Daz Studio Pro BETA - version 4.9.0.21!

DAZ_Spooky

Dareshiranu said:

DAZ_Spooky said:

mjm said:

Design Anvil - Razor42 said:

Daikatana said:

mjm said:

 

Other than "I can no longer hack someone else's files" I am still waiting for a practical, real (not hypothetical) way this encryption hurts the honest paying customer. 

It consumes resources, adds no value and adds a layer of unnecessary complexity to the software that will increase the likelyhood of bugs/errors cropping up. Anytime you add additional layers to a program that is the end result. The point is to do a cost/benefit analysis... Do the costs, antagonizing your user base and cludging up your software with no tangible benefits to the end-user justify the temporary moral victory over pirates. BTW, "The Cloud" doesn't work when your internet is out, but your computer still does. And most people even with high-speed internet are capped on data, so Cloud services are really not good unless you have unlimited bandwidth or unlimited money.

Hey, a new conspiracy theory: The whole purpose of this is to jack up everybody's useage and make them pay for more gigs of downloads and DAZ is getting kickbacks! Heh!

This isn't a cloud service. The content is on your computer. The software is on your computer. The only time you need to connect is when you are downloading/installing/updating your content. You do not need to be connected to use your content, use the software, render, etc. 

Nath

DAZ_Spooky said:

Nath said:

DAZ_Spooky said:

Nath said:

DAZ_Spooky said:

mjm said:

Design Anvil - Razor42 said:

Daikatana said:

mjm said:

I've read this entire discussion – people expressed many concerns about not being able to use the content library (as is the DAZ Studio Formats section) or to rearrange their files. But in my opinion, there is another, far more important and insidious problem. What if one day DAZ goes out of business or, for some reason, is no longer able to provide their services? It's not something we want to happen but nevertheless it's within the realms of possibility. What happens with all the content we bought? Since it's encrypted, it can't be used in other software. Even if someone creates an application meant to replace DAZ Studio, they won't be able to make it compatible with the encrypted content. So, in the end, we'll be left with gigabytes of unusable stuff that we paid quite a lot of money for. Now, this is a discussion that we've already had in the gaming industry – what if, say, Steam goes out of business? Valve said that they have contingencies in place should something like that happen and games would still be playable. And that brings me to my question – is DAZ going to give us a guarantee that they will provide us with a way to decrypt the content when they are no longer able to support their software/store?

This is a main concern of mine as well.  I really wish someone at DAZ would chime in on this.

 

DAZ_Jon addressed this concern here:

http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/936241/#Comment_936241

 

Fair enough, I must have missed that. Still, I'm not really on board with this entire DRM idea. I've been a gamer long enough to know that in the end it always hurts the honest, paying customers while pirates find a way around it.

Other than "I can no longer hack someone else's files" I am still waiting for a practical, real (not hypothetical) way this encryption hurts the honest paying customer. 

How about the point that we cannot rearrange the file structure? Now, I unzip to a temporary directory and copy things in to my runtime. This allows me to eliminate to me unnecessary layers of subdirectories, put content in the places where I can easily find it, and overall improve my workflow by having things set up the way I want them to be. Smart Content already doesn't suit my workflow.

As an honest paying customer I resent the implication that my concerns, or my workflow, are somehow shady or illegitimate.

That has nothing to do with the encryption which is what I was responding to and the question I asked. 

The question about moving files around has been covered on numerous occasions in this thread. 

As far as I can see it has been swept under the carpet, which I suppose counts as 'has been covered'. Unless it's on one of the pages I've missed, which is always a possibility, I haven't seen it actually addressed.

Rather than coppying and pasting, and I appologize for that, I believe these cover it. 

http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/932639/#Comment_932639

http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/932651/#Comment_932651

http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/933919/#Comment_933919

There has been other things covering it, much of it has been speculation. 

Only the third one actually discusses users moving files around to suit their own workflow, rather than using Smart Content.  It also takes a highly patronising tone against those of us who choose to work with our own directory structures.

