Activation is a one-time process that enables software to run. It is required for the software with the trial period. If the software has no trial period, activations are not used.
Activation is free of charge for a customer. Software will not run without activation. Instead, the Activation window will pop up on each attempt to run software. If the user tries to skip the activation process, software closes automatically.
If you use the shareware protection mode, activation is used to collect statistics and start the 'timer' to count the time left for software evaluation. If you use the freeware protection mode, it is used to collect statistics of usage only.
Activation diagram
Life time of the software with the trial period
•Activation is not requires the license code
•Activation is free for customer
•Trial period requires activation process
•Registration requires the license code
Life time of the software without the trial period
•Activation is not required
•Registration requires the license code