MP3Guard Help Contents
Introduction
There are 2 basic components to this system:
- MP3Guard Producer
- MP3Guard Player
MP3Guard Producer
- This is the software that encrypts your MP3 files so that they can only be read by the specifed MP3 Player. This program allows you to create a playlist of mp3 files and then encrypt the mp3 files with different parameters to enable various marketing uses.
MP3Guard Player
- This is the software that you distribute and/or sell to your customers to allow
them access to your MP3 files. You must also distribute the data files that are generated in the output directory. The MP3Guard Player allows the user to change volume, check sound card, view ID3 details, send e-mail and visit a web site.
Overview
These are some samples of the screens. Click to enlarge.
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Different Uses
There are several different ways to use this system:
- MP3 Only - no advertising screens and no license verification is performed. This is accomplished by not entering any data into the ShareGuard Progam field, Ad Screen image and Ad Screen URL fields. This feature is useful for marketing when you want to give away free information but you do not want them to be able to copy, print or save your information.
- MP3 With Advertising - An advertising screen is displayed whenever the user starts the MP3 Player to view your document. This is accomplished by entering data into the Ad Screen image and Ad Screen URL fields. This feature is useful for marketing when you want to give away free information but you want them to visit a particular web site in order to upsell them on another product.
- Licensed MP3 - license verification is performed. This is accomplished by entering a valid ShareGuard project filename into the ShareGuard Program field. This feature is useful for marketing when you want to ensure that all users have registered their MP3 with you. The registration process can be free if you just collect e-mail addresses or the registration can be to an e-commerce site if you wish to charge money for your e-book.
NOTE: This method requires the ShareGuard module which is optional. You can download and try ShareGuard for free. See the Internet/Download ShareGuard on the main menu.
Security
There are 3 basic security features to this system:
- MP3Guard Player - the MP3Guard Player program will decrypt your document and display it to the user. The user cannot cut and paste, print or save the document.
- MP3Guard User Encryption - the MP3Guard encrypts your MP3 so that only the specified Player program will be able to decrypt your music and play it to the user.
- ShareGuard (optional) - the ShareGuard program will check the licensing of the MP3 before allowing the program to run. If the user is not licensed then the MP3 will not display your MP3 contents.
Step-By-Step Procedures
- Select the MP3Guard program from you Start/Programs or your desktop depending upon your installation.
- Create your playlist and save it. You can create a playlist from the MP3 Files page (press the Add button for each file and then Save at the end) or from the MP3 Files combo box by double-clicking and selecting files on the MP3 Filename field.
- Type in a title for your playlist in the MP3 Title field.
- Double-click the MP3 Filename field to add files to your playlist.
- If you want your users to be able to visit a particular web site then do the following:
- Enter the URL MP3 URL field.
This is selected by Help/Web Site from the MP3 Player.
- If you want your users to be able to send you e-mail then do the following:
- Enter your contact name in the eMail Name field.
- Enter your e-mail address in the eMail Address field.
- Enter the subject of the e-mail in the eMail Subject field.
- Enter any notes for the e-mail in the eMail Notes field.
This is selected by Help/Send Mail from the MP3 Player.
- If you want your users to be licensed to read your book:
- Enter the ShareGuard Project filename in the ShareGuard Program field.
This is automatically run whenever the user starts the MP3 Player. If the user is not licensed and/or their trial period is over then the MP3 Player will not display your document. It will, however, display a form allowing them to pay and/or register to enable access to your MP3.
- If you want to execute another program when users read your book:
- Enter the executable filename in the Other Program field.
This is automatically run whenever the user starts the MP3 Player.
- If you want your users to automatically see an image and be able to visit another web site:
- Enter the filename of the image in the Ad Screen Image field.
- Enter the URL of the web site in the Ad Screen URL field.
This is automatically displayed whenever the user starts the MP3 Player.
- Enter a valid number from 0001 to 9999 in each of the three Encryption fields.
- Press the Produce button. This will automatically encrypt and copy all of the required programs and data into the output directory.
- Press the Play button. This will display the MP3 Player using all of the parameters that you have generated. This is for testing purposes.
- Once you are happy with the MP3 then create a setup program using all of the files that are in the output directory.
- Save the current parameters in an MP3 Project file.
Main Form
This is main form for creating and publishing an MP3. There are two pages - the Publish Page which contains the MP3 parameters and the Write Page which contains the text editor.
MP3 Title
This is the title that will appear as a caption in the title bar on the MP3 Player program.
MP3 FileName
This is the filename of the mp3 file that you wish to produce (encrypt). Double-click this field and select a file in mp3 format (*.mp3). You can also use the MP3 Files Page to create a playlist within this software.