A more pertinent reference would have been http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/comment/932647/#Comment_932647.

Believe me, I've tried Smart Content. Doesn't work for me. And something to think about: one of the reasons (apart from improvements in Studio itself) that I found myself working in Studio rather than Poser more and more was that I could rearrange things to suit myself, rather than be tied to a clunky subdivision of my libraries. Ah well...

By all means, offer Smart Content for those that like working with it, but don't hobble the customers who have found their own way of doing things.

 

Second Technician Rimmer

I am still waiting for an answer on this: What exactly is the array of what Daz Connect can/will do? Can you swear to us on pile of bibles (figuratively speaking of course) that this lil' gizmo ONLY activates DRM'ed product and does not snoop around inside our computers? If it does, there is NO justification for this. We're not working at Daz and thus, Daz doesn't get to go through our fridge. We're being 1984'ed enough already without you guys jumping on that bandwagon. Anything that isn't meant to provide me with internet-specific tools is banned from connecting to the internet on my workstation. Host editing, firewall rules, etc. I don't allow my cellphone to install apps which ask for my contact list when they're supposed to wake me up in the morning and nothing more.

So? What can Daz Connect *really* do? Hmm? Also, should you answer me and say that it's not a spyware at any level, how can I be sure you tell the truth? If you were to lie to me, I wouldn't even blame you, Spooky. You speak in here for Daz3d, you have many obligations as well as pressure from above. Still, this is a big issue.

etujedi

As a content creator at multiple stores, I have a couple of questions.

1. Are the .dsf files also encrypted? I know there was mention of the .duf files as encrypted.

2. In DAZ Studio 4.9, will all the save functions work without encryption? Ie, I make a custom monster and save as .duf with .dsf data files.

The reasons for these questions will determine if my work flow is impacted. For example, I create a product that would use the original geometry but with a new rig. This requires pointing my .duf file at the original .dsf file with the geometry. (Not a hack of other folks files, since I am not modifying the original files.)

Richard Haseltine

second.technician.rimmer_9571136c47 said:

I am still waiting for an answer on this: What exactly is the array of what Daz Connect can/will do? Can you swear to us on pile of bibles (figuratively speaking of course) that this lil' gizmo ONLY activates DRM'ed product and does not snoop around inside our computers? If it does, there is NO justification for this. We're not working at Daz and thus, Daz doesn't get to go through our fridge. We're being 1984'ed enough already without you guys jumping on that bandwagon. Anything that isn't meant to provide me with internet-specific tools is banned from connecting to the internet on my workstation. Host editing, firewall rules, etc. I don't allow my cellphone to install apps which ask for my contact list when they're supposed to wake me up in the morning and nothing more.

So? What can Daz Connect *really* do? Hmm? Also, should you answer me and say that it's not a spyware at any level, how can I be sure you tell the truth? If you were to lie to me, I wouldn't even blame you, Spooky. You speak in here for Daz3d, you have many obligations as well as pressure from above. Still, this is a big issue.

Thisd has ben answered - it is a purely pull service, getting the key from Daz and deciding which files it can unlock. it doesn't push data about your installed files to Daz.

mjc1016

etujedi said:

As a content creator at multiple stores, I have a couple of questions.

1. Are the .dsf files also encrypted? I know there was mention of the .duf files as encrypted.

2. In DAZ Studio 4.9, will all the save functions work without encryption? Ie, I make a custom monster and save as .duf with .dsf data files.

The reasons for these questions will determine if my work flow is impacted. For example, I create a product that would use the original geometry but with a new rig. This requires pointing my .duf file at the original .dsf file with the geometry. (Not a hack of other folks files, since I am not modifying the original files.)

Your own files that you create won't be encrypted, those available through the store will...or at least that's the way I understand what will happen, from several previous posts. 

etujedi

mjc1016 said:

etujedi said:

As a content creator at multiple stores, I have a couple of questions.

