Another protection type which I'm sure you'll be all to familiar with is the time-trial or 30 days protection. Sadly, most software authors implement their protection after they've spent considerable time on the full version, the concept of producing a specific trial version that disables itself or prevents re-installation / BIOS cheating continues to elude them. Of course very little time-protected software is actually worth using past its evaluation period anyhow.
Sourcing time-trialled software is usually a simple task. Magazine cover CD's bought at "kilo" prices are usually jam packed with suitable targets. Just flicking through one of my recent magazines (PC Direct November 1999), I've got some rather enticing Omniquad applications, PictureWorks HotShots & WinDelete 5 all for around £1.20 ($1.75 if you are American), these are good places to start your trials.
GetLocalTime, GetSystemTime, GetTimeZoneInformation, msvcrt.diffTime().
| Target Name | Description | Date |
| 123 ZIP! v2.0 | The "limited trial run" scheme. | 26/06/98 |
| CuteFTP v2.6 & HEdit v2.1.14 | Elementary time-trial reversing by Sixx. | 14/11/98 |
| DropConvert v2.2 | Cracking time-trials with just your HEX editor. | 06/06/98 |
| Extensis PhotoFrame v1.0 | Following a serial number scheme to beat the 30 days. | 30/12/98 |
| FileNotes v3.2 | Elegantly patching a 45 day trial and nag strings. | 19/08/98 |
| Fortres 101 v4.0 | InstallShield PFTW password cracking and time-trial function exports. | 11/01/99 |
| HVS ColorGIF v2.008 | Lots of flags in this time trial and crippled plug-in. | 29/12/98 |
| HyperChem v5.02 | A fairly tough time-trial/run-time & license protection. | 19/07/98 |
| Microsoft PhotoDraw TM 2000 v1.0 | A 30 day time-trial courtesy of our friends at MS. | 26/11/98 |
| Paint Shop Pro v5.0 | "Its in the registry" by Santa Clawz. | 10/02/99 |
| Personal Inventory 98 | Time-trial and nag screen/string removing with Borland Resource Workshop. | 05/12/98 |
| Premia Codewright v5.1b | Beating a time-trial and changing the contents of the About Box. | 29/07/98 |
| Revelation ViP Designer v2.5 | Flag setting and 1Eh in another 30-day trial. | 10/10/98 |
| Ulead PhotoImpact v4.2 | Simple time-trial and nag busting by Mr WhiTe. | 30/07/99 |
| Virtus OpenSpace 3D Author | Profiling a time-trial scheme before reversing it. | 20/05/99 |
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