Hints & Tips: BeaverX, digitally signed gauges

[Aerosoft Team [Inactive Account] 51558]

One of the new things in FSX is the fact all gauges need to be digitally signed. As we experimented with that, let me explain why and how.

The why is simple. In Windows Vista all code that is executable will refuse to start before you, the user, will allow it. This is the core of the whole upgraded (and highly needed) security system is based on this fact. As gauges are actual executable code this also means FSX gauges need to be signed. So when you start FSX after the BeaverX has been installed (and when you load the aircraft for the first time), you will see a dialog like this;

Now click 'More options' and you will see this;

By selecting "Always run..." you have now accepted our digital signature and you will never be asked if any file signed with this digital signature should be started. Your system will now accept Aerosoft as a 'trusted' partner. If the trusted file is ever changed it will be tagged as suspect and you will be asked if all is okay. Of course only we can use this digital signature.

So you see, it seems like a pain in the neck, but it is a good system to prevent somebody changing your files or somebody running files on your system you do not want to run.