Computer for operating distributed software

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for evaluating software freely distributed over the Internet are disclosed. In one disclosed embodiment, licensing system code is inserted into software to be distributed. The code includes a client module associated with the distributed software. A computer operating the software may then by caused to form a connection to a license server over an IP-compliant network responsive to detection by the client module of use of the distributed software on a client computer. The client computer may also be directed to a Web site associated with the distributed software and the user prompted to either purchase the distributed software or-evaluate the distributed software for a demonstration period.

1 . A computer for operating distributed software comprising: 
 a computer for operating distributed software, the distributed software having licensing system code inserted therein including a client module associated with the distributed software;    the computer being configured to: 
 form a connection to a license server over an IP-compliant network responsive to detection by the client module of use of the distributed software on the computer;  
 direct said computer to Web site associated with the distributed software; and  
 wherein the Web site prompts the user to either purchase the distributed software or evaluate the distributed software for a demonstration period.  
   
   
   
       2 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein said computer is further configured to receiving a validation from said license server over said connection responsive to an election to either purchase or evaluate said distributed software and operate said client software application in accordance with the contents of said validation.  
   
   
       3 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein said computer is further configured to selectively enable features of said distributed software.  
   
   
       4 . The computer of  claim 3 , wherein said computer is further configured to prompt a user to enter credit card information responsive to a request to enable a selected feature of said distributed software.  
   
   
       5 . The computer of  claim 1 , wherein said computer is further configured to monitor the use of said distributed software and billing the user according to those features used.