Re: Self-destructing documents

[Keith Arnett <keith_arnett -at- RESTON -dot- OMD -dot- STERLING -dot- COM>]

     Perhaps this is a job for a Java application?  Java applets by
     definition do not have the ability to make changes to the local system
     (such as deleting files), but Java applications do.

     However, you must provide the end user with a fairly high level of trust in
     order to induce him or her to download your application, since they are
     giving you access to their entire local environment.  In theory, you could
     decide to delete your PDF file by formatting the C:\ drive (not that you
     would, of course).

     I suggest you consult with a Java developer about the possibilities.  It seems
     to me that you could create a Java application that would display your PDF file,
     and then, after some predetermined time period, run an uninstall routine that
     would remove both the application and the PDF file.

     Good luck,

     Keith Arnett
     Technical Writer
     Sterling Software, Inc./Operations Management Division
     Reston VA USA

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Self-destructing documents
Author:  John Cornellier <cornelli -at- CLAMART -dot- SRPC -dot- SLB -dot- COM> at INTERNET
Date:    6/8/98 6:48 PM


Hello

I have a PDF file I want to sell for a limited period, i.e. you use it for 30
daysand then it turns into a pumpkin or become otherwise unreadable. The medium
 is PDF.

This would be like a shareware program that becomes unusable after a trial
period.Is this realistic? Obviously anyone who really wants to copy the material
 will do it. They can retype it from the screen if they're so inclined. In any
case I'd l e to hear from anyone who has implemented or considered implementing
what I desc be above, whether with PDF or not.

Thanks
John Cornellier
tech writer, Paris France