yup it is effective, and yup it is available for windows. ( Alias-Wavefront uses the Flex-LM system for Maya. ) but even that can be ( and is ) circumvented. ( I saw a warez copy of maya for linux ) no protection scheme is going to maintain 100% effectiveness. the only way to stop illegal copies that will maintain 100% effectiveness? the GNU-GPL or LPGL free source code to any that ask. why pirate something that can be gotten free from manufacturer? 100% effective, always. ~l~