Cracks - What Are They?

[Camille_2501]

I am a complete novice to this so could someone please explain in very simple terms what a crack is?
Apologies if this seems like a stupid question :helpsmile:

[I.am]

A popular type hacking tool used to defy the copyright protection measures of a program, or to decode encrypted passwords. System administrators also use cracks to assess weak passwords chosen by novice users, in order to enhance the security of an information system.

define: crack

I have the power of Google, say it with me!

[Autumn Fox]

Either slang name for a strong drug ^_^ (I belive i can fly !!! ) or it's a program edited in such way that it'll work under diffrent then designed circumstances (no CD, no serial, no whatever)


Edit: ARGH seconds later

[Mullyman]

Just say no

[Camille_2501]

Thanx - so software listed as cracked is not, then, broken as such... It's all becoming much clearer

[100%]

For example

you download a demo or trial program such as Photoshop

after some time the demo doesnt work anymore cause it has Expired.

You can either
get a password-to register it so the demo becomes full

or you get a crack

the crack comes in many forms - mostly "application" form

which either replaces the photyoshop.exe application with a cracked version
or it runs a script to the necessary parts in Windows registry or in the photoshop files
and changes them so
that
Photoshop thinks it is a Legal Full version and not a Demo or Trial.

Cracks are free - buying photoshop would cost you $115.00 at amazon

[I.am]

Originally posted by Camille_2501@28 March 2004 - 16:18
Thanx - so software listed as cracked is not, then, broken as such... It's all becoming much clearer

If software is "broken" why on earth would anyone list it anyways,

get the idea

[h1]

Once again...

GOOGLE WINS
FLAWLESS VICTORY

[Camille_2501]

Right - I think I'm getting the hang of this. So. I have downloaded a program, and I managed to use a keygen to input a serial number and install it. However, the app also requires a registration code and the keygen's code isn't being accepted. I have a crack, but am not sure what I need to do.

Help please? :helpsmile:

[I.am]

Generally with a crack a .nfo file is there with instructions how to proceed. Open that file with a text editor like notepad and follow it.

Otherwise normally the sequence is to copy the crack in the directory where the program is installed in program files and then just open it. Sometimes the name of the file is the same as the name of the application so just let it overwrite.

I would say find the nfo file.