The CD-ROM is the copy-protection key - you need the CD-ROM to verify the validity of your copy. While I'm not crazy about this form of copy protection (I'd rather have a dongle, which doesn't tie up your CD drive), it's better than having to authorize the software for a single computer. This way at least you can use the software on different systems, just not simultaneously. And the app doesn't ask for the CD every single time, either, unlike some other programs I know of.