1. Are the .dsf files also encrypted? I know there was mention of the .duf files as encrypted.

2. In DAZ Studio 4.9, will all the save functions work without encryption? Ie, I make a custom monster and save as .duf with .dsf data files.

The reasons for these questions will determine if my work flow is impacted. For example, I create a product that would use the original geometry but with a new rig. This requires pointing my .duf file at the original .dsf file with the geometry. (Not a hack of other folks files, since I am not modifying the original files.)

Your own files that you create won't be encrypted, those available through the store will...or at least that's the way I understand what will happen, from several previous posts. 

Right, but that depends on if I can save my files normally in DAZ Studio 4.9.

 If I can save my files normally, is there something in place to stop someone from downloading my new products and re-saving it in the old format? If not, then the encryption can be circumvented easily.

Also, If the .dsf files are encrypted on new files, then I lose some fuctionality of  certain add-on products, like my alternate rig example above

I asked these specific questions so that I know how to proceed. I would have to create some add-on content in 4.8 if 4.9 can not save legacy formats. Can I have 4.8 and 4.9 on the same computer? I'm guessing not, since other versions do not, so I will need 2 separate computers. These are all important things know since it will impact my work flow, and so I can keep up with current content while still maintaining fuctionallity of legacy content.

Richard Haseltine

etujedi said:

mjc1016 said:

etujedi said:

As a content creator at multiple stores, I have a couple of questions.

1. Are the .dsf files also encrypted? I know there was mention of the .duf files as encrypted.

2. In DAZ Studio 4.9, will all the save functions work without encryption? Ie, I make a custom monster and save as .duf with .dsf data files.

The reasons for these questions will determine if my work flow is impacted. For example, I create a product that would use the original geometry but with a new rig. This requires pointing my .duf file at the original .dsf file with the geometry. (Not a hack of other folks files, since I am not modifying the original files.)

Your own files that you create won't be encrypted, those available through the store will...or at least that's the way I understand what will happen, from several previous posts. 

Right, but that depends on if I can save my files normally in DAZ Studio 4.9.

 If I can save my files normally, is there something in place to stop someone from downloading my new products and re-saving it in the old format? If not, then the encryption can be circumvented easily.

Also, If the .dsf files are encrypted on new files, then I lose some fuctionality of  certain add-on products, like my alternate rig example above

I asked these specific questions so that I know how to proceed. I would have to create some add-on content in 4.8 if 4.9 can not save legacy formats. Can I have 4.8 and 4.9 on the same computer? I'm guessing not, since other versions do not, so I will need 2 separate computers. These are all important things know since it will impact my work flow, and so I can keep up with current content while still maintaining fuctionallity of legacy content.

Your own files will not be encrypted - only content from Daz might be encrytped, prsumably as part of the QA and packaging cycle.

mjc1016

Richard Haseltine said:

etujedi said:

Right, but that depends on if I can save my files normally in DAZ Studio 4.9.

 If I can save my files normally, is there something in place to stop someone from downloading my new products and re-saving it in the old format? If not, then the encryption can be circumvented easily.

Also, If the .dsf files are encrypted on new files, then I lose some fuctionality of  certain add-on products, like my alternate rig example above

I asked these specific questions so that I know how to proceed. I would have to create some add-on content in 4.8 if 4.9 can not save legacy formats. Can I have 4.8 and 4.9 on the same computer? I'm guessing not, since other versions do not, so I will need 2 separate computers. These are all important things know since it will impact my work flow, and so I can keep up with current content while still maintaining fuctionallity of legacy content.

Your own files will not be encrypted - only content from Daz might be encrytped, prsumably as part of the QA and packaging cycle.

Which is basically the way it is now, with all content  (except some scripts that are saved encrypted...and script/addons from the store). 

(the way it was supposed to be bolded)

Richard Haseltine

mjc1016 said:

Richard Haseltine said:

etujedi said:

Right, but that depends on if I can save my files normally in DAZ Studio 4.9.

