title: Is there any low level copy protection for an exe file, whether software or hardware based?
body: <p>I know, I know. I'm biting off more ethics than I'd like to chew with this question but there is an importance to it. I'm selling a very limited software package to an immensely small market. The thing is, most machines running this software will be in the same building and sharing a totally open exe is not something I'd like to have happen. The user base is not going to be adept with computers, let alone piracy. What low-level options exist for copy protection? I first thought to buy encrypted and locked USB thumb drives but I'm hoping to avoid that if possible, seeing as a direct download would be much more convenient for all. I'm not trying to punish customers, just trying to keep this on a small number of machines.</p>