2006-07-07 00:37:53 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
They are ways to cheat copyright protection.
These programs create "substitute" numbers, which allow the pirated software to FUNCTION.
You'll get a working version and your own LEGIT keys... if you actually PAY for the product.
2006-07-07 00:40:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most software, when you install it, requires you to enter a serial number or other information to prove that you are using a legitimate copy of the program. When the information is entered, the program then give you access to all the features, or does not expire after a trail period. A crack is a program that tricks the software into thinking you have entered the serial number. A key gen is a software that generates fake serial numbers for the software. Both are ways to get around the restrictions and use the software without having the serial number (and it usually means the user has not paid for it.) The use of cracks and key gens is currently illegal in the US and most other countries.
2006-07-07 07:44:49 · answer #2 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crack or cracking means "to break or snap apart".
A keygen (truncation of "key generator", also known as "keymaker") is a small program that will generate a key or serial/registration number for a piece of software or cryptographic algorithms.
Keygens are made available through cracking groups; for free download on various websites dedicated to software piracy.
Keys generated with a key generator may not work with software or games that are used online for either multiplayer gaming, or for getting software updates. This is because in the online version, software developers sometimes set a limit to only accept keys that they know were lightscribed on the discs during production. (or issued with an online registration) These are called salad keys, and will disallow keys that were generated with a keygen. This is because the algorithm to produce the keys allows a tiny number of keys to be generated and accepted in the redline version, but the midband version has a more unique number of keys accepted. But there is some chance that a keygen will produce a salad key.
In order to write a keygen, the author typically uses a disassembler to look at the raw assembly code of the program they are writing the keygen for. Once he or she has access to the program's code, they can locate the subroutine responsible for verifying that the key entered is valid. When the programmer has access to the subroutine's code, they can determine the algorithm used to generate valid keys (known as reverse engineering) which is then incorporated into the keygen.
In most programs that require a key to operate, the algorithm typically applies an algebraic expression to the key entered to validate the key. As an example, the algorithm may define that a key entered must contain 5 numbers that have a sum of 25, and that the key must also contain 3 letters that, when translated into their numerical equivalents, have a sum of 13. Due to the low cost of generating these types of keys, this is the more frequently-used method for generating keys than the lightscribing method mentioned above.
2006-07-07 07:50:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A crack is a method to disable licensing, example, many new software application will ask you to enter in a serial number or a KEY number, a crack is usually a software program meant to overwrite the portion on the program, that asks for this KEY number. Or give you the serial number that works
A KEY GEN is separate application, some new application use your internal clock in your PC or laptop, to aid with security. When you install a new application, it will check your clock on your PC then go online to register your software, or you call a number, for the KEY, the person will ask what time is it on your PC and generate a KEY, which will be valid for a short period of time.
A KEY GEN does this for you without the knowledge of the software company.
2006-07-07 07:51:18 · answer #4 · answered by Juggernaut 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are basically one and the same. A "keygen" is a program that generates activation codes for software. A "crack" can be the same, or, it may serve a different function. Many games require that you have the disc inserted the whole time while playing. "A "crack" would defeat this purpose.
2006-07-07 07:40:15 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A crack is a file that makes the software/game registered, you must copy it somewere (program foldre) or insert it into your registry. And a key generator is a program that can generate serial keys for a software/game.
2006-07-07 07:41:53 · answer #6 · answered by victim_of_bodom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
key gen can be a little program that will generate a key that could make a piece of illegal software work.
crack is likely to be a file which you drop into the program files that will work around protection against pirating software (so it can be pirated)
2006-07-07 07:41:37 · answer #7 · answered by n-i-c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A crack unlocks a trial version program to full version.A keygenerator gives one the ability to produce a registration key that will register a program and unlock it to full version.Illegally I might add.
2006-07-07 07:46:44 · answer #8 · answered by amydtld 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are small programs that allow you to by-pass any registering of other programs. So you dcan download a program of the net,the "crack" it so you don't have to pay for it. dodgy at best, but deffinately illegal
2006-07-07 07:40:23 · answer #9 · answered by The LSC Group 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol... They're both illegals... making the software work generating the Vaild Cd-Key!
2006-07-07 08:29:34 · answer #10 · answered by Umax 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