Software Terms

Glossary of software definitions.

Desktop Licence

A system for licencing your Square One software on a specific computer using its unique hardware 'signaturue'. This is the most commonly used type of licence and allows the software to be used only on the computer that the licence was created for. A desktop licence can be moved to a different computer by transferring it.

See also: Related Pages, Network Licence

Freeware

Proprietary software distributed without cost to the end user. The software remains copyrighted to the author and is typically not equivalent to open source software (which also distributes the source code free of charge). In terms of Square One, we offer a number of freeware products, listed on our products page, which anyone is free to download and use.

See also: Shareware

Licence File

The file containing the information required to fully licence your purchased Square One software. When you activate your purchased software you will receive a licence file.

Licence Service

The background process that runs on a local licence server that issues floating network licences to other machines on your local area network.

See also: Network Licence Manager

Network Licence

A system for licencing your Square One software that requires contact with a local licence server to obtain a licence. This method allows a large number of machines to share a limited number of licences. See the Network Licence page for full details on this licence method.

See also: Related Pages, Desktop Licence, Network Licence Manager

Network Licence Manager

The Network Licence Manager is a small piece of software written by Square One to help with the setup and management of network licences for Square One products. Fundamentally the Network Licence Manager is a User Interface for controlling the Licence Service. It is not necessary to use the Network Licence Manager when operating network licences, but it is recommended as it automates many commonly used functions.

See also: Licence Service, Network Licence

Order Number

An Order Number is the number that identifies your purchase with Square One. This number will have been provided in any invoice, quotes or email confirmations that you will have received at the time of your purchase. Prior to August 2006 Square One Order Numbers were of the form 0123-1234567890. After August 2006 they changed to 1234567890-1. It is very important to keep this number in a safe place, as it ensures that we can identify your purchase, make any changes to your details if needed, as well as allowing you to access licence activation methods.

See also: Proof of Purchase Number

Proof of Purchase Number

An Proof of Purchase Number is the number that identifies your purchase with Square One. This number will have been provided in any invoice, quotes or email confirmations that you will have received at the time of your purchase. Prior to August 2006 Square One Order Numbers were of the form 0123-1234567890. After August 2006 they changed to 1234567890-1. It is very important to keep this number in a safe place, as it ensures that we can identify your purchase, make any changes to your details if needed, as well as allowing you to access licence activation methods.

See also: Order Number

Shareware

Type of software that allows the user to try it out (without cost) in a demo or trial basis before purchasing a full licence. Some shareware software offers a limited feature set or may be limited by time (eg. the 30 day trial) as an encouragement for the end user to purchase a full licence. In the case of Square One, both the Weather Tool and Solar Tool programs are examples of shareware.

See also: Freeware

Software Activation

The process of initiating Square One software so that a purchased licence becomes active and ready to use. See the Software Activation page for information on the entire process, how it works, what's involved and when you need to undertake it.
Please note: software activation replaces the "software registration" method used prior to ECOTECT v5.50.

See also: Related Pages, Square One Activation Server

Square One Activation Server

Servers maintained by Square One that issue licences for Square One software products. When activating a licence via the Internet the software will connect to these Servers, ask you to login (for security) and issue a licence. When transferring a licence it will be securely stored on the Square One Activation Servers until you re-activate the software again on your new or upgraded computer.

See also: Software Activation