Adobe software activation
When you license a software product from Adobe, you are issued an Adobe serial number that represents your license to use that software. Activation is the process by which Adobe validates that your software and serial number are genuine and that they are being used in accordance with the license you purchased. Activation is intended to protect your rights, as a consumer, to use the license to its full extent, and it is also intended to protect Adobe's rights as a software developer. Only genuine Adobe software entitles you to critical updates and technical support. You may not be able to use certain versions of Adobe software if it is not activated.
During the Activation process, information about the following is sent to Adobe via an Internet connection: your computer, your computer's operating system, the Adobe software in use on your computer, the Adobe serial number associated with that software, and your Adobe ID. In addition, Adobe receives the Internet Protocol address of your Internet connection. All the foregoing information is collectively referred to as the "Received Information" and is stored by Adobe. Adobe may use the Received Information, alone or in conjunction with other information you or third parties have provided to Adobe, to detect and prevent fraud and abuse of Adobe products and services, such as the use of Adobe software that is not validly licensed or that is not being used in accordance with a valid license.
If your software fails to activate, either because it cannot connect to Adobe over the Internet or because its use is not permitted, it may offer only limited functionality or not operate at all.
ADOBE® CREATIVE SUITE® 6 AND OTHER RECENT RELEASES OF ADOBE SOFTWARE
An Internet connection and registration will be required for software activation. Registration and activation can be completed either at installation or within seven days of product launch; otherwise, the product will stop working.