Workaround for silenced Notation version 2 in Windows 10

[Reinhold H.]

Let me add anonther comment here to this workaround for silenced Notation version 2 in Windows 10.

After Microsoft is pushing customers, in some countries almost forcing customers to upgrade to Windows 10 we get many inquiries from version 2 customers asking for support of version 2 on Windows 10.

From a license perspective the use of CoolSoft (+ public soundfonts) as a workaround is a use of each individual. CoolSoft's license "VirtualMIDISynth is freeware, use it as you like" is private license which each individual may use for his own needs. Notation Software cannot use CoolSoft as an alternative solution for version 2 on Windows 10. CoolSoft is based on the BassMidi software from un4seen. We at Notation Software do not own a license from un4seen nor has version 2 being sold to customers with this license. The BassMidi license is free for non-commercial use but for commercial use it is expensive. Therefore CoolSoft itself does not sell the software but asks users for donations. It is up to each individual to donate to CoolSoft.

As of today, CoolSoft does not offer realtime capabilites either which are essential for the realtime recording feature of Composer. These are the reasons why CoolSoft is just a workaround.

Btw. we have announced on Nov. 30th, 2014 (almost one year ago) that for various reasons (see here) a certification of version 2 for Windows 10 is not possible and the support of version 2 will end this Nov. 30th, 2015.

Reinhold