 If I can save my files normally, is there something in place to stop someone from downloading my new products and re-saving it in the old format? If not, then the encryption can be circumvented easily.

Also, If the .dsf files are encrypted on new files, then I lose some fuctionality of  certain add-on products, like my alternate rig example above

I asked these specific questions so that I know how to proceed. I would have to create some add-on content in 4.8 if 4.9 can not save legacy formats. Can I have 4.8 and 4.9 on the same computer? I'm guessing not, since other versions do not, so I will need 2 separate computers. These are all important things know since it will impact my work flow, and so I can keep up with current content while still maintaining fuctionallity of legacy content.

Your own files will not be encrypted - only content from Daz might be encrytped, prsumably as part of the QA and packaging cycle.

Which is basically the way it is now, with all content  (except some scripts that are saved encrypted...and script/addons from the store). 

Except that users can choose to save an encrypted script, there's no way for the rest of us to create content tied to Connect or its encryption.

etujedi

Richard,

1. Your answer to my first question is yes, all parts of the new DAZ content files will be encrypted. (This prevents me pointing at existing files for alternate rigs.)

2. Your answer to my second question is yes, DS 4.9 will save files unencrypted. (Hopefully something is in place to protect the encrypted content from being resaved unencrypted, although it looks like the exporters are working too, so more holes here.) This does allow me to re-save and point to files though, which will fix my first issue, as long as folks re-save their files.

Is this correct?

 

mjc1016

Richard Haseltine said:

mjc1016 said:

Richard Haseltine said:

etujedi said:

Right, but that depends on if I can save my files normally in DAZ Studio 4.9.

 If I can save my files normally, is there something in place to stop someone from downloading my new products and re-saving it in the old format? If not, then the encryption can be circumvented easily.

Also, If the .dsf files are encrypted on new files, then I lose some fuctionality of  certain add-on products, like my alternate rig example above

I asked these specific questions so that I know how to proceed. I would have to create some add-on content in 4.8 if 4.9 can not save legacy formats. Can I have 4.8 and 4.9 on the same computer? I'm guessing not, since other versions do not, so I will need 2 separate computers. These are all important things know since it will impact my work flow, and so I can keep up with current content while still maintaining fuctionallity of legacy content.

Your own files will not be encrypted - only content from Daz might be encrytped, prsumably as part of the QA and packaging cycle.

Which is basically the way it is now, with all content  (except some scripts that are saved encrypted...and script/addons from the store). 

Except that users can choose to save an encrypted script, there's no way for the rest of us to create content tied to Connect or its encryption.

Oops...that bolding was supposed to be the other way around, which makes what I said make more sense...

Richard Haseltine

etujedi said:

Richard,

1. Your answer to my first question is yes, all parts of the new DAZ content files will be encrypted. (This prevents me pointing at existing files for alternate rigs.)

2. Your answer to my second question is yes, DS 4.9 will save files unencrypted. (Hopefully something is in place to protect the encrypted content from being resaved unencrypted, although it looks like the exporters are working too, so more holes here.) This does allow me to re-save and point to files though, which will fix my first issue, as long as folks re-save their files.

Is this correct?

I think many changes can still be palced in a Character preset, but I am down to my last GB of data for the month (less what I have used today) so downloading a Starter Essentials to test is not an option.

L'Adair

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

I'm reluctant to install the beta to my desktop until such time database changes in one version are seen and used by the other. According to the initial post in this thread, that isn't yet the case:

DAZ_Vince said:

• A portion of the data contained within the database is shared amongst versions but not entirely. For example:
  • Creating a category in either Daz Studio 4.9 or 4.8 will cause that category to exist in the other version
  • Assigning a file to that category in Daz Studio 4.9 will NOT cause that file to be assigned to that category in Daz Studio 4.8
  • Assigning a file to that category in Daz Studio 4.8 WILL cause the file to be assigned to the category in Daz Studio 4.9
• After the initial migration operation, edited metadata in Daz Studio 4.8 will not be migrated to Daz Studio 4.9.
  • A workaround is to export User Data from Daz Studio 4.8 and reimport User Data in Daz Studio 4.9.
• Importing non-User Data from DSX files does NOT function correctly in the 4.9.0.21 build and is, therefore, NOT recommended—this is fixed in a subsequent build.
  • A workaround is to reimport metadata within Daz Studio 4.8 or Daz Install Manager.
  • Importing User Data that has been previously exported to DSX file(s) DOES function correctly in 4.9.0.21.

