Advice on free app and user security

[William Prothero]

Thanks for the interesting comments. 

One thing I like to do is have a configuration file on a db on my server, so I can set specific parameters without the need to update the app. My current app accesses help files using the revBrowser and links to my html help (on my server) and a youtube demo movie. This way I can update the help files, add to them, etc, without requiring updating the app. Of course, I could have a link to a web page that does the same thing, but when the student using the app is focussed on their assignment, it’s nice to have help front and center.

What I had planned was that there would be 2 installation modes. One would be in a lab setting where multiple students use the software. Another would be individual installations, probably by students in an online class or for homework assignments. The lab setting would require only one registration. I would inform the person doing the installation that there would be a usage item sent to the server, with a promise that the data will not contain personally identifiable information. That would be up front, and required. I haven’t yet decided about the individual student, but it would be nice if I could differentiate between frequent users and those who only try out the app.

Regards,
Bill

> On Jan 19, 2015, at 12:33 PM, tbodine <bodine at bodinetraininggames.com> wrote:
> 
>>> Skip the email / reg code thing. Don’t do it. Skip the back end database,
> you don’t need it. 
> 
> Interesting thread. One factor not mentioned yet is the possible subversion
> of your intent, Bill. Case in point: when my daughter was teaching she
> started a blog with free teacher resources of her own creation. The blog
> became quite popular. And within a year a number of other sites popped up
> offering her content and other material (presumable free) for sale and
> without attribution. (She left teaching for other reasons and has since let
> her blog lapse.)
> 
> My thought is your minor requirements of an email, reg code and tracking
> create a very small barrier to entry that shouldn't stop legit educators or
> students. But it may be just enough to keep those looking for an easy, fast
> buck from subverting your work. 
> 
> My 2 cents.
> Tom Bodine
> 
> 
> 
> 
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