I only like to download via VPN ("disguises" my computer): am I out of luck with C12 Pro upgrade?

Cubase
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As per the title of this post …

Thanks for any info :slight_smile:

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I believe it makes no difference if a VPN, or any kind of server connection is used.

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Thanks for that!

However, I can’t help but think, since the VPN “disguises” the computer ID, Cubase might think the VPN user was trying to install/use it on a new (perhaps fourth and therefore unauthorized) computer.

Is anyone here starting up Cubase 12 Pro on a VPN? What are your thoughts and experiences?

Thank you!

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The system does not “call home” except for license transactions, and will happily run offline forever once a license has been activated. So whether you are online or offline, using a VPN, tor, remote server, or cans and string Cubase doesn’t know.

edit well if you use the hub it will go online to fetch its content.

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Ok, thanks. That’s not intuitively obvious to me, but I’m fine with that! :slight_smile: :smile:

Edit: Not sure about the “hub” comment added as an edit …

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The hub loads a mini web page inside itself with the content and links that are displayed in it.

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It all works fine through a VPN. I did my whole upgrade while I was connected to mine (AirVPN), and the Hub connects just fine with it on too…

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Thanks @Monotremata !

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A VPN does not disguise the computer ID in any meaningful way. It disguises who your ISP (internet service provider) is – e g, instead of saying “it’s AT&T” it will say “it’s NordVPN.”

If you’re trying to watch Netflix from another country, or if you’re a dissident journalist in a totalitarian state, this may be meaningful.

If you’re just doing regular web surfing, there’s essentially no additional security from using a VPN provider, and there’s plenty of performance problems added at times. Plus, you now have to trust the VPN provider. Some VPN providers might be owned by middle-men for the Russian federal security bureau – how do you know yours isn’t one of them?

Anyway, Cubase uses a different mechanism to figure out the “ID” of your computer than something as ephemeral as your IP address. Your ISP can (and many do) re-assign your IP address frequently anyway, so any system that relies on this being permanent is doomed from the start – nobody would build this.

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