Well Simeon, I've come to like you over this somewhat impersonal medium, but the word Jerry-rig suggests that those of us using P3D either don't buy the Q400 or put up with whatever we can patch together in a transfer. Just a bit of a put-down, unintended though it might be. We are keen flight simulator users its just that we have moved up to P3D - which is the same base code so a native installer is not such an onerous task. After all we, personally, are responsible for the correct use of the EULA.

1. The credit card data is not stored on the server OR the customer computer. It is discarded by the installer right after it is entered, and it is no different than when one enters their data in their browser for the purchase, the installer is merely an authentication tool for verification of the code that was purchased.

 

Where is it stored in the interval between purchase and installation? It is obviously stored somewhere.

Well Simeon, I've come to like you over this somewhat impersonal medium, but the word Jerry-rig suggests that those of us using P3D either don't buy the Q400 or put up with whatever we can patch together in a transfer. Just a bit of a put-down, unintended though it might be. We are keen flight simulator users its just that we have moved up to P3D - which is the same base code so a native installer is not such an onerous task. After all we, personally, are responsible for the correct use of the EULA.

Hi Ian,

I used the term jerry-rig loosely due to the fact that Majestic's Dash series is created on a multi-level platform (always has been). The Pilot and Pro editions, although designed for the true systems enthusiast, still falls under the Entertainment aspect within FSX, and not P3D (which does not exist per se). At this time Oleksiy has determined that if P3D is considered it will only by for the Training edition - which would be used for the professional aspect, i.e. schools, universities, airlines (for procedural or PCATD/ FNTP applications and the like). I too am going to be experimenting with P3D here in the near future, but will not be expecting to use my Pilot or Pro edition with it. While I understand that it may be a bit of a put down, also bear in mind that Majestic also has to look a the possible ramifications, if any, that must be avoided at all costs.

 

I am sure this topic will arise again, and the outcome may change, but at this exact moment that is where we stand. There is not too much more that I can elaborate on regarding this as it has not been finalized.

 

Simeon,

Yes, I understand it won't re-transmit the card number back across the internet. My suspicion is that if the installer is using the cc number for validation, it must be stored somewhere in the installer package. Otherwise how does it know you are putting in the right cc number? The only way that I know it could do that is that the cc number must be stored in the installer package you download from the internet when you purchase the aircraft. That means it is going out across the internet in a potentially insecure fashion, and if anyone intercepted it, then they'd not only have your airplane (I'm sure you would get it too), but your cc number as well. Without revealing any secrets, can you confirm or deny this?

 

Please understand Simeon, I'm not trying to be a pain or stir up trouble. Far, far from it. I just am extremely protective of my personal data because I know someone who did have a card ripped off (yes, it could happen anywhere, but that's why we try to minimize the risks as much as possible) and it was a nightmare for them for several months after the fact. The truth is, I have been looking forward to this airplane for years now, and being an Avionics Tech who works on Dash 8 components (not 400 series though), this machine holds a special interest for me. But as badly as I want it, I'm not willing to take chances with my cc. In addition, folks at the forum where I hang out usually are equally as interested, but to a person they have said they won't buy the aircraft if they have to re-enter their cc number to validate the airplane. So my purpose in pursuing this is in hopes to have a different way of doing this that is equally (if not more) secure, but in which we aren't placing our own personal information in a tenuous position.

 

Thanks Simeon, I sure appreciate you acting as a go-between here. It helps greatly.

 

Glenn

My apologies, I did not realize that you replied .... I will double check with Oley, but they installer is merely looking at the key file that MJC provided and cross referencing it within the installer - if the data from your card matches the key file data that was generated, the the installation continues. The key file does not have any of the CC data stored in it - it is generated based on the info given during the initial purchase at the MJC online store. Somewhat like the Flight Wrapper, however this is not going back across the internet for verification (as mentioned before CC info from sales is not stored on our Servers).

 

Now the installer has a second option for installation which is providing MJC support with a partial key that is generated in the installer based on hardware in your PC....MJC Support in turn sends back an authentication code within 24 - 48 hours, somewhat of a slower method, but eliminates the concern of CC issues.

 

I hope this was of some help to you, if not please feel free to drop a line to [email protected]. My apologies if I don't respond to anyone right away...between my busy schedule at work, family obligations, and of course working on the Q4 in my down time, I may not get to the forums as much as I would like.

Purely uneducated conjecture here, so don't flame this comment, but feel free to tell me I'm all wrong on this.

 

It sounds the key is created back at the time of purchase by some sort of algorithm that uses the buyers cc number as a seed value. So the CC number is not stored in the download, only the license number. However, if the app on the customer's pc has to do a validation of the key using that cc number then does it not follow that the same algorithm must exist in the installer. If so, does that not open a door for a talented hacker to buy a copy of the add on, reverse engineer/hack the algorithm, and then monitor the download servers to snag copies of peoples down loads and back the cc number out of the embedded license and algorithm.

 

Of course if they are that talented they are likely out scamming something far more lucrative...

Thanks much for this Simeon (and no worries on "being late" getting back to me - I understand fully :smile: ). I appreciate you continuing to address this. Given there is a second option, I would definitely go for that over using a cc number. I understand Majestic is quite protective of peoples' info as well as their own product (understandably and as it should be). I would urge (or request you to urge Oley) to come up with a safer plan than having to re-enter one's cc number again. Even if unrelated to the actual Q400 purchase, should someone accidentally (from another source, not Majestic) have picked up a key logger, they could still end up in some difficulty by activating the Q400. I tend not to use my gaming machine for cc purchases due to decreased security on it thus activating my copy of the Q400 conceivably could still end up "costing me" much more than the Q400. Even if it's only a perceived security risk, it's still enough for me to be wary of it and likely I wouldn't purchase it if the cc number is still required.

