Method of monitoring runtime usage of demo evaluation software

摘要

Monitoring clock ticks of a CPU ("computer processing unit") during its execution of a software program is provided. The clock ticks are monitored, and an elapsed runtime is updated, throughout execution of the program on a periodic basis. The elapsed runtime is stored in a hidden file or within a key inside a software registry. Updating runtime on a periodic basis ensures accurate tracking of runtime usage even in the event of a program crash, allowing the user to restart the program without the penalty of lost runtime. The software package will continue to operate until the elapsed runtime exceeds a predetermined evaluation time, at which point the software package is fully or partially disabled until it is registered by the user. An alternative to the hidden tracking file or registry is to use a World Wide Web push/pull technology to store runtime information at the software provider's site, allowing the provider to modify the evaluation period on a pay-per-use basis.