 

L'Adair said:

stebloke said:

I've just found out about these changes, and I have to vent my rage and frustrations here.

Well, I'd like to vent, too. But I'm not angry and frustrated with DAZ.

My rant is there are so many posts in this thread filled with complaints about DAZ Connect and the presumed future of DAZ Studio, posts asking for help are getting lost and overlooked. Some of us would like to take the Beta out for a test spin, but would like specific concerns addressed first. However, our questions aren't getting answered because DAZ_Jon, DAZ_Spooky and DAZ_Rawb are too busy addressing the complaints, and yes, misinformation.

I'm not suggesting those folks who take exception to encryption and DRM, or have other issues with the new DAZ Connect should be silent. But it would be nice if we could have two threads for this Beta: One thread for voicing concerns and/or suggestions, and one thread just for providing support to customers wanting to install and use the Beta. And then those of us who've actually installed and tested the Beta can come back into this thread and offer our experiences as point or counterpoint to that conversation.

I'm tired of being ignored. My voice is important, too.

If I wanted to spend the time looking, I know I'd find posts from other members asking specific questions pertaining to installing or using 4.9 that have also been ignored in this thread. And as, apparently, you have to become annoying to get a response from those who know the answers, I am fully prepared to become a royal PIA to get some answers here.

It is really frustrating to see the same complaint/questions over and over again, sometimes from the same members, and see the staff answer those questions over and over again. Over 20 pages worth of repetition! But people asking for help in the midst of the hostility aren't getting answers. That's unacceptable.

Is it really too much to ask for those who aren't bitching about the beta to get answers to our questions?

L'Adair

captainklutz_a2ec859073 said:

I think my earlier post got missed:

Rather than having to do a complete re-install at each iteration, content, plug-ins etc., is it not possible just to patch an existing functional install from for example 4.8 to 4.9?

This just underlines what my latest post said.

nightwolf1982

DAZ_Spooky said:

This isn't a cloud service. The content is on your computer. The software is on your computer. The only time you need to connect is when you are downloading/installing/updating your content. You do not need to be connected to use your content, use the software, render, etc. 

I think the fact that the download option says "Install from Cloud" combined with the cloud icons is what is driving this.  I would like more clarification on the offline packages, will there be unencrypted packages like the current DIM zips? Or will there be seperate downloads, unencrypted DIM zips and then DAZ Connect encrypted packages?  With the encrypted packages, will there be a single authorization key, or will each package have it's own unique key?

Richard Haseltine

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

First, nothing will happen to your existing installs - only the content installed with Connect is encrypted. As for using both the laptop and the desktop, it is my understanding from official posts that while the rules say one active machine only in fact, in the majority of cases, you would be able to have both machines actively registered to use Connect-installed content - but there are a number of fctors involved which make it impossible to be definitive (I hope it will be possible to be clearer in future).

nightwolf1982

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

 

 

The answer is:  if the two computers are NOT using the same database, then no your content on your desktop won't be affected by 4.9 being on your laptop.  At least, that's how I understand things.

Richard Haseltine

nightwolf1982 said:

DAZ_Spooky said:

This isn't a cloud service. The content is on your computer. The software is on your computer. The only time you need to connect is when you are downloading/installing/updating your content. You do not need to be connected to use your content, use the software, render, etc. 

