Method and apparatus for enabling trial period use of software products: method and apparatus for allowing a try-and-buy user interaction

A method of distributing software objects from a producer to a potential user, comprising the method steps of:

• providing a software object;
• providing a computer-accessible memory media;
• providing a file management program;
• reversibly inhibiting a function of said software object;
• recording said software object onto said computer-accessible memory media;
• shipping said computer-accessible memory media from said producer to said potential user;
• loading said file management program into a user-controlled data processing system and integrating an operation of said file management program into an operating system for said user-controlled data processing system;
• reading said computer-accessible memory media with said user-controlled data processing system;
• utilizing said file management program to restore said function of said software object with said user-controlled data processing system to allow access to said software object following completion of a remote authorization procedure.