Licenses

The License options display the license status of the current Rhino license.

Licenses

The CheckOutLicense command opens the Licenses page in Options. When you check out a license from the Zoo license server, the license is saved to your computer. It allows you to use the license without connecting to the Zoo server. Other users won't have access to this license until you check in (return) the license to the license pool.

The CheckInLicense command opens the Licenses page in Options. A license can be checked in if it was checked out from the Zoo license server. When a license is checked in, it returns to the license pool and can be shared again by users.

Manages assignment of Rhino licenses among members of a network.

To script the installation process and allow more efficient use of Rhino licenses, network administrators now have the option of installing Rhino as a network node. Network nodes obtain license keys at run time from the Zoo, unlike standalone Rhino, which requires that a license key be entered on each system.

When a Rhino network node starts, a request for a license key is sent to the Zoo. If the number of available keys has not been exceeded, the Zoo assigns a key to the workstation, and the number of available licenses is reduced by one. When a node shuts down, the license is added back to the available license pool.

The Zoo will run on any system in a network. All of the nodes must be in the same network. The Zoo uses an inter-process communications mechanism that is used by several networking services. Thus, the Zoo should operate reliably in both Microsoft Network and Domain networking environments. For details on setting up a network, contact your network administrator.

The Zoo can be downloaded free of charge.

Features include:

• No special version of Rhino is needed.
• No special hardware is needed.
• Commercial versions of Rhino will work either as a standalone license or as a network node. This is an installation option.
• Standalone license keys can easily be converted to network nodes and back.
• All the nodes will keep working even if the network connection or server is down, but no new ones can start up without access to the Zoo.
• The Zoo will run on any system in the network.
• Very little administration is required. The license keys are typed into the Zoo instead of on individual systems.
• A network can have a mix of nodes and standalone licenses.
• Rhino license keys can be checked out so laptop users can disconnect from the network. The license key can be checked in again when the laptop is reconnected to the network.

To use the Zoo

Change license or user

The Login command logs you into Rhino using your Rhino account. If you are already logged in, your credentials will be refreshed.

The Logout command logs you out and returns any licenses borrowed from a Rhino account.

If Rhino’s license is from a Rhino account, returning your license will cause all sessions of Rhino to close on your computer. You will be given a chance to save your work if there are any unsaved changes on any of the open sessions.

See also

McNeel Wiki: Zoo License Manager

Work with files