I think the fact that the download option says "Install from Cloud" combined with the cloud icons is what is driving this.  I would like more clarification on the offline packages, will there be unencrypted packages like the current DIM zips? Or will there be seperate downloads, unencrypted DIM zips and then DAZ Connect encrypted packages?  With the encrypted packages, will there be a single authorization key, or will each package have it's own unique key?

As this has been explained, I believe you will need to register the machine (short online connection), then the offline package will be encrypted content and a key file so that your system knows it is available in your account. Whether that will be two separate files or a single zip containing both I don't know - the latter would seem likely. It was said the key would not expire, so once you have the offlien package you will be able to use it on any registered machine.

L'Adair

nightwolf1982 said:

DAZ_Spooky said:

This isn't a cloud service. The content is on your computer. The software is on your computer. The only time you need to connect is when you are downloading/installing/updating your content. You do not need to be connected to use your content, use the software, render, etc. 

I think the fact that the download option says "Install from Cloud" combined with the cloud icons is what is driving this.  I would like more clarification on the offline packages, will there be unencrypted packages like the current DIM zips? Or will there be seperate downloads, unencrypted DIM zips and then DAZ Connect encrypted packages?  With the encrypted packages, will there be a single authorization key, or will each package have it's own unique key?

1) DIM isn't going anywhere for the foreseeable future. You can still download the unencrypted zip files, either with DIM or via your library product page.

Once you convert a product over to DAZ Connect, you will need to use DAZ Connect for that product from that point on. You can uninstall if you like, and later reinstall. Or leave the product on your computer. It's up to you.

1) As I understand it, there will be two keys, one specifically for your machine, and one for each product. In non-technical terms, the two files work together to unlock the encrpyted files. (And only DAZ specific files will be encrypted. Image files will still be accessible for making changes, if you like to create your materials.)

frank0314

L'Adair said:

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

I'm reluctant to install the beta to my desktop until such time database changes in one version are seen and used by the other. According to the initial post in this thread, that isn't yet the case:

DAZ_Vince said:

• A portion of the data contained within the database is shared amongst versions but not entirely. For example:
  • Creating a category in either Daz Studio 4.9 or 4.8 will cause that category to exist in the other version
  • Assigning a file to that category in Daz Studio 4.9 will NOT cause that file to be assigned to that category in Daz Studio 4.8
  • Assigning a file to that category in Daz Studio 4.8 WILL cause the file to be assigned to the category in Daz Studio 4.9
• After the initial migration operation, edited metadata in Daz Studio 4.8 will not be migrated to Daz Studio 4.9.
  • A workaround is to export User Data from Daz Studio 4.8 and reimport User Data in Daz Studio 4.9.
• Importing non-User Data from DSX files does NOT function correctly in the 4.9.0.21 build and is, therefore, NOT recommended—this is fixed in a subsequent build.
  • A workaround is to reimport metadata within Daz Studio 4.8 or Daz Install Manager.
  • Importing User Data that has been previously exported to DSX file(s) DOES function correctly in 4.9.0.21.

 

L'Adair said:

stebloke said:

I've just found out about these changes, and I have to vent my rage and frustrations here.

Well, I'd like to vent, too. But I'm not angry and frustrated with DAZ.

My rant is there are so many posts in this thread filled with complaints about DAZ Connect and the presumed future of DAZ Studio, posts asking for help are getting lost and overlooked. Some of us would like to take the Beta out for a test spin, but would like specific concerns addressed first. However, our questions aren't getting answered because DAZ_Jon, DAZ_Spooky and DAZ_Rawb are too busy addressing the complaints, and yes, misinformation.

I'm not suggesting those folks who take exception to encryption and DRM, or have other issues with the new DAZ Connect should be silent. But it would be nice if we could have two threads for this Beta: One thread for voicing concerns and/or suggestions, and one thread just for providing support to customers wanting to install and use the Beta. And then those of us who've actually installed and tested the Beta can come back into this thread and offer our experiences as point or counterpoint to that conversation.

I'm tired of being ignored. My voice is important, too.

