Dog series - SoftDog Product introduction Low cost encryption solution targeting at uni-processor environment SoftDog is a hardware product used for software protection on parallel interface and USB interface of computer. It adopts port noise technology with 100 bytes nonvolatile memory and anti-tracing capability are provided; it is an ideal choice for economic and practical solution for software protection. SoftDog development kit has two types: Parallel interface type and USB type. It allows software developer to protect the software by various methods and prevent the software from being copied and used illegally. SoftDog development kit is comprised of following components: 1. SoftDog SoftDog refers to hardware Dog installed on parallel interface or USB interface. It is a programmable, readable and writeable memory device with a data storage area of 100 bytes. You can access to a SoftDog by means of relevant encryption interface functions and developer tools when it is installed on the computer. 2. Encryption interface Encryption interface provided by SoftDog development kit is a program interface module comprising of various development languages that can be inserted into source codes of program. You can operate on a SoftDog by utilizing encryption interface provided by SoftDog development kit in your program. 3. Developer tool (DogEdt32.EXE) SoftDog developer tool can allow for the operations like editing, reading of serial number and serial initialization by the developer on SoftDog storage area. Operational principle Product features Newly-added functions Applicable language environment Applicable operating systems Precautions for upgrade by developers Method of application Operational principle Developer program operates on SoftDog by calling the interface modules provided by SoftDog development kit, SoftDog responds to the operation and returns the relevant data to the developer application programs through interface module. Developer application programs can identify the returned value and take corresponding actions. Return of ineffective responses indicates that no correct Dog is available; in this case, developer may choose to stop the running of application programs. Simple schematic diagram is shown as below: SoftDog development kit offers two encryption options: use obj, dll and ActiveX objector use shell tool directly, please choose an option according to your requirements. Encryption solution 1: Use obj, DLL and ActiveX object obj, dll and ActiveX object offer the interface functions for operation of SoftDog, you can add the calling of these interface functions into source codes of application programs to protect your one or more software and then recompile your application programs. You will set the frequency of calling of the encryption interface in the application software and measures to be taken when no SoftDog is found. In principle, the more frequently you call and set the encryption interfaces, the more it will be helpful to your prevention against potential hackers from breaking your software protection. Encryption solution 2: Use shell tool Usage of shell tool is a fast and simple solution for software protection. Unlike interface function that needs to change the source code, it adds a protection layer for your executable application programs automatically. It will automatically check whether the SoftDog exists when the programs start running or are running. The application programs cannot run if th