Difference Between Crack, Serial And Keygen

[digmen1]

Sorry for being so dumb !

But could someone explain the difference between a

Serial
Crack
Keygen

And how does one use them when one has them ?

Thanks

Digby

[AndrewBarker]

a serial is the same as a key
a keygen generate a key/serial
a crack is a file(s) you put in the program files folder where you've just installed your software, doing away with the need for a serial/key

[CoolMac]

be careful when searching for those
plenty of viruses,trojans and dialers

[Cl1mh4224rd]

Serial: (keys, CD keys) A series of numbers, letters, or any combination thereof, used to register a piece of software or unlock extended features.

Keygen: Generates serial numbers, either by randomly displaying one of a predetermined list of valid serial numbers, randomly generating a valid serial number, or taking user input to generate a valid serial number.

Crack: A small executable file used to modify another executable file with the purpose of bypassing certain validation features like CD checking, requiring a serial number, or to remove the timer from "limitted use" software.

[Smurfette]

Originally posted by Cl1mh4224rd@31 January 2004 - 05:12
Crack: A small executable file used to modify another executable file with the purpose of bypassing certain validation features like CD checking, requiring a serial number, or to remove the timer from "limitted use" software.
Wrong.

A crack is a fixed file that replaces the original. Most often this is the main executable file but it's not uncommon for them to be cracked dlls or custom files.

What you're describing is a patch.

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by Smurfette+31 January 2004 - 06:58--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Smurfette @ 31 January 2004 - 06:58)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Cl1mh4224rd@31 January 2004 - 05:12
Crack: A small executable file used to modify another executable file with the purpose of bypassing certain validation features like CD checking, requiring a serial number, or to remove the timer from "limitted use" software.
Wrong.

A crack is a fixed file that replaces the original. Most often this is the main executable file but it&#39;s not uncommon for them to be cracked dlls or custom files.

What you&#39;re describing is a patch. [/b][/quote]
Actually, both definitions are collectively known as &#39;cracks&#39;. Depending on who makes them, a crack overwrites the executable to neutralise the copy protection and/or a crack is a set of files needed to either overwrite or add to files in a location to neutralise the copy protection. :)

What you say about a &#39;patch&#39; can also apply to the executable :P

[CoolMac]

lot&#39;s of peoples confuse patch and crack, patch is an update of a`program

crack is the same .exe file except that it hasn&#39;t got locked features

in my opinion the best thing is the serial ;)

[Illuminati]

Originally posted by CoolMac@31 January 2004 - 14:49
in my opinion the best thing is the serial ;)
Ditto :D

[Smurfette]

Well, it depends whether you&#39;re talking about legitimate companies or cracking groups.
Legitimate software houses release update patches that just overwrite original files, whereas cracking groups such as EVC, Fairlight, Orion, Phrozen Crew et al release cracks within a zip/rar file that you extract over the original files. When these groups release a patch, it&#39;s an executable file that changes part of the original file you already have - most commonly these patchers create a backup file for you to put back for an official update patch to work.

Almost all nfo files tell you just under the banner what type the release is - keygen, serial, cracked exe, patch etc. - as well as in the installation istructions.

[digmen1]

Originally posted by Smurfette@31 January 2004 - 22:02
Almost all nfo files tell you just under the banner what type the release is - keygen, serial, cracked exe, patch etc. - as well as in the installation istructions.
[QUOTE]

Thanks guys, looks like I started things here.

That suggestion to check out the nfo file is a good idea as the instructions may be handy &#33;

Digby