Well you only need the internet to active your HL2 copy? So they could make programs that only need to be run once to activate it which would save you from having to run lots of these types of applications all the time.
Rich
On the day of release I've got a school review day baby :), meaning I only have to attened school for 10 mins WOOOOO!!!
Now I should spend the day doing some school work, but HL2 out? I think not!!! woo :)
Remember the days when magazines used to come with demos and had lot more intresting content? for LESS!
I used to pay £4 for PC Gamer, then £5 and when I went to get my HL2 review copy it's like £6 (not bought a mag for ages by the way :)) I mean whats next £7, £8, £100 (well not quite :P)...