NOTE: This is a required field.
MP3 URL
This is the URL of the web site that the users can visit by selecting Help/Web Site from the menu of the MP3 Player.
eMail Name
This is the name that will appear in the Name Line of the mail message for the sendmail feature of the MP3 Player.
eMail Address
This is the e-mail address that will appear in the Send To Line of the mail message for the sendmail feature of the MP3 Player.
eMail Subject
This is the e-mail subject that will appear in the Subject Line of the mail message for the sendmail feature of the MP3 Player.
eMail Notes
This is the e-mail notes that will appear in the main body of the mail message for the sendmail feature of the MP3 Player.
ShareGuard Program
This is the ShareGuard Project file to use for the MP3 Player.
NOTE: This is an optional feature. ShareGuard is an additional program that works with MP3Guard. You can try ShareGuard for a free trial period by selecting Internet/Download ShareGuard. The ShareGuard Calling Program must be the MP3 Player program (ZSMPP.EXE).
Other Program
This is the executable file name to use for the MP3 Player.
NOTE: This is an optional feature. The other program is any executable file that you wish to be run when the user starts up the MP3 Player. This can be AdWare or any program that you ship with the Setup program.
Ad Screen Image
This is the image file name to use for the MP3 Player. This can be either a JPEG image (*.jpg) or a BITMAP (*.bmp) image. This will start another form to display with the specified image. You can also select an Ad Screen URL which will display a button for the user to press. If the user presses this button it will take them to the URL specified.
NOTE: This is optional feature.
Ad Screen URL
This is the URL to use for the MP3 Player Ad Screen. Entering a valid URL in this field will display a button on the Ad Screen. If the user presses this button it will take them to the URL specified.
NOTE: This is optional feature.
Ad Screen Delay
This check box is for the Splash Screen. If the user checks this box then the splash screen will display for 4 seconds and then automatically close. If this box is not
checked then the user must close the splash screen manually (pressing the Close button).
Ad Screen - Visit URL Automatically
This check box is for the browser to open automatically. If this box is checked then the default browser will open to the specified URL. URL format is www.yourwebsite.com
Remember to always use different encryption parameters to ensure the best security.
Encryption Key 1
This is the first of three keys to use to encrypt your document. You should select your own set of keys to ensure that no other MP3 Player can decrypt your document. You must select a valid number from 0001 to 9999.
NOTE: This is a required field.
Encryption Key 2
This is the second of three keys to use to encrypt your document. You should select your own set of keys to ensure that no other MP3 Player can decrypt your document. You must select a valid number from 0001 to 9999.
NOTE: This is a required field.
Encryption Key 3
This is the third of three keys to use to encrypt your document. You should select your own set of keys to ensure that no other MP3 Player can decrypt your document. You must select a valid number from 0001 to 9999.
NOTE: This is a required field.
Button Produce
This will encrypt your mp3 files with all of the parameters specified. The files are written to the output directory.
Button Play
This will start the MP3 Player program to test your mp3 playlist with all of the parameters specified. The files are run from the output directory called 'PlayList'.
Button Close
This will close the MP3 Producer program.
MP3 Files PlayList Editor
This editor will allow you to create a playlist.
Button Open
This will open an MP3 (*.mp3) format file and load it into the PlayList Editor.
Button Save
This will save the MP3 playlist created and current in the MP3 Files PlayList Editor. It will save to the MP3 Filename combo box on the Produce Page.
Menu
File
These are all of the File options to clear, open, save and print your work.
File/New
This clears all entries on the current page only.
File/New Project
This clears all entries on all of the pages.
File/Open
This opens a file for the current page only.
File/Open Project
This opens a project file for all of the pages.
File/Save
This saves a file for the current page only.
File/Save Project
This saves a project file for all of the pages.
File/Save As
This saves a file for the current page only. It prompts you for a new filename.
File/Save Project As
This saves a project file for all of the pages. It prompts you for a new filename.
File/Exit
This closes the program. It will prompt you to save your current project before closing.
View
These are all of the pages accessible in the program. This is an alternative to using the tabs. A check indicates the current page.
View/Produce
This page contains all of the parameters required to build and/or publish an MP3 playlist for the MP3 Player.
View/MP3 Files
This page allows you to creat a playlist of MP3 files.
Options
These are all of the options available to the program. This contains fonts and settings.
Options/Fonts
This allows you to select a different font size and style. Select your font and then press Apply. These fonts will remain in effect until you change them back.
Options/Settings
This page allows you to change the following settings: Project Directory and the output directory for the published book.
Options/Settings/Project Directory
This is the path for your project files that you will create. You may want to save them in a different directory.
