Software boxing programs, some a bit shady

[Bradster]

To the point, Keyclone is approved by Blizzard for software boxing.

However I have not seen any information regarding some of the other software packages out there. Which concerns me. Take for example Autohotkey. This is a macro writing program, which could be used for automation. If they allow Autohotkey to be used then it doens't flag accounts. This would allow anyone to use it for other purposes against the TOS. What stops anyone from abusing this software?

Point is, if they flag it as bad (if not already) those that use said unapproved software will be screwed. I very much doubt any type of message will be put out to say "Hey guys this is bad software so if you use it please stop now". Nope they are just going to hit the ban hammer. Just something to think about. EVERY BODY PANIC!

But really with the amount of effort and time we all invest in our accounts, I can at least speak for myself when I want to go with a known true good thing. That's the main reason why I went hardware to start off. Because it's a investment of time, a lot of it. If that's something you can lose in a drop of a hat and not blink a eye more power to ya. Me I’ll stick to the book and keep all my work so my fun continues. 8)

[Tasty]

I see.

[JoeWunsch]

To the point, Keyclone is approved by Blizzard for software boxing.

However I have not seen any information regarding some of the other software packages out there. Which concerns me. [/font]Take for example Autohotkey. This is a macro writing program, which could be used for automation. If they allow Autohotkey to be used then it doens't flag accounts. This would allow anyone to use it for other purposes against the TOS. What stops anyone from abusing this software?

Point is, if they flag it as bad (if not already) those that use said unapproved software will be screwed. I very much doubt any type of message will be put out to say "Hey guys this is bad software so if you use it please stop now". Nope they are just going to hit the ban hammer. Just something to think about. EVERY BODY PANIC!

But really with the amount of effort and time we all invest in our accounts, I can at least speak for myself when I want to go with a known true good thing. That's the main reason why I went hardware to start off. Because it's a investment of time, a lot of it. If that's something you can lose in a drop of a hat and not blink a eye more power to ya. Me I’ll stick to the book and keep all my work so my fun continues. 8)

Yeah AHK can be used to violate the terms, but so can programmable keyboards, x-keys, etc.

I would think they would keep it as it is now, on a case by case basis. You are fine to use it, but if they catch any whiff of you using some sort of automation or more than one key getting sent per press, etc, I would think you would have problems eventually.

Thats why people using the line formation macro stuff scares me, although it looks cool i would never risk it.

[-silencer-]

Like Joe just said, you're not in danger of getting banned using AHK more than using a G15 keyboard. When Blizzard specifically states NO to AutoHotKey, then we'll switch to something else. I know there are plenty of users who have been told that key broadcasting (beyond just KeyClone) is legal as long as automation is not being used, regardless of the form.

[sqeaky4100]

[/font]

Yeah AHK can be used to violate the terms, but so can programmable keyboards, x-keys, etc.

I would think they would keep it as it is now, on a case by case basis. You are fine to use it, but if they catch any whiff of you using some sort of automation or more than one key getting sent per press, etc, I would think you would have problems eventually.

Thats why people using the line formation macro stuff scares me, although it looks cool i would never risk it.[/quote]You can achieve any line formation legally.

A strait line formation requires 2 separate keys.

An "X" formation requires you to press down 2 keys at a time ... which is very simple with a G15-like keyboard, and also completely legal.


I do wish I had the balls to keep using a macro i made for automatically making my guys form a line... but I dont want to take the risks

[zanthor]

Something to consider.

Most of the bigger names around here are hardware boxers. Meaning, they don't use software to broadcast keys, or mice, or anything. I could rattle of names, but most of you know who I am talking about already.

Every stop to wonder why? Hmmm?

And others of us saw exactly what Brads talking about and went with Keyclone because of that, and the fact that we're lazy (at least on my part.) Granted I was thinking about it the other day, and if instead of dumping a bunch of money into my system to 5 box on the single PC I'd have bought 4 more low end boxes with decent cards, I'd have a hardware solution now instead of software...

