Current Shareware 1994 January/SHAR194.ISO/virus/copynot2.zip/COPYSTOP.DOC

Text File | 1993-11-07 | 17KB | 323 lines

  COPYSTOP V2.0 is Copy(c)right 1989,1993 by Gary M. Raymond, New Orleans, La.

        PREVENT's UnAuthorized Personnel from copying files PLUS more!
             Another powerful utility from the DiskSave Series by

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                           New Orleans, La.  70182
                               [phone]
                            Compuserve 70613,3165

   ====================================================================

   Files Provided:
   COPYSTOP.COM        Copy Stop Utility
   COPYSTOP.DOC        This document.

   System requirements: PC/XT/AT, DOS 2.1 up, 128k+ ram, floppy
   with hard drive, mono or color, any type graphic adapter.

   For technical information about this utility see end of doc.
   ====================================================================

Q  What is COPYSTOP?
A  COPYSTOP is a very powerful compact FDC utility, written in
   assembler, whose purpose is to prevent unauthorized personnel from
   making copies of sensitive data files or, in any way making
   unauthorized use of the floppy drives on a PC workstation. Have you
   ever left your work station unattended to go for coffee? If so, I am
   willing to bet that you have already experienced the nagging feeling
   of exposure or tamperitis. COPYSTOP can be used on the home PC too,
   offering additional privacy and security. Read on.

Q  Will COPYSTOP block access to all types of floppy drives?
A  Yes, COPYSTOP will work on most all size or types of dos floppy
   drives. It will even secure tape backup units that piggy back on the
   PC's FDC (floppy disk controller) unit. There are no format
   restrictions.

Q  How does COPYSTOP work?
A  COPYSTOP is a very small TSR "watchdog" type utility that is designed
   to be loaded automatically at boot up via the autoexec.bat file.
   COPYSTOP then monitors the Floppy Disk Controller card for activity.
   Should any action initiate the FDC card, COPYSTOP will immediately
   stop the operation and do a warm reboot of the computer. This action
   does not affect the use of any hard drives, only floppies.

Q  Is COPYSTOP safe to use?
A  Absolutely! COPYSTOP is a passive utility that performs no read or
   disk writes of any kind. It does nothing to modify any disk data,
   parameter tables or hardware functions. COPYSTOP quietly monitors the
   Floppy Disk Controller for the issuance of a hardware interrupt. If
   the FDC unit is activated (indicating access to a floppy drive has
   been initiated) , COPYSTOP then issues instructions to the CPU to
   initiate a warm system reboot. A warm reboot bypasses the POST (Power
   On Self Test) and is therefore considerably faster. This is
   equivalent to pressing the combination of Ctrl Alt and Delete keys or
   the Reset button on many pc's.

Q  Tell me again what causes COPYSTOP to activate?
A  First, let me repeat, COPYSTOP will NOT interfere with any i/o
   operations on your hard drives or any application software that
   accesses those drives. For that matter, COPYSTOP will NOT interfere
   with any programs at all unless they attempt to read from, or copy
   to, a floppy drive managed by the pc's floppy disk controller card.

Q  How can I do a simple test of COPYSTOP to insure it is working?
A  After following the instructions for correct installation, insert
   a floppy disk in drive a: (or b:) and type DIR A: at the command
   prompt. In a few seconds, if COPYSTOP is active and properly
   monitoring the FDC card, your pc will begin a warm reboot.

Q  What is the purpose of doing a warmboot? Would not a warning message
   be enough?
A  The psychological impact of a reboot (although harmless) is a much
   stronger message than any written statement could be. PLUS, it has
   the added benefit of discouraging the operator from playing with his
   setup in an attempt to determine if he could defeat the protection.
   After several attempts, followed by reboots, most individuals will
   give up trying. If a "message only" appears on the screen, it
   frequently encourage the pc operator to keep trying or playing with
   his work station.

Q  Why should a company or individual use COPYSTOP?
A  There are many PRACTICAL reasons for using COPYSTOP. It will stop
   employees from making unauthorized copies of sensitive data files,
   thus eliminating security problems. It will prevent unauthorized
   copies of commercial software from being pirated off of PC work
   stations (that you could possible be held legally responsible for).
   COPYSTOP will also prevent personnel from loading games or other non
   authorized programs on the company work stations. In addition, its a
   great way to protect your work station from someone removing data
   files or loading anything onto your system while you are temporarily
   away.