If I wanted to spend the time looking, I know I'd find posts from other members asking specific questions pertaining to installing or using 4.9 that have also been ignored in this thread. And as, apparently, you have to become annoying to get a response from those who know the answers, I am fully prepared to become a royal PIA to get some answers here.

It is really frustrating to see the same complaint/questions over and over again, sometimes from the same members, and see the staff answer those questions over and over again. Over 20 pages worth of repetition! But people asking for help in the midst of the hostility aren't getting answers. That's unacceptable.

Is it really too much to ask for those who aren't bitching about the beta to get answers to our questions?

You post could've been overlooked. This thread is getting a lot of traffic and things are bound to be missed. Just "calmly" ask your question again.

RAMWolff

patrickgobels said:

Question: So if I have my 110 GB DAZ stuff on an external HD, can I make Daz Connect replace the old files, delete it and replace it with the latest one, but placing it into the same directory on the external HDD?

I don't want to have duplicates or wasted HDD space.

I'd totally be on board with this if someone could write a script that can search where's it's pointed, find the folders/files and either delete them and replace them or move them where they need to be.  Before Smart Content I was doing what others are still doing, moving things, categorizing them and all that but when I found that Smart Content was useful I just let that go but in the mean time I have all these files and folders from previous generations all over the place. 

L'Adair

Richard Haseltine said:

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

First, nothing will happen to your existing installs - only the content installed with Connect is encrypted. As for using both the laptop and the desktop, it is my understanding from official posts that while the rules say one active machine only in fact, in the majority of cases, you would be able to have both machines actively registered to use Connect-installed content - but there are a number of fctors involved which make it impossible to be definitive (I hope it will be possible to be clearer in future).

I understand this. I'm not worried about the encryption. My concern was about your end. Was there anything on the servers that would require I continue to use DAZ Connect. My instinct says, "No," but I wanted to verify this first. I'm not planning on using 4.9 for anything other than looking at how it works, for now. If I like what I see, I'll be installing it on my Desktop once changes via 4.8 are visible in 4.9 and vice-versa.

nightwolf1982 said:

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

The answer is:  if the two computers are NOT using the same database, then no your content on your desktop won't be affected by 4.9 being on your laptop.  At least, that's how I understand things.

Thanks. As I mentioned above, I'm just verifying there isn't anything on the DAZ servers/cloud that will muck up my install on the desktop.

RAMWolff

Eustace Scrubb said:

I did notice that "Fit to" now has two different styles or algorithms available:  what's the difference?

Answer to inquiry please code staff?

mjc1016

 

RAMWolff said:

patrickgobels said:

Question: So if I have my 110 GB DAZ stuff on an external HD, can I make Daz Connect replace the old files, delete it and replace it with the latest one, but placing it into the same directory on the external HDD?

I don't want to have duplicates or wasted HDD space.

I'd totally be on board with this if someone could write a script that can search where's it's pointed, find the folders/files and either delete them and replace them or move them where they need to be.  Before Smart Content I was doing what others are still doing, moving things, categorizing them and all that but when I found that Smart Content was useful I just let that go but in the mean time I have all these files and folders from previous generations all over the place. 

That's primarily why I'm not doing this beta...I have things set up in a way that either requires a total reinstall of my content or massive work on my part to rearrange things so there's enough space.   But I'm short on drive space right now, so neither is going to happen.  From what I'm looking at, a complete, clean install would probably be the easiest, which can wait until I get more drive space (which will be blank, anyway).

RAMWolff

Yea, and the producct list will need allot of time before it's covering enough of the content that DAZ has on the books to really make me want to do something so drastic.  I can see doing it but not until this is a bit more mature.  We shall see how this all goes.  It's only a beta... nothing's written in stone  yet.....

