IT/Computer freaks

[jrandom]

I dont think they've invented any software yet thats uncrackable :-)

Of course not.

Heck, my software's eminently crackable. Just find the decision point that queries the Aladdin dongle and NOP it out, more or less. The only reason, in fact, that I use the dongles is to make such a method the only way of cracking it by removing the possibility of 'key generators', etc. A quick hash of the executable file will always tell me whether someone has a legit copy.

The only way to truly secure software is by physically securing the hardware that it's running on, so that potential attackers can only interact with it via its interfaces, not by modifying its executable instructions. It's amazing how many people don't quite grasp that basic fact.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

So you admit it smells funny then?

this code is no longer used in Windows... so whats your point
XP only emulates DOS its not real DOS

so again whats your point?

[Disco Dan]

How old are you DD?
They been saying shit like that for about 30yrs now and where's the revolution?

It will happen... Apple have and still are learning from all the mistakes and pitfalls that microsoft are falling into. Apple will continue to make quality computers and secure computers. Microsoft will never be able to stay ahead...

[Lias]

Of course not.

Heck, my software's eminently crackable. Just find the decision point that queries the Aladdin dongle and NOP it out, more or less. The only reason, in fact, that I use the dongles is to make such a method the only way of cracking it by removing the possibility of 'key generators', etc. A quick hash of the executable file will always tell me whether someone has a legit copy.

The only way to truly secure software is by physically securing the hardware that it's running on, so that potential attackers can only interact with it via its interfaces, not by modifying its executable instructions. It's amazing how many people don't quite grasp that basic fact.

IANA Developer, but I'd have thought you could store vital parts of the executable code on the dongle, so that if you NOP'd the jump the program would fail because half of it was on the dongle.

Alot of trouble to goto thou I imagine.

PS: What software do you make? PM me if you dont want to out yourself in public :P

[pervert]

It will happen...

Microsoft will never be able to stay ahead...

Hahahahahahahaha that's pure gold right there.

[Lias]

It will happen... Apple have and still are learning from all the mistakes and pitfalls that microsoft are falling into. Apple will continue to make quality computers and secure computers. Microsoft will never be able to stay ahead...

Apple are turning into nothing other than an alternative OS for x86 hardware. Hopefully they will go the way of BEOS.

[Sniper]

Wow, look at all this useless information about Macs on my thread asking for a bit of help.

Quick couple of pointers.... I have never liked Macs, I dont like Macs, I never will like macs and therefore will own a fucken macintosh POS!

How about starting another thread with the benefits of PC vs Mac rather than fucking with mine.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Apple are turning into nothing other than an alternative OS for x86 hardware. Hopefully they will go the way of BEOS.

Was a pitty about BeOS a great nix based multi media OS

[Disco Dan]

I run a business repairing windows pc's. I own a mac. Not only is it easier but also safer for me to run everything through my mac.

I connect the computers to my mac via my network and I can work remotely on them as well as backing up the customers data through my network onto a large external drive. If it was a windows network, I would be exposing my 'pc' to all sorts of nasties!

[Indiana_Jones]

Own a brand new shiny iMac. Best thing I have done.

I spent over $3000 building a top of the line PC, each part chosen carefully and spent alot of time and effort getting it perfect. What a complete waste of time and money that was! Yes ok it could play the latest games at full res with grunt to spare, but geesh the constant updates, the neverending patches and then the software incompatibilites etc etc too much hassle. A year later, and the computer was almost a different machine after almost every part had been upgraded to 'keep up'. What a waste of time and money!

My shiny iMac has never failed me.

You take it out of the box, ALL the software is allready on it. Everything is designed to work together seemlessly - and it does. There is close to zero maintanence required - ie no weekly virus scans, then running three diferent adaware scanners and de-fraggin (which FYI is done on the fly on a mac).

Everything is EASIER, SIMPLER, LOOKS BETTER, and now thanks to clever Intel chips FAST too!

As for upgrading? heck I wont need to pay anything for at least 3 years, then I will just go out and buy a new one! Actually cheaper than keeping a PC up-to-date!

And now thanks to mac mini they are cheaper too!! The whole 'macs are more expensive' is mearly an illusion. Your getting a whole lot more for your money when you buy a mac!

Oh and the reason why sales are less? May I remind you who Invented DOS in the first place!!! Then sold it to Microsoft... they then spent billions and made all the mistakes, at no cost to Apple while Apple sat quiet and spent its money on making a product that actually works!! Its funny how everyone was oohing and arring over the look and feel of XP when it was released? Well a lot of the cosmetics (look) of XP were actually stolen from mac os! You look at longhorn and you will see an uncanny resembalance to mac os x - the current os of apple macs!! Apple is leading the way! Bill Gates cant keep up...

Bring on the revolution!! Buy a Mac!!

Can you say fanboy?

-Indy

[Lias]

Was a pitty about BeOS a great nix based multi media OS

I used it a bit, wasnt overly fussed on it.. One of my mates was a total beos zealot thou lol.

Strangely enough hes a mac zealot now.

[ceebie13]

Quick couple of pointers.... I have never liked Macs, I dont like Macs, I never will like macs and therefore will own a fucken macintosh POS!

Excellent! Another convert...you won't regret it Sniper?


Sorry for the diversion though, mate. Consider my wrists slapped!

[jrandom]

IANA Developer, but I'd have thought you could store vital parts of the executable code on the dongle, so that if you NOP'd the jump the program would fail because half of it was on the dongle.

You'd still have to read the code into the computer's memory at some point for it to be executed, and then any potential attacker has you right where he wants you, which is probably under the thumb of a networked SoftICE session, at which point he extracts the critical code and makes his own fake dongle. Et, voila.

I suppose you could effectively build a computer into a dongle and execute software there, but then you're just doing what I described - running your software on secure hardware and exposing only its interface, which is always the only real solution. If the cost/benefit ratio demands it, then yes, sometimes that's the way to go.

If your stuff has to run on plain vanilla mainstream equipment owned by other people, though, you just have to accept the necessity of distributing its naked bits and bytes for every eye to see, and hope that the economics of its distribution and support are such that you'll end up making a profit from your blood, sweat, tears and code rather than becoming another warez statistic.

What software do you make? PM me if you dont want to out yourself in public :P

No reason not to tell. I work for these guys; alongside our main business of building stuff that sounds good when you plug it in, we've developed a somewhat specialised acoustic testing software package. Fortunately, the users, who are mostly our contract manufacturers, have a close support relationship with us, and don't have the resources or desire to bother trying to crack it.

[The Stranger:Me]

It will happen... Apple have and still are learning from all the mistakes and pitfalls that microsoft are falling into. Apple will continue to make quality computers and secure computers. Microsoft will never be able to stay ahead...

Wake up DD, wake up. How fucken long do they need to learn these things?
You think that just because you have recently discovered an Apple that they are new or something? Right from the first crapple produced the zealots have been saying the same thing.

Was at a course the other day and yacking to the guy sitting next to me. He had just completed heaps of time at uni, then got out in the real world and found that actually nearly everyone runs windows so was now training for the real world. Is it just me or does this seem kind of stupid?

[Ixion]

One word . AIX (though this is actually from Solaris).

Mind you, I know guys who say that if it's not watercooled, and you can't walk inside it, it's a toy.