Cracks

A Crack, as the name suggests, cracks in to the Security system of a Software. Unlike a patch that patches the code to remove the nags, a crack actually replaces the entire engine. Patches and Cracks were similar earlier as the whole application was in a single executable file. A crack used to do the same thing that a Patch used to do.

However, as newer technologies arrived, the nag screens, restrictions and other such steps were placed in a separate module called a DLL file. DLL files, when opened looks like a text file with lots of junk letters in it. However, once the program is up and running, those modules are called. During the run-time, the code will start running and will start it's restrictions etc.

This feature of course, was not a long standing one. Let's take the example of the popular Desktop photo browsing software - ACDSEE. I have been following the it's security measure right from the time it was released. It had used all the possible ways to curb piracy. Unfortunately, the cracking world shoed no mercy on it. It started off with using the Serial key. Then turned to highly encrypted usage of serial key. It was beat by the Key Gen creators. The Cracks were released in parallel, however that was not much in vogue.

It then started a procedure of multiple activation. A user, when downloading the trial version had to visit the web site and register first to get a trial use serial key! After the seven day usage period, it will expire unless purchased. I expected the crackers to release a Type II Key-gen (one that can release a trial serial key and then a purchase key or a patch). I was baffled at the ease with which it was cracked. They simply released a crack that will replace the '.dll' file that carried the restriction. If you are smart enough, you can just pass on the DLL file and replace it manually to -own- it!