In the end, I'm comfortable with what I setup, but since I know there's a fishbot out there thats based on AutoHotKey's sister application AutoIT it makes me wonder how long before that banhammer swings... though there are enough LEGIT uses of AHK that I'd wager blizzard would warn first, ban 2nd... or stick to behavioral based bans for this... I'd hope...

[-silencer-]

Every stop to wonder why? Hmmm?

PvP performance. Even if not for PvP, it's faster.

[Bradster]

To the point, Keyclone is approved by Blizzard for software boxing.

However I have not seen any information regarding some of the other software packages out there. Which concerns me. [/font]Take for example Autohotkey. This is a macro writing program, which could be used for automation. If they allow Autohotkey to be used then it doens't flag accounts. This would allow anyone to use it for other purposes against the TOS. What stops anyone from abusing this software?

Point is, if they flag it as bad (if not already) those that use said unapproved software will be screwed. I very much doubt any type of message will be put out to say "Hey guys this is bad software so if you use it please stop now". Nope they are just going to hit the ban hammer. Just something to think about. EVERY BODY PANIC!

But really with the amount of effort and time we all invest in our accounts, I can at least speak for myself when I want to go with a known true good thing. That's the main reason why I went hardware to start off. Because it's a investment of time, a lot of it. If that's something you can lose in a drop of a hat and not blink a eye more power to ya. Me I’ll stick to the book and keep all my work so my fun continues. 8)

Yeah AHK can be used to violate the terms, but so can programmable keyboards, x-keys, etc.

I would think they would keep it as it is now, on a case by case basis. You are fine to use it, but if they catch any whiff of you using some sort of automation or more than one key getting sent per press, etc, I would think you would have problems eventually.

Thats why people using the line formation macro stuff scares me, although it looks cool i would never risk it.[/quote] Good point, some hardware like you listed can do that. But there is limitation. With Auto hotkey full automation could be achieved. The software is quite easy to use. I think that’s one reason some pick it, which is understandable.

Let’s say the software is on the ok list. What I’m saying is, because of that now anyone could load it up and have it automated to play for them or whatever. No company would allow a program to be loaded in to memory that could potential allow AFK play. By putting this software (or others) on that list it provides easy accessible tools for full automation. There just not going to allow that.

I’ve heard rumors, and I’ve seen things related to Auto hotkey (none of the others out there yet however) but not from a trust worthy source or a confirmed ban.

Perhaps I’m a bit paranoid but I feel the time I invested holds a high personal value and I’d hate to put something like that risk. I’m just tossing this out there not to promote hardware boxing, or specify software programs. I’ m just stating it’s a risk and some may not be aware just how much water their treading across.

Then again I believe with the hardware stuff like the G15 they have a section written about what you can and can’t do with it. Perhaps in the future they may have something like that for some of the other software packages. But I feel they will never approve software that can be used for full automation.

Blizzard out of all the companies I’ve experienced take 3rd party software very serious (insert joker pun here). I’d hate to dance around with shady stuff and loose. I don’t think many are aware just how risky some of those software packages are. You only get one chance when it comes to 3rd party software. Once your account is banned you can call them every day of the week and the answer will be "too bad so sad". :S

[Bradster]

For the record If I do decide to 10 box (to much going on right now with house) I will most likely go software for the next 5. Mainly because I have a rowdy main machine already and it will save me some nice cash on the other machines AND electric. However if there wasn't already documentation about said software use by Blizzard rest assured I'd be buying more computers.

[Fizzler]

The thing with AHK is that it is a very legitimate software used by many more folks outside of game than in. There are so many ways to automate keystrokes many of which are hardware driven that they would be hard pressed to keep up. In the grand scheme I think they are more wary of botting and complete unattended play than a few folks looping summon water 3-4 times which is probably what most every day person does with a G15.