DAW music software authorization affecting creative flow

With every virtual instrument and effects going the authorization-software route, the creative process is burdened by software updates, patches and oh-surprise download updates… Internet connection required. 😟

Now before considering “oh a cool plugin”, do I really want to jump through all the hoops to have that extra piece of code running in the background.

There’s more. They default check-mark to sharing computer-specs and activity back to their servers. They are effectively pushing the security burden on the users instead of themselves.

Overall it’s a pretty aggravating user experience. Every platform has their own steps, which doesn’t even allow for a convention to ease effort. I hope that software providers shift their security model in a user-friendly format in the future.

Friction

Here are the steps when one of my software updates require an entirely new download.

1. Download a new software version, from a web page.
2. Unzip file
3. Select install
4. Accept terms
5. Wait for internet connection verification
6. Find credentials
7. Type in credentials
8. Find serial number
9. Enter serial number
10. Select download instrument / effect
11. Boot up music software (DAW)
12. Find plugins
13. Route them to activate them