| Term | Definition | |------|-------------| | | A tool or modified file that alters the software's code to disable license verification, effectively tricking the program into thinking it has been legitimately activated. | | Keygen | Short for "Key Generator." This is a small program that creates product serial numbers. Cracked software installations often instruct the user to use a keygen to generate a number during setup. | | Patch | A file (like a modified .exe or .dll ) that overwrites the original program files to remove activation checks. Many "cracks" are actually patches. | | Activator | A separate program run after installation that attempts to bypass online activation servers. | | Portable Version | A version of the software that is pre-cracked and can be run directly from a USB drive without a formal installation on your computer. |