MKeyes

Well.... I've been playing with it for hours. And you know what, I like it. I am finding content sooo much easier. I've gone through looking for stuff and it's ALL in Alphabetical order, I mean, how much easier can it be? AND - I am easially finding ALL of my other exterior drive content. And that was my only concern really. I have my files set up by stores. RDNA - RENDEROSITY - CONTENT PARADISE ... like that, and in each one of them, MChar. FChar. Hair. Props. Vehicles. Clothing. Shoes... and I found it all exactly as I find it with the previous versions. I don't mind the signing in - and I haven't bought any Cloud deliverable content yet... but when I do... I'll be ready.

It's all fine by me. Have done a couple of test renders. There are my purchased IRay lights I can't find yet, and Iray shaders... but I'll dig them out. Doing a scene now to render. But all in all... yeah, no biggie. Because I'm not gonna lie... I will NEVER say, I am done shopping at Daz3d.com - ain't no way - no sense in me even going there. I NEED what these vendors create and deliver. As the generations get better, and the software gets better, so does my illustrations and characters. So yeah, I'll be here until you all retire. That's just the truth of it. 

Be back with a render in a bit... Cheers!

Richard Haseltine

RAMWolff said:

patrickgobels said:

Question: So if I have my 110 GB DAZ stuff on an external HD, can I make Daz Connect replace the old files, delete it and replace it with the latest one, but placing it into the same directory on the external HDD?

I don't want to have duplicates or wasted HDD space.

I'd totally be on board with this if someone could write a script that can search where's it's pointed, find the folders/files and either delete them and replace them or move them where they need to be.  Before Smart Content I was doing what others are still doing, moving things, categorizing them and all that but when I found that Smart Content was useful I just let that go but in the mean time I have all these files and folders from previous generations all over the place. 

A conversion tool is apparently planned but not yet available, so you would either need to uninstall your existing content or wait for the conversion tool.

Richard Haseltine

L'Adair said:

Richard Haseltine said:

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

First, nothing will happen to your existing installs - only the content installed with Connect is encrypted. As for using both the laptop and the desktop, it is my understanding from official posts that while the rules say one active machine only in fact, in the majority of cases, you would be able to have both machines actively registered to use Connect-installed content - but there are a number of fctors involved which make it impossible to be definitive (I hope it will be possible to be clearer in future).

I understand this. I'm not worried about the encryption. My concern was about your end. Was there anything on the servers that would require I continue to use DAZ Connect. My instinct says, "No," but I wanted to verify this first. I'm not planning on using 4.9 for anything other than looking at how it works, for now. If I like what I see, I'll be installing it on my Desktop once changes via 4.8 are visible in 4.9 and vice-versa.

nightwolf1982 said:

L'Adair said:

I do nearly everything on my desktop computer, but I do have a laptop. If I install 4.9 to my laptop and try out DAZ Connect, will content on my desktop be affected and start requiring DAZ Connect if and when I upgrade to 4.9? Or will the fact the two computers won't be using the same database be sufficient to prevent that?

The answer is:  if the two computers are NOT using the same database, then no your content on your desktop won't be affected by 4.9 being on your laptop.  At least, that's how I understand things.

Thanks. As I mentioned above, I'm just verifying there isn't anything on the DAZ servers/cloud that will muck up my install on the desktop.

No, the process is from Daz to you, nothing gets fed back to Daz (except using the search in the store tab of Smart Content).

Tobor

What's the clear consensus for the NEXT beta, or product RELEASE, regarding exluding content from being re-downloded?

I ask because about 85% of my Daz-purchased content I no longer use. It's in my library, but it's old junk I really have no use for -- ancient Poser 6 light sets, for example, or anything V3 or M3 related (check that; I still use M3 with a certain zombie character I got years ago from Rendo).

I would like to see either (or both) of the following:

1. A way to *easily* mark content in the Product Library. This can be a simple set of checkboxes, as well as pushbuttons to Select All, Deselect All. Your settings are remembered, and honored by Daz Connect.

2. A way to *easily* mark content from within Daz Connect to include or exclude all or specific items in the product library. This occurs prior to any download commencing.