Q  Suppose I suddenly have a need to actually use my floppy drives,
   what then?
A  COPYSTOP can be disabled in a few seconds by typing "COPYSTOP #####"
   at the system prompt. The five "#" represent a five digit password
   that only you will have knowledge of. Without the correct password,
   COPYSTOP remains active in low memory. It is assumed that only the
   PC Systems Manager would have privy to the password.

Q  How is the password determined?
A  The shareware version of COPYSTOP is preset with a password key of
   "12345". After registration, we will provide you with the method for
   changing the code to any five digits of your choice. Once you know
   how to do it, a password change can be accomplished in less than five
   seconds with the version of COPYSTOP you already have!

Q  Just how secure is COPYSTOP?
A  There is no security system in the known universe than cannot be
   breached when given enough time and data. On the other hand, COPYSTOP
   is almost 100% effective in the ordinary office environment of most
   business organizations. The active password cannot be changed unless
   the operator knows the current active password. This is generally
   enough security for most typical environments.

Q  How much memory does COPYSTOP require?
A  Not even enough to be noticed. (368 bytes when resident)

Q  Since COPYSTOP is a TSR, could it interfere with any other TSR
   programs that I use?
A  No. COPYSTOP does not intercept the timer or keyboard interrupt like
   most ordinary TSR's. It is not dependent on the use of a hot key or
   any special dos commands to operate. COPYSTOP does not care what
   TSR's are loaded before or after it or in what order. More
   importantly, COPYSTOP unhooks cleanly and properly by restoring all
   vectors and all memory it previously occupied. I suggest that you
   load COPYSTOP last, but its really not necessary or important.

Q  Can COPYSTOP be compromised by a virus?
A  If a virus is ALREADY in your system, COPYSTOP can be compromised.
   However, by the very nature of how COPYSTOP works, it is indirectly a
   virus PREVENTION mechanism. A computer virus cannot infect your
   computer through the air. It must gain physical access. This is
   almost always done by riding piggy back on a file you copy from an
   infected diskette onto one of your mass storage devices. If you
   CANNOT copy files, you CANNOT transfer computer viruses. Although
   COPYSTOP is not intended as an anti viral utility, it is probable the
   best defense against viruses other than removing the floppy drives
   from the cabinet of a work station.

Q  I could disable my floppies in BIOS setup, password protect the bios
   setup utility and accomplish the same thing as COPYSTOP. Since that
   would be cost free, why should I spend money on COPYSTOP?
A  TIME is the reason. You can disable/enable COPYSTOP in less than five
   seconds WITHOUT having to access your BIOS setup and reboot your
   computer. If you are making money, you already understand the value
   of time. PLUS, after you have finished using your floppy drives, you
   can reactivate COPYSTOP in the same time it takes to type the word!
   COPYSTOP is fast, easy to use and hassle free!

Q  Ok Gary, you sold me. How do I load and start using COPYSTOP?
A  Simply add the word COPYSTOP to the LAST line of your autoexec.bat
   file. Next, copy COPYSTOP.COM to any directory that you have a dos
   path assigned. If you do not have any path assignments yet, you could
   place COPYSTOP in your DOS directory and add the line "SET
   PATH=C:\DOS" on the line above the line you typed COPYSTOP. Its not
   necessary to reboot your computer. Just type COPYSTOP at the command
   prompt. Although rebooting your system will insure that you have
   properly installed the new commands in your autoexec file.

   Alternate method: If you only desire to protect your pc when you
   leave the area for coffee, do as explained above but toggle COPYSTOP
   OFF after bootup. Then, for protection, type COPYSTOP at the command
   prompt anytime you leave the computer unattended.

   --------------------------------------------------------------------
   CHANGING PASSWORDS: COPYSTOP has the unique ability to allow its
   registered users to change passwords. To change the password, you
   must be in the parent directory (the one where COPYSTOP is located).
   It takes less than a few seconds and is very easy to do. Information
   on the procedure is provided if you decide to use the utility and
   obtain registration.
   --------------------------------------------------------------------

   Caution to observe: Do not have COPYSTOP active if the application
   you are running REQUIRES that data be read or saved on a floppy disk!
   Although this is a very very rare occurrence, it might cause you to
   lose work when you go to save your new data and your PC suddenly does
   a reboot. Since almost 100% of all application software i/o activity
   occurs on your hard drive, this should never be a big concern.


   A companion utility, HARDSTOP.COM is also available. It functions
   exactly like COPYSTOP but prevents disk i/o activity only on your
   hard drives leaving your floppy drives active. The primary purpose of
   this utility is for a variety of testing and diagnostic procedures.
   The registration is the same as COPYSTOP, only $5.00. Again, the
   password installation technique is provided with registration.

