Scroll Down for Info
 

Several people have asked me "What is meant by 'Cracking' and 'Hacking'?"  Being a former School Teacher, I can't resist the opportunity to explain.

"Hacking" is figuring out a way to get into someone else's website or computer.  Most programmers leave a "Back Door" in their programs.  Even those used for security purposes.  Hackers either find a way to enter through this back door or they overcome the security used to keep unauthorized persons from gaining access to the files by determining the correct Password.
 
 

"Cracking" is breaking down a program into it's Machine Language and modifying it.  Usually "Crackers" do this to open a restricted usage Program (Commonly called Shareware) .  Most of us have downloaded a program only to find that it does not have all it's functions.  Some common restrictions are time limits (where the program will only work for a selected period of time).  Others have certain features disabled (such as "SAVE").  Still others have only an annoying pop-up window asking "Register Program Now?".

The "Crackers" use their knowledge of programming to get past these Shareware restrictions and make the program fully operational, just as if they had purchased it legally.  They do this by several methods, depending on the restriction.
 
 

                   Crackzz            This term has come to mean any method of removing the user restrictions of a downloaded program.

                   Serialzz        Some programs are only protected by a Serial Number.  When you purchase the downloaded program, it's creators send you the correct serial number to make the program operational.

                   Patches            A Patch is a small program which usually enables a portion of the program that has been turned off by the manufacturer.  They are installed in the directory (Folder) of the program to make the program fully operational.  Usually they are an EXE program which has to be run before the program is opened.
 

A couple of other terms you will see are APPZ & WAREZ (pronounced Apps and Wares, NOT War-Ez.  It is not a city in Mexico.).  Also referred to as Direct Downloads. 

Sometimes the Patch is so complex that the Cracker feels the average user will be unable to follow their directions, so they apply the patch to enable all program features.  Then they use a compression program to make the file use less space (called a "ZIP" file).  This is usually a executable or "EXE" file, so when the user opens the ZIP, the program will begin to install itself as a fully operational program.

A final term you will find is "KeyGen".  This is a small program designed to create or generate a serial number or Key, to make the program operational.  The name is a contraction of Key Generator.  Some KeyGens simply supply you with the number.  You must then copy the number and type it into the program as if you were registering it.  Others require a user name as well as the number.  These work together to create a unique key for each user.  Still others use a name and generated number to create a Key or Patch for the program.  These will have a button asking "Install Patch?".  These MUST be used in the program's directory folder to allow them to install the patch properly.

Here are some of my favorite links.  These links to websites are to be used for educational purposes only.  Use of these files to open downloaded programs is a violation of the law.  The Webmaster takes no responsibility for the misuse of these files or for any damages they may cause.

I'm also not responsible for the language or images used in some of these Sites.  Many are hosted by X-Rated sites, so be forewarned.  If explicit sexual images offend you, DON'T visit these linked sites.    

All Linkz are subject to the whims of the server and the individual webmasters

If I have missed a dependable, high quality site, contact our webmaster

I will add more links as I find time