 

Thanks again Simeon. I'll look in on facebook from time to time as the release date gets nearer to follow the progress on this. Again your input is very much appreciated.

 

Glenn

Ok Guys......

 

I am back. Just to correct some info that I passed along. Due to the multiple conversations that transpire it is easy to have miscommunications especially when there is discussion between two products. This was a discussion that I held Oley just when the P3D fever had begun regarding the EULA, and we (him and I) had not spoken much of if there after - my apologies for the non factual data.

 

Ian and other interested persons: Upon release "All" editions of the Q400 will be P3D compatible (that is the plan). Regarding the The Q300 - only the Training Edition will possibly be updated to work with P3D.

 

Glenn,

I am not sure if you noticed in an earlier post that I made, the Q400 activation "will not" be conducted via CC credentials anymore. There will be a few changes regarding this.

Glenn,

I am not sure if you noticed in an earlier post that I made, the Q400 activation "will not" be conducted via CC credentials anymore. There will be a few changes regarding this.

 

Ahh. No, I didn't see that (or if I did, I misread). That's great. Many thanks for all you've done Simeon. Looking forward to the release when the aircraft is completed.

 

Many thanks again!

 

Glenn

The Q300 is planned for a make-over after the Q400 is complete, which will be FSX only.

 

:yahoo:

 

I passed on the Q300 mostly because of the older-looking graphics. So this is great news to me. (Since I don't use FSX and therefore won't have the 400)

:yahoo:

 

I passed on the Q300 mostly because of the older-looking graphics. So this is great news to me. (Since I don't use FSX and therefore won't have the 400)

 

Well ....what I should have said was the Q300's make over will be for FSX/P3D only and will incorporate most of the features used in creating the Q400. Going back to the FS2004 platform is not a part of the plan. :(

Ok Guys......

 

I am back. Just to correct some info that I passed along. Due to the multiple conversations that transpire it is easy to have miscommunications especially when there is discussion between two products. This was a discussion that I held Oley just when the P3D fever had begun regarding the EULA, and we (him and I) had not spoken much of if there after - my apologies for the non factual data.

 

Ian and other interested persons: Upon release "All" editions of the Q400 will be P3D compatible (that is the plan). Regarding the The Q300 - only the Training Edition will possibly be updated to work with P3D.

 

Glenn,

I am not sure if you noticed in an earlier post that I made, the Q400 activation "will not" be conducted via CC credentials anymore. There will be a few changes regarding this.

 

This is definitely good news that you guys are going with P3D. What I don't understand is why you can't just specify in your own EULA that your product is only for educational/professional purposes and leave the rest to the conscience of the end user. To my knowledge there is no requirement (from LM or anyone else) that your product has to be FAA/CAA (or whatever) certified to be qualified for use like this. Anyone who uses a software product for real flight training without the proper guidance from a certified professional is an idiot anyway.

Hi Simeon: I am sick of fighting the EULA wars so I won't start again. Simply let me say, I believe the onus is on the user not the publisher.

 

It is fair to say that the Q300 done up with decent graphics would satisfy, but like many it is unlikely that I will invest the time until it is released - unless you can genuinely provide an accurate release time for the updated Q300 given that you are not starting from scratch.

 

Therefore I am sure I and others will buy the Q400 for FSX and take it from there. Later when the Q300 is released for P3D I will most certainly consider it ... but with the present long and uncertain development periods MJS would have to decide whether it's investment is worth it.

 

Tell us the end of January or February then you're on, say sometime whenever ......!

HI Sim: Love your profile where you underline that you are Anguillan by blood and Antiguan by birth. They are only a 100 miles apart, but I can believe that would once have been enough to make them unknown to each other. But now Ocean City, that doesn't quite seem a great choice if it is the one that just got pounded.

But the Q300 line could also be purchased at Simmarket.

 

 

That is the best solution. I'll be just buying it at Simmarket. I love that store anyway.

Well ....what I should have said was the Q300's make over will be for FSX/P3D only and will incorporate most of the features used in creating the Q400. Going back to the FS2004 platform is not a part of the plan. :(

 

Ah well, :\ I understand. It's very possible I'll be back into FSX in due time anyway. I just got rid of it due to hardware limitations. But I've been extremely impressed with all the Q400 preview stuff so I'm sure it'll be one of the first things I check out once I make the switch back.

HI Sim: Love your profile where you underline that you are Anguillan by blood and Antiguan by birth. They are only a 100 miles apart, but I can believe that would once have been enough to make them unknown to each other. But now Ocean City, that doesn't quite seem a great choice if it is the one that just got pounded.

 

Yes very interesting analogy..... I was born of Anguillan parents in Antigua, since my dad was relocated there as an Episcopalian priest. I moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to complete my Aviation Degree and made it my home away from home.

 

Some parts of the north eastern coast of the US did take a thrashing from Sandy, but thankfully where I am did not really get much of the storm. Ocean City which is approximately 30 minutes from me did get some flooding as the sea came inland, but nothing as bad as what New Jersey and New York unfortunately experienced. I have experienced enough hurricanes in my lifetime living in the Caribbean, but it seems where ever I run they seem to find me......LOL.