Software protection dongle or copy protection plugs, also known as dongles, or hardware keys, are used to protect software from unauthorized copying. For example, the software comes with a copy protection plug that is plugged into an interface of the computer (parallel port, USB, etc.). The "donated" software then checks once or regularly whether the copy protection plug is present during use, and … [Read more...]
What is Remastering
In audio and video post-production, remastering usually means performing the mastering again. Most often, this term is used in connection with older audio and video recordings that have been remastered for re-release on audio CD or DVD or Blu-ray Disc ("digitally remastered"). The remaster process can range from a normal mastering process to a complete restoration of the existing material. … [Read more...]
Background of Mobile Game Development
Mobile games are video games for mobile phones and smartphones, similar to games for PCs or game consoles. While the early mobile games, such as Snake or Memory, did not yet have color graphics and were transmissions from the early days of the computer, they are becoming increasingly elaborate with the advent of Java-enabled mobile phones, color displays, better computing power and an extended set … [Read more...]
Hazards of Overclocking (Mobile & Desktop Processors)
Overclocking is the operation of processors or other computer components (hardware components) at a higher clock speed above the normal manufacturer's specification, with the aim of increasing computing power. The opposite of this is underclocking, which is usually used as an energy-saving measure or with the aim of a longer service life. Occasionally, features that dynamically increase … [Read more...]
Application Protection Methods
Some protection methods can't/shouldn't prevent copying at all, but try to make it pointless. These include password prompts, serial numbers, dongles (without a dongle, the copy won't work; sometimes even some of the program code is stored on the dongle), hardware-based licenses for software (these contain data from the computer to which they are intended to apply as a method of protection; this … [Read more...]
Types of Cracks (Software)
A crack is a copy of a computer program in which a copy protection provided by the manufacturer has been removed. Cracking is the activity of analyzing a computer program (usually by disassembling) in order to remove copy protection. A crack is a copyright infringement. Most commercial applications prohibit the modification of the software or the process of disassembly in their license terms. In … [Read more...]
What is User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content (UGC) refers to media content that is not created by the provider of a media channel, but by its users. Originally, the term comes from web publishing and new media content production circles. In the 1970s and 1980s, all content and information was checked by gatekeepers such as newspaper editors and publishers before it was published. Today, thanks to new technologies, … [Read more...]
What is Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG)
A massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a computer game that combines role-playing and online multiplayer components. Players take on the role of a character in an often fantastical or sci-fi-like world and control their actions. The distinguishing feature of MMORPG from single-player or small multiplayer online role-playing games lies in the number of interacting players and the … [Read more...]
What We Mean by the Phrase Virtual World
A virtual world is the representation and simultaneous perception of the totality of a world of objects of apparent objectivity in three-dimensional space in a computer-generated, interactive virtual environment in real time. They are not synonymous with virtual reality and augmented reality, although the technologies can be used. The user accesses a computer-simulated world consisting of … [Read more...]
How Door Access Control System Works
Access control controls access via a set of rules defined by the operator "Who – When – Where" so that only authorised persons have access to the areas in buildings or protected areas on a site that have been approved for them. Access authorisations can be limited in time (expiry period, time). Access authorisation can be checked by people, e.g. employees of a security service, or by technical … [Read more...]
What is Inductive Coupling
Inductive coupling is the mutual magnetic influence of two or more spatially adjacent electrical circuits by electromagnetic induction as a result of a change in the magnetic flux. Counter-induction is the basis of some technical devices (such as the transformer), but it can also be a very undesirable effect (such as in the field of electromagnetic compatibility). One parameter that describes this … [Read more...]