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Before using the Mini vMac Variations, you should be familiar with using the standard version. For more information, see the main Mini vMac page. A lot of the power of Mini vMac comes from the variations that can be compiled, such as emulation of different Macintosh models. However it has become clear that most people aren't going to compile variations for themselves. So as an alternative, I'm offering some compiled variations as a sort of shareware, which people can download, try out, and purchase an activation code for if they find them useful. This is just an additional service - the standard compile remains free, the source remains free (and by the GPL license must always remain available), and anyone can compile variations themselves, if they take the time to learn how. warning : The variations are of Mini vMac 3.1.3, which is in beta testing. This signifies that it is has not been thoroughly tested yet, and that there will be no changes except bug fixes before a stable release. An activation code for Mini vMac 3.1.3 will also work with any future versions in the 3.1.x series, including beta tests, the final stable version, and bug fix releases. However there is no guarantee of when or even if there will be any further releases. Be sure the variations are suitable for your purposes as is before buying an activation code. To get started with the Variations, go to the Download page, and download a variation that interests you. Extract the application from the archive, and place the appropriate ROM image file into the same folder, just as is done for the standard compile of Mini vMac. When you launch this variation, it will prompt you for an "activation code". A temporary code is provided right on this prompt - "281 953 822 340". It is expecting you to type digits (0-9). You can type the spaces, but they are ignored. You can correct mistakes with the backspace (delete) key. When you type the last digit, you should see the message "Using temporary code". Type 'C' to dismiss this message. The only penalty to using the temporary code is having to enter it on every launch - the program otherwise works as normal, and there is no time limit. If, after trying out the Variations (for as long as you like), you find them sufficiently useful, you can next try the Activation Demo to see how a permanent activation code works, and make sure activation will work for you on your computer. If the activation demo works, you can proceed to buy an activation code. It is currently available for $5 through Kagi, a payment processing company. I chose them for their long history with Macintosh shareware. I send them activation codes to sell, and they care of the rest. I never see credit card information and such. Besides credit cards, Kagi accepts a variety of other payment methods including checks, cash, and PayPal. And they convert numerous currencies. Kagi will send you an activation code by email, with the subject "Thanks for your purchase". It is a long email, and the activation code is somewhere in the middle. Look for it after the phrase: "To activate the Mini vMac Variations". In case you don't receive the email, such as because of spam filter problems, the activation code can also be found on the order status page at Kagi, the one listed after the phrase "For future reference regarding this order, please use the following url:" which you see when you place an order. So you should bookmark that link. Once you enter your activation code into one of the variations, all the other variations will be activated as well. Also, future versions of the Variations, up to, but not including, 3.2.0 will work without reactivation. However, if you start using a different computer, or lose your preference files in some other way, then you will need to enter your activation code again. So make sure to save it. An activation code works with all variations. If you wish, you can register the variations that you use, in effect voting for what I should be spending my time on. The activation code comes with a sort of "family license". You may, without guilt, use your activation code on any computer you personally support, even if it's primarily used by a relative or friend. (i.e. if you're the one who installs and updates the operating system and other software, and answers questions about how to use them.) Of course, you would also need to own an old Macintosh for each user to avoid violating Apple's ROM copyright. That's the good news. The bad news is that buying an activation code only gets you the promise that the activation will work. And even that promise applies only if the activation demo works on your computer. No support or warranty is provided for the rest of the Mini vMac program. The license from the standard compile of Mini vMac also applies to the Variations:
On the other hand, you have every opportunity to verify that that the Variations are suitable for your purposes before purchasing an activation code. Be sure to do so. By the way, you can of course use the temporary code forever, if you're willing to put up with typing 12 digits on every launch. But keep in mind that only if the Mini vMac Variations are successful enough will I be motivated to do this again - compiling, packaging, testing, uploading, and verifying variations of future releases of Mini vMac. The Mini vMac Variations include only a small selection from the extremely large number of possible variations that could be compiled. To start with there will be one one variation for each of the possible values of each build option, and few combinations. I may compile and add more variations later. |