Number of downloads

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JSC0324 Posted: 03-01-2010 3:13 PM

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I currently own The Sky 5.  This is on an old computer and the disk I used to install was broken over the years. 

I am in the process of upgrading to TheSkyX Serious Astronomer and want to be able to update computers and always that a version to install by purchasing the box set.  The question I have is about the number of downloads should I elect purchase the download only version.

I understand it is OK that I use two computers, in my case, a field computer and then a home computer with a large display at home for my planning.  My field computer is clearly subject to a high level of risk due to how I treat it.  Am I better off getting the boxed version so I will always have a disk I could install again or on the replacement computer?

Thank you.

John

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 03-02-2010 1:36 PM

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JSC0324:

The question I have is about the number of downloads should I elect purchase the download only version.

The Software Bisque license permits up to 5 downloads per year. 

JSC0324:

Am I better off getting the boxed version so I will always have a disk I could install again or on the replacement computer?

Not really.

• TheSkyX Serious Astronomer Ediion downloaded installer file (that is, a single executable that holds all of the files and folders needed to run TheSkyX SAE) can be copied to any hard drive, DVD drive, flash drive or other backup system for retreival later. 
• TheSkyX SAE can be installed using this installer at any time, on any compter.  In other words, there is virtually no reason to download the full installer more than once.
• TheSkyX Updates are "comprehensive" (and much smaller) and can be downloaded and installed to get the latest version when it is released.
• The physical media you receive contains the same installer files that are downloaded (or, more likely, an older version since SB must duplicate large numbers of media to reduce reproduction costs). 

The bottom line is that if you have the bandwidth to download large files from the web, and can can backup the downloaded installer, then there's really no reason to purchase the physical media.

I hope this makes sense.

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JSC0324 replied on 03-02-2010 7:06 PM

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Makes sense to me.  FYI, I was close to purchasing a competing software last night and then downloaded the sample version onto my computer.  I did this because they also offer a version that I have installed on my IPHONE.  Once I had a chance to look at it and I compared it to the feature set of SkyX Serious Astronomer I came back to SkyX.  I apologize my questions could have been answered if I had researched a little further.  These details are hidden in the Terms and Conditions.  Hate to say it, I never read those things.  In this case, I wish I had and it would have saved me ~12 hours of purchase anxiety.  Finally, your upgrade pricing is buried in there, that's another question I would have wanted to ask.  So, finally, your answer about whether I should purchase the boxed product makes complete sense and really gave me comfort I was doing the right thing.

Thank you,

Your seriously amateur astronomer friend.

John

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Daniel R. Bisque replied on 03-04-2010 9:25 AM

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John,

Firtst off, thanks so much for considering Software Bisque products, we know there are many options out there.  And also for the insight into your buying decisions.  We'll keep trying to make our products better, as well as the buying experience.  Your input helps.