====================================================================
V2.0  11/1/93 First public release
====================================================================

                           ┌─────────┐
                           │ MEMBER  │   Society of
                           │  ┌──────┴──┐ Independent
                           │  │         │   Shareware
                           └──┤    ■    │     Authors
                              │    ║    │
                              └────╨────┘
    This program is produced by a member of the Society of Independent
    Shareware Authors (SISA). The Society wants to ensure that all valid
    shareware principle actually work for you and SISA members. The
    principle behind shareware distribution is simple; try before you
    buy. Society members agree to license all shareware for a minimum of
    10 days, free of charge, to first time users as an evaluation
    period. After 10 days, buyers are then obligated to license their
    copy with the Society member. Society members are obligated to
    provide high quality, useful shareware, but, are free to choose
    whatever marketing methods suit their specific needs. SISA
    sanctioned marketing methods include: demonstration versions;
    providing printed documentation after purchase; registration keys
    that unlock additional features not necessary to determine basic
    usefulness; and, providing bug fixes free of charge. Any Shareware
    author may become a member of SISA without cost by simply agreeing
    to the above conditions and displaying, at their option, this logo
    in their documentation.
    ====================================================================

    WARRANTY:
    Software:
    Gary Raymond warrants that the software contained herein will
    perform in substantial compliance with the documentation
    accompanying the software. If you report, in writing, a significant
    defect to us, and we are unable to correct it within 90 days of the
    date you report the defect, you may return the software and
    accompanying materials, and we will refund the purchase price.

    Diskette's and Documentation:
    Gary Raymond, warrants all diskette's and documentation to be free
    of defects in materials for a period of 30 days from the date of
    purchase. In the event of notification within the warranty period of
    defects in any materials, Gary Raymond will replace the defective
    diskette or documentation.

    Remedies:
    The remedy for breach of the warranty shall be limited to
    replacement and shall not encompass any other damages, including but
    not limited to loss of profit, special, incidental, consequential,
    or similar damages, losses, or claims.

    DISCLAIMER:
    Gary Raymond specifically disclaims all other warranties, expressed
    or implied, including but not limited to, implied warranties of
    merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to
    defects in the diskette and documentation, and the program license
    granted herein, in particular, and without limiting operation of the
    program license with respect to any particular application, use, or
    purpose.  In no event shall Gary Raymond be liable for any loss of
    profit or any other commercial damage, including but not limited to
    special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

    GOVERNING LAW:
    This statement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the
    laws of the State of Louisiana.
    ====================================================================

   Registering your copy will help continue the competitive advantages
   of providing economical shareware. Upon receipt of your payment I
   will provide you with a copy of the latest version and notify you of
   all future upgrades. Your patronage is appreciated.

   My no nonsense license:
   ------------------------
   Your one time registration fee will license you to use COPYSTOP on
   any number of personal computers owned directly and personally by you
   in any non commercial environment.

   Re distribution via electronic transmission, or down loading, is
   allowed without further permission. Re distribution of the Shareware
   version of COPYSTOP, for a fee, is also allowed without further
   permission as long as that cost is limited to no more than two
   dollars per copy, if supplied on any physical disk media.

   The assembler source code for COPYSTOP.COM is available for sale at
   $50 per copy. The source is based on the A86 assembler / compiler but
   is generic enough to be compatible with most all assemblers with
   very minor changes.

   Yes Gary, I can really make use of your program and would like to
   register and obtain the latest version as well as get on your mailing
   list for future upgrades and new releases!

   Product: COPYSTOP V2.0  Private User License ....... $5.00 (usa only)
   For information about commercial and or multiple site licensing,
   contact the undersigned.

   Name_____________________________________________________________

   Mailing Address__________________________________________________

   City & State ___________________________________________________

   ZIP _____________________________ Phone _________________________

   Send registration check or money order to:

                              Gary M. Raymond
                                P.O.Box 8184
                            New Orleans, La. 70182
                                504-288-6550
                            Compuserve 70613,3165
   ====================================================================

    TECH DATA:
    This utility monitors BIOS Interrupt 0Eh, addressed at vector offset
    38 in low memory. Activation of this bios service causes the flag at
    bios 0040:0072 to be reset to 4660d and a jump to the re boot code
    at f000:0e05. By keeping all activity non dos related, almost 100%
    across the board pc systems compatibility is ensured.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
    -----------------
    To my best friend and machine code instructor, the Padre, alias,
    Machine Man, whose many patient hours of coaching and prodding over
    the years helped me learn assembler so that I could create this and
    many other useful dos utility.

                                    <EOF>