Options/Settings/Output Directory
This is the path for your application software and your MP3. Please use all of these files to create your setup program.
Internet
This allows you some options to access the internet.
Internet/Search Internet
This will open your default browser to Google for searching.
Internet/Send Mail
This will send an e-mail to anyone that you specifiy.
Internet/Download ShareGuard
This will download the current version of ShareGuard for evaluation. ShareGuard works with the MP3Guard product.NOTE: If ShareGuard is already installed then this option will not appear.
Help
These are all of the help options available to the program. This contains access to the Help Contents, Help Index, Help On Help and About.
Help/Contents
This is the page of all of the help contents. The page you are currently reading here is the contents page.
Help/Index
This is the page of the index for the help contents. Clicking on any item will send you to the specified position within the contents page .
Help/Help on Help
This is the page containing information on how to use the help system.
Help/Web Help
This will open your default browser to Zapper Software so that you can view any additional help or updates regarding MP3Guard.
Help/E-Mail Help
This will send an e-mail directly to Zapper Software for personal help.
Help/About
This is the page containing information about the MP3Guard program.
Form Options Directory
Path Project
This is the directory path for your MP3Guard project files.
Output Directory
This is the directory path for your MP3Guard output files. These are all of the files that are required to run the MP3Guard Player. You will create a setup program containing all of these files. See Help Section at Zapper Software for more information on creating Setup files. If you cannot do the Setup program by yourself then contact me through the Zapper Sofware web site.
Image Form
This is form for displaying your Ad Screen image.
Image
This is verifying the image for the Ad Screen.
MP3 Images
You can display your own JPEG images on the MP3Guard Player by any of the following options:
Default Image
Create a JPEG file called default.jpg. This will display at start up and will replace the current image.
Music File Images
Create a JPEG file called xxx.jpg where xxx matches the name of your song (e.g. rocknroll.jpg will match rocknroll.mp3). This will display whenever the song is started. You can create an individual JPEG file for each of your songs.
Output Folder
This is the folder containing all of the files required for distributing your MP3 Files. This folder is called c:\Program Files\MP3Guard\Output.
Output - How to Distribute MP3 Files
After you press the PUBLISH Key, all of the required files are copied into the OUTPUT folder.
The files are as follows:
- DEFAULT.SKN - This is the skin file to apply to all forms.
- ZSSGL.EXE - This is the ShareGuard Lock program and is required if you using ShareGuard to protect the document.
- ZSSGLOCK.DLL - This is the ShareGuard Lock dynamic link library and is required if you using ShareGuard to protect the mp3 files.
- ZSSGCRC32.DLL - This is the ShareGuard CRC check dynamic link library and is required if you using ShareGuard to protect the document.
- ZSMPGDSS.EXE - This is the MP3Guard Splash Screen program and is required if you are using the Ad Screen and have entered a valid 320x240 image in the image field.
- ZSMPGDP.EXE - This is the MP3Guard Reader program which decrypts the document and displays it to the user. This is always a required program. This is the main program to execute. This program will automatically look for a file called ZSMP3.MPI which contains all the information required to run the MP3 Player according to the specified parameters.
- ZSMP3.MPI - This is the MP3Guard Initialization file. It is encrypted in a standard way and contains all of the information required to open the MP3Guard Reader and follow the instructions that you provided in the MP3Guard Publisher program (encryption parameters, splash screen, visit URL, use ShareGuard, etc.). This file contains your specific encryption parameters required to decrypt the *.DAT file that was created. Always use different encryption parameters.
- *.JPG - This is any 320x240 image file that you have included to be displayed as a splash screen.
- *.MP3 - This is the encrypted MP3Guard MP3 Files. It will be named whatever you saved it as in the MP3Guard Editor except the MP3 files are now encrypted and cannot be played by any other MP3 player. NOTE: If you allow the SAVE option then the MP3 files can be saved into native MP3 format after the MP3 Player is registered (by the customer with you). An Example: This allows you to distribute full length songs and allow the songs to be played only one time. If the customer wishes to buy the song then they pay you and you send them the unlock key software (using one of these methods described here - e.g. On-Line Registration) and they can then save the encrypted mp3 files into standard mp3 format which is not encrypted. Warning: Using the Allow Save option - the customer can then download the mp3 files into any type of mp3 player. This, of course, means that the mp3 file(s) could be, potentially, uploaded to an illegal music download site.
- DO NOT INCLUDE any other files that may have been inadvertently saved in this folder. It is always best to delete the contents of this folder prior to each PUBLISH. The exception to this is if you are distributing the key (ShareGuard Key or Manual Key) with the MP3 player and files.
