As with games, the majority of software obtained through file sharing will be cracked, meaning that its copy protection has been disabled allowing you to you to burn it to disk or install it straight from your hard drive. Cracked software (Warez) can be produced by a good cracking team in just a few hours, using both 'off the shelf' and custom-written debugging tools.
Any further security measures can also be bypassed, which may require the inclusion of a copied serial number or a keygen. To help you out, the groups will usually include a text or .nfo file (readme file) with the download. This will usually include installation instructions and details regarding the software.
Keygens
A keygen (key generator) is a program that produces a serial number, also known as a registration code or key, for a particular piece of software. They work by replicating the algorithm applied to the original serial number, which is used to activate the software, or remove functional or time restrictions.
The problem with keygens, as with any security bypassing technique, is that they are sometimes ineffective when the software is required to connect to its developer's servers for the latest updates etc.
Possible reasons include:
A: The server will only accept keys that it knows were distributed with the software during production.
B: A second algorithm that is only known to the developer is used to verify the serial number. This second algorithm will contain an additional set of rules, disqualifying any key that contains certain characters.
C: The serial number is already registered on the server, either by a legitimate user or someone whose keygen produced the same key.
Is downloading software encouraged?
Historically the security measures put in place on software applications have never been regarded as being difficult to bypass, and this is no accident. It's well known that software developers would prefer you to use a cracked copy of their software rather than buy somebody else's, hoping to earn your loyalty and make a sale in the future.
It has even been reported that software developers sometimes produce their own cracked software for free distribution, to help market their name. In any case, they're not worried about private individuals copying or downloading software when the majority of their business is generated through company licensing agreements.
The industry has suggested that downloading software that has been copied reduces the profits that pay for further growth and development. But with all the resources that the big software firms have, is it really so difficult for them to create something that, if not impossible to copy, would take so long that it wouldn't be worth the effort?
Whether you love Microsoft Windows or you are a fan of the Apple Macintosh operating system, at some point you are going to need to buy some additional software for your computer. But making the choice to part with your money before you are confident that you have found the right solution can be difficult. One of the best ways to help in that process is to seek out free software trials so that you have an opportunity to use the application before you spend your hard earned money.
Software publishers are becoming more aware of the fact that people don't want to spend a hefty chunk of money for a program before they have a chance for a test drive. There was a time when this lead to people sharing copies of programs and software piracy became a real problem. Many software development companies now provide computer users with free trial programs.
The free software demos of various programs are a good approach both for the publishers and also for the end users. By giving people a chance to use a demo version of the application, people have a chance to get familiar with that company's product line. Most of the time the user needs to supply the company with their email address in order to download the trial software and this allows the company to continue promoting their product.
Different companies put different limitations on the software that they allow people to test drive. Some trial one is fully functional but only for a limited period of time, such as two weeks or 30 days.
Other free versions have some of the functions blocked or don't allow the user to save their work. These limitations can actually work against the company because people never have a chance to get a complete feel for the hardware software interaction and true usefulness of the application.
Software development companies that allow users to have a fully functional demo, free of charge for at least 30 days stand the best chance of the user making a purchase. This gives the user enough time to relax and settle into using the application and if they find it at all useful by the end of the 30 day computer software trial, then they will need to make the purchase so that they don't lose the work they completed during that time.
There are also some companies, especially small companies and independent programmers, that provide fully functional free of charge software downloads that have no limitations at all. This is called freeware and the purpose is either to introduce the user to additional solutions that the company has or to give the user the opportunity to make a donation. The interesting thing is that many people will "donate" more for a freeware program than they would be willing to pay for a fully functional application.
Across the internet, there are a number of sites that are loaded with a variety of free software titles to download. If you are in search of a solution, then you can download all the free trials and compare functionality and pricing before making a purchase.
However, make sure that you carefully read the terms of the trial and understand how it works, with regard to any files you might have created with the program, so you don't end up with important work that could end up being "held hostage" if you don't purchase the application.
Both Jon Mills & Mike Selvon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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