A patch is a separate program that is applied to an installed application to make a cracked file (EXE, DLL, etc). It's rarely more then a few hundred KB at most and frequently contains information on what it is (such as what it's for, how to use it, etc). PATCH - A patch is a little nicer then a crack. Not to mention it's one of the more difficult to use (along with a patch) that is, for a n00b.

Frequently, updating a program that has been cracked will overwrite the crack, causing the program to return to it's 'pre-cracked' state (trial, non-functioning, etc). A drawback of a crack is it can be big (sometimes many MBs) since it's just a modified version of the original file. It could also be a DLL or a key file that the program uses to register itself or check an online activation server. Frequently this is the actual EXE of the main program, but in modified form. (I'll explain how to use them later.)ĬRACK - A crack is a modified version of a file that has been 'pre-hacked' by the cracker. I disagree with such a naming convention since each one serves a different purpose and is used differently, but I digress. Something else to keep in mind - a number of people call every release a 'crack'. However, a keygen is considered the best and a crack the most crude.

You'll see more cracks and patches then you will keygens or serials. Those four means are: (sometimes referred to as simply a 'release':wink: This can include anything from removing trial limitations or nag screens to allowing a retail release to function. 'Fixing' a software program means bypassing the means it uses to keep it from being freely copied and distributed. There are four different types of ways to 'fix' a software program that you'll run into. It was written for a DirectConnect hub, but the information is valuable for anyone that needs to learn it.) If you're not sure what to do with RAR files (RAR, R00, R01, R02, etc), then take a quick peek here before continuing: (This site has a plethora of information as well about releases and such. This should help both types - follow along if you're the 'I need to do it' type, or read through it and learn. Some learn by doing, others learn by being taught. Many newcomers (n00bs) get confused about some things the veterans take for granted. How to use 'warez' releases - what do the files do and mean? Don't worry, you're not alone with such questions.

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