There are currently two ways to approach this problem.
1) Set an Expiry in Activ. This means that you can preset the number of days an ebook will be unlocked. After the date the ebook locks itself. The advantage is that you can then allow the user to purchase the ebook with a 'Buy It Now' option.
2) Use a system where every time the ebook is opened it accesses an online database. Several ebook security systems employ this approach. Personally, I don't care for this approach because it is intrusive to the user and there is a monthly maintainence fee. (Activ's security is built in and there are no additional fees.)
Yes. When a user downloads the ebook and opens it (and assuming you're using the 1,000 passwords) you can determine the number of days that they can view the ebook.
The alternative is to unlock a few chapters.
If you are using a 'buy it now' feature (like HYPrLock) the ebook is unlocked immediately after payment.
Deciding if limiting access to the entire ebook for a set number of days or allowing access to just a few chapters is purely a personal decision. Just be sure that if you are going to allow access to the entire ebook that you do not allow printing--at least until the book is purchased.
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