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blocks:wibu [2023-03-27 10:00] – [Blocks license system] mattiasblocks:wibu [2025-10-15 14:49] (current) – Minor text tweaks admin
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-=====Blocks license system=====+=====Blocks License=====
 Blocks server software requires a license to be operational. Either connect a physical license key to a USB port or request a cloud-based license (requires internet access). A physical license key can be accessed either directly from a USB port attached to the virtual machine or over the local network. Blocks server software requires a license to be operational. Either connect a physical license key to a USB port or request a cloud-based license (requires internet access). A physical license key can be accessed either directly from a USB port attached to the virtual machine or over the local network.
  
-===Blocks license agreement===+===General License Agreement===
  
 [[blocks:license|PIXILAB Blocks Server Software License Agreement]] [[blocks:license|PIXILAB Blocks Server Software License Agreement]]
  
-====USB License====+===Licensable Options=== 
 +To keep the base license cost of Blocks as low as possible, many functions are licensed separately. Learn more about your [[blocks:licensing-options|licensing options here.]]
  
-The linux image provides by Pixilab is prepared and preconfigured to connect t physical USB license key connected direct to on of the USB ports of the computer. +====USB License for On-premise Servers====
  
-For additional details and other OS USB license key instructions,  please refer to the //Get started// chapter  in the Blocks manual.+The Linux server image provided by PIXILAB for on-premise servers is preconfigured to use a physical USB license key, connected direct to a USB port of the computer. 
  
-====Install a cloud license====+For additional details and Mac/Windows instructions, please refer to the //Getting Started// chapter  in the [[http://pixilab.se/outgoing/blocks/PIXILAB-Blocks.pdf|Blocks manual]].
  
-For the cloud licens one must obtain a //credentials file// from Pixilab. The file is usually delivered via email once purchased.  +====Cloud-based License==== 
- +For the cloud-based license one must obtain a //credentials file// from PIXILAB. This file is usually delivered by email once purchased. 
-See installation instructions below+
    
- ===MacOS or Windows===+===MacOS or Windows===
   -  First install Blocks + CodeMeter License software on your server PC (Windows or Mac)   -  First install Blocks + CodeMeter License software on your server PC (Windows or Mac)
   -  Open CodeMeter Control Center and drop the credentials file (you will see its serial number appear in the app window)   -  Open CodeMeter Control Center and drop the credentials file (you will see its serial number appear in the app window)
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 ===Linux Server / Virtual Machine=== ===Linux Server / Virtual Machine===
-  - Copy the file above to your Blocks server with the following terminal-command: +Import the credentials file to your Blocks server with the following terminal-command: 
 <code> <code>
  cmu --import --file /path/to/140-2361345228.wbc  cmu --import --file /path/to/140-2361345228.wbc
 </code> </code>
  
-*The "path/to" refers to the path to file from where you terminal ls located when the program cmu is running. As this is usually running on a virtual machine, you typically use scp over an ssh connection to the computer running the terminal.+*The "path/to" refers to the path to file from where you terminal ls located when the program cmu is running. As this is usually running on a virtual machine, you typically use scp over an ssh connection to the computer running the terminal to first upload the credentials file to the remote computer.
  
  
-====Network Access from Host Computer==== +====Network License Access from a VM Host or Another Computer==== 
-This method provides access to the license key over the network. Assuming both the guest and host operating systems are on the same network (which they will be when using a network adapter in bridge mode), a license key connected to the host computer can be accessed. This assumes network access is allowed in the license keys's settings (more on this below). Thus, the physical USB key can be connected to the host computer and will then be automatically found by Blocks.+This method accesses a USB license over the network, with one computer acting as the license host and the other as a licensing guest. The USB license key is be connected to the host. The guest must be able to access the host over the network. For a virtualized server, this is generally the case when itsnetwork adapter is set to bridge mode.  
  
-=== Host operating system === +=== Host Settings === 
-Verify or adjust the following license key settings in your host computer+Verify or adjust the following setting for your host:
  
   * Open the CodeMeter Control Center.   * Open the CodeMeter Control Center.
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   * Click Apply.   * Click Apply.
  
-=== Guest operating system === +=== Guest Settings === 
-The CodeMeter software has been pre-installed, and configured to look for the license on the local network. To verify accesibility: +CodeMeter software is generally pre-installed together with Blocks, and configured to look for the license on the local network. To verify accesibility: 
-  * Start the virtual machine. +  * Start the guest. 
-  * Once up, use the command //cmu --list-server --list-content//. +  * Run this the command in a terminal window on the guest: //cmu --list-server --list-content// 
-  * This should show your server's IP address and license information. Look for the text "102977" +  * This should show your server's IP address and license information. Look for the text "102977" indicating a Blocks license.
- +
  
- +====Direct USB Access for Virtualized Server==== 
-====Direct USB Access for Virtual servers==== +If you have physical access to the virtual machine host, you may prefer to connect the USB license key directly to this computer, and make the USB port accessible to the guest OS.
-If you have physical access to the computer running the virtualizer, you may prefer to connect the license key directly to this computer, and make the USB port accessible to the guest OS.+
  
 === Host computer === === Host computer ===
- 
   * Connect the license key. The key must be physically connected to a USB port on the host computer.   * Connect the license key. The key must be physically connected to a USB port on the host computer.
   * Do NOT install the CodeMeter driver/software (or disable it if already installed).   * Do NOT install the CodeMeter driver/software (or disable it if already installed).
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   * Once up, use the command //cmu -x//.   * Once up, use the command //cmu -x//.
   * This should show the details of your license key. Look for the text "102977".   * This should show the details of your license key. Look for the text "102977".
- 
  
 === Synology NAS settings === === Synology NAS settings ===
-  * Install Virtual Machine Manager. +  * Install Virtual Machine Manager.  
-  * [[https://kb.synology.com/en-ro/DSM/help/Virtualization/virtual_machine|Import the OVA file]] provided above.+  * [[https://kb.synology.com/en-ro/DSM/help/Virtualization/virtual_machine|Import the OVA file]].
   * Connect your Blocks license key to a free USB port on the NAS.   * Connect your Blocks license key to a free USB port on the NAS.
   * Double-click your Blocks virtual machine in the Virtual Machine Manager (see illustrations below).   * Double-click your Blocks virtual machine in the Virtual Machine Manager (see illustrations below).