> > I just tried to install the Quartus II web edition software and I see
> > that to get a license I need to have an Ethernet card. Does Altera
> > provide for any other sort of license? It seems silly to require me to
> > buy and install an Ethernet interface just so they can key a license for
> > *free* software.
>
> Rick -- ask the REAL question: why do they continue bother with the
> licensing bullshit AT ALL, esp. for FREE SOFTWARE that enables us to
> design with their chips? Rant rant rant.
>
> If I had a nickel for every minute I've wasted on FlexLM, I'd retire.
I would very much like to rant until they dropped the licencing on the free tools. But I feel I rant a bit too much already and I don't want to alienate anyone (or anyone more than I have). I know that sometimes I push buttons with Peter and Austin. I hope they don't mind too much.
I remember telling the Orcad people what I thought of their new licensing scheme when they were bought by some larger, high end player. The new owners felt that Orcad should have high end licensing and I let them know that I would not be installing the upgrade because of it. I belive it would have required me to either buy an Ethernet card or to use a dongle. These days I am not willing to do either to use software. But a hard drive key is within my comfort zone. I know that if I replace my hard drive I can set my own serial number and be back on the air without depending on them. Orcad is one company I will *never* depend on for anything.