- ZSSGK.EXE or ZSSGKM.EXE or ZSSGREG.EXE - These files are from the ShareGuard system and are not included in the output folder. If you are using ShareGuard and wish to distribute the software key then include either of these 2 files and the batch file or executable file containing the parameters. See ShareGuard Overview below for more details.
Place all of the files that you required from the OUTPUT folder into a zip file or use an Software Installation program. See the C:/Program Files/MP3Guard/Samples/SampleSetup.ISS file which can be used with Inno Setup Compiler (which is free). See the help section on the website for How To Install Software Using Inno Setup
Output - How to Unlock MP3 Files
If you are using ShareGuard then you will need to provide keys in order to unlock the MP3 player. Please see the ShareGuard documentation for the most current information on the ShareGuard software.
See C:/Program Files/MP3Guard/Samples/SampleKey.ISS file for an example of distributing a software key to unlock an MP3 player. This is an Inno Setup Compiler file (see above).
ShareGuard Overview:
- ShareGuard Lock - use the ShareGuard Locksmith Lock page to create your ShareGuard parameters on how the MP3 player will be locked (e.g. After 1 run or always locked).
- Tools - use the ShareGuard Locksmith Tools / Reset Product Key to reset the product key during your MP3 player testing. This will reset the product key to simulate a new software installation of your MP3 player.
- ShareGuard Key - use the ShareGuard Locksmith Key page to create your ShareGuard Key.
The software key is used to unlock the MP3 player so that it will no longer display the registration form and will allow the MP3 player to be played. The software key can be distributed with the MP3 player software or can be distributed after the user purchases/registers. It is perfectly safe to distribute the software key with the original software if you are using the manual key (single user key) method or the on-line registration method. It is not recommended for the certificate method.
There are 3 different types of software keys:
- Certificates - This approach requires that the user enter a certificate number (that you added on the Key page. You can add up to 10 different certificates for each key and then issue the certificate number to the user after they purchase/register. This approach is the lowest security but requires no maintenance. The weakness with this approach is that the customer could copy all of the files to another computer and enter the same certificate. This requires the files ZSSGKEY.BAT and ZSSGK.EXE. Certificate numbers can be used for the two other approaches. In order to suppress the certificate number requirement then use the "Run Silent" option on the ShareGuard Locksmith Key page.
- On-Line Registration - See the ShareGuard On-Line Registration folder for sample code. This approach requires that the user enter a web page, username and password to unlock the MP3 player. This approach is medium security and requires that you change the usernames and passwords at some frequency (e.g. a daily basis). The weakness with this approach is that the customer could copy all of the files to another computer and use the same username and password unless you change the usernames/passwords frequently or have some coding on your website to prevent duplicate use of usernames. This requires the files ZSSGREG.EXE and ZSSGK.EXE. The parameters are downloaded from your website at run time and then are erased so that the user cannot distribute the key. You can also encrypt the batch file which is decrypted on the fly at run time (for even more security).
- Single User Key - This approach requires that the user run the program (ZSSGKEY.BAT and ZSSGKM.EXE) to display their unique product key. They send you the product key that is displayed. You open the ShareGuard project for that book, enter the product id (masked to user) and the 2 other product keys (hard drive signature and a randomly generated key) and then press the OK button or the ALL button and then go to the Locksmith Key Page and save the batch file that is generated. Send this batch file to the user to unlock the MP3 player. The batch file ZSSGKEY.BAT must be run from the same directory as ZSSGKM.EXE (your MP3Guard folder). This requires the files ZSSGKEY.BAT and ZSSGKM.EXE. This approach has the highest security as the file is only good for one computer and will not work on any other computer. The drawback is that you must generate a unique key for each customer. This can be done within a minute. There are no weaknesses with this approach - it is impossible to copy or re-distribute the MP3 player software key.
NOTE: The ZSSGKEY.BAT program (on the ShareGuard Locksmith Key Batch File page) contains all of the parameters to call ZSSGKM.EXE or ZSSGK.EXE. You cannot call ZSSGKM.EXE or ZSSGK.EXE by itself - it does not know what tasks to perform. The ZSSGKEY.BAT will call ZSSGKM.EXE if you specify Single User Key or will call ZSSGK.EXE if you specify NO for Single User Key. Send the user the ZSSGKEY.BAT and the ZSSGKM.EXE without any product key specified. After their product key is displayed, they will e-mail you or phone you with the product key. You can then enter it into the Locksmith Key page - Product Key field. Generate the parameters and Key Batch file and send it to the customer. It will unlock ONLY that computer for that software MP3 player album title.
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End of MP3Guard Help Contents