A: Object Desktop is a desktop environment designed as a set of components that integrate into your operating system to make it easier to use, more powerful, and more flexile. By "component" we mean a software program that is relatively small in size. Instead of having 1 big program that does a lot of things, we take the route of having many small programs that each do a single thing.

A: When you buy a software product, you usually either buy it at the store or maybe "register" it online. If you were at your local store and bought Object Desktop that is what you’d have – Object Desktop. On the other hand, instead of having to go through the constant upgrade cycle, you can subscribe to the Object Desktop Network. In this case, you would gain access to the components of Object Desktop that are already available plus everything that comes out for it while you are subscribed to it.

Q: Why would I want to "subscribe" to the Object Desktop Network instead of just buy it in a box?

A: If you have a reasonably fast internet connection, subscribing is a great deal. When you subscribe you get everything that’s already available plus everything that comes out for a year after that or longer. It’s like buying the product and getting the upgrade automatically for free. It also allows you to treat the Internet as a giant virtual CD ROM drive. You can download Object Desktop components no matter where you are.

Q: What happens if I let my subscription expire? Will the programs I’ve received still work?

A: Yes. Think of it like you would a magazine subscription. If you let your subscription to say Newsweek lapse, you can still read all the old issues, you just won’t get new ones.

A: Yes to a point. Only 1 copy of the product can be used at once per license. But if you want to have it on both home and work or install it on the road that is not only allowed but recommended.