monitoring, testing, distribution, and use of computer software with associated methods and systems for repeatedly contacting a software user and exchanging information, such as passwords, authorization information, marketing, advertising, or promotional information include associating a list of passwords with each copy or group of copies of computer software which must be entered at predetermined intervals to provide continued use of the software. Software monitoring and network license metering may be providing by storing information relative to software operation on a local computer or server and transferring the information to a remote computer or server at predetermined intervals.

A computer readable storage medium having data representing instructions executable by a computer to reduce unauthorized use of software. The medium includes instructions for requiring a user to enter a first authorization code supplied with the software to enable the software on the computer for use by the user for an initial authorization period. The medium also includes instructions for requiring the user to contact a representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during a subsequent authorization period beyond the initial authorization period without further continual communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The medium further includes instructions for requiring the user to provide registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. The medium additionally includes instructions for disabling the software following the initial authorized period if the additional authorization code is not entered.

A method for reducing unauthorized software use includes supplying a first authorization code with the software. The first authorization code enables the software on a computer for use by a user during an initial period upon entry by the user. The user then contacts the representative for retrieval of an additional authorization code. The software is operable during subsequent periods without further communication with the representative following entry of the additional authorization code. The user chooses either manual or electronic registration and provides registration information to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code. Previously stored registration information is compared with the registration information provided by the user to the representative prior to retrieval of the additional authorization code to determine if the user is an unauthorized user. The software is disabled if the user is an unauthorized user or if the additional authorization code is not entered.