Warez Definitions - Part 2

C?? File:
File extension that indicates that a file is part of an .ace or .rar series of compressed files.


Cgi Scripts:
These are referrers which are used in url’s. When you click on a link with a ?cgi reference you are directed to a sponsor’s website or an anti-leech protected file.


Cookie:
A tiny text file (usually less than 1kb), which is stored on your hard drive when you visit a web site. These are used to remember who you are so that you can access members only areas on the site without having to type in a password every time or to retain your personalised settings so that they are available the next time you visit.


Courier:
Someone who is involved in the logistics of delivering new releases directly from the release groups themselves to FTP sites.


Crack:
A tiny executable file that is used to transform a shareware program into the full version. Also used to remove any copy protection from the main executable of games (this will already have been done in "ripped" warez games).


CRC Error:
These can occur when you try to decompress a file that has become corrupt during the downloading process, usually as a result of too much resuming.


Credits:
The amount of data you are permitted to download from a ratio site. The more credits you have the more software you are allowed to download.


DAP:
A quick way of referring to "Download Accelerator Plus", a free download manager that claims to speed up file transfers by up to three hundred per cent. It works by making multiple connections to the same file and is paid for by revolving advertising banners.Also supports resume. **EDITOR'S PICK**


DAT File:
File format used for movies, identical in quality and size to mpg as far as I can tell.


DC:
The lazy way of referring to the Dreamcast, Sega's latest console incarnation.


Decompression:
Unpacking many files that have been stored in a single archive.


Distro:
A concise means of referring to a distribution FTP site. These are huge storage areas which act as a springboard for the transfer of new releases. Their whereabouts are never public disclosed to aid their survival rate. You can think of them as the initial source from which warez emanates.


Direct Downloads
Links to actual files rather than other warez sites or pages. These are usually gathered together from many different sites and put on one page for your convenience.


DivX:
Movies ripped from a DVD using the DivX video codecs. Can be played back using Media Player.


DIZ File:
Short for description. Very brief text file found in warez archives stating the title of the software, the number of files that makes up the set and the group who released it.


Download (or DL):
Copying files from a web server or FTP site to your computer using a modem.


Emulator:
An application that simulates another computer system or console using your PC.


FAQ:
Stands for Frequently Asked Questions.


FAW:
Abbreviation for "Files Anywhere", a popular, free web storage service.


File Transfer Protocol (FTP):
The method used to transfer files from one computer to another using a modem.


Flaming:
A general net term for "verbally" attacking someone. This can be done via email, bulletin board, chat room or any medium which involves communication across the web.


Freedrive:
Virtual hard drive storage area on the web. Free to join and anything and everything can be uploaded or downloaded.


Freeware:
Unrestricted software that is downloaded from the net and is completely free to use. Often paid for using advertising.


FTP Client / Browser:
A program used to access, upload and download data from FTP sites.


Fxp:
The art of transferring data from one Ftp site to another using the connection speed of the slower of the two computers.


Gamez:
Pretty self-explanatory this one.


Getright:
One of the best download managers available.


Gold:
A piece of software is said to have gone gold when the final version is complete and it is ready to ship to the public.


Gozilla:
Another excellent download manager.


Hacking:
Gaining access to a remote computer without the authorisation to do so. Usually for the purposes of stealing confidential information or the malicious destruction of data.


Hammering:
Repeatedly trying to access an FTP site using an FTP client or download manager.


HTTP:
Stands for "Hypertext Transfer Protocol". The method you use to view a web page. Always comes before the address of a website in your Url bar.


ICQ:
Derives from the term "I Seek You" and is used for real time chat and transferring files over the internet.


IP Address:
A series of numbers separated by dots used to identify your computer on the Internet.


IRC:
Stands for "Instant Relay Chat". Used for real time chat and transferring files over the Internet.


ISO:
An exact copy of an original CD, all the multimedia bits and pieces are uncut and therefore they are extremely large and awkward to download.


Java:
Html scripts used to add functionality to or bring web pages alive. These include animation (such as the title graphic on my main page), menus, chat rooms, buttons, pop ups and so on.


Key Generator:
A tiny executable program that is capable of creating a serial number from a specified username. These are specific to particular applications or utilities, so a serial number created with one key generator will only work for the program for which the key generator was developed.


Lamer:
An annoying and overused general derogatory term used to insult/put down anyone and everything.


Leeching:
Downloading files without giving anything back in return or copying other people’s links.


Mirror:
An exact copy of a web site that is stored on a different server. Using multiple locations for warez sites allows the site to be accessed using a different address if the main site is deleted.


Modchip:
Very common website sponsor found on warez sites. They don’t mind their banners being used on illegal software sites because their products are one of the “grey areas” of the law. Modchips are small pieces of electronic circuitry which allow copied games to be played on your Playstation. If a Playstation has been fitted with a Modchip it is said to have been "chipped".


MP3 File:
Compressed music file format. Average track size is between 3 and 4 meg compared to 40-ish meg in wav format.


MPG File:
The best quality and largest movie file format.


Multi Web Space Faker:
A tool used to create lots of free web space accounts simultaneously.


Name Zero:
An organisation that offers free website domain names. The main drawbacks are that you have to put up with a very bulky banner residing at the bottom of your page and the fact that you never actually own your chosen address.


NFO File:
Short for info or information. Basic text file containing all the important details relating to a particular release, such as number of files, release date, copy protection system, installation instructions etc.


Nuked:
A release is said to be nuked if it is completely unplayable. Usually when this happens another group re-releases the particular game, although fixes do sometimes follow on to rescue the game from trash can.


OEM:
An acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM software products are repackaged versions of the full retail product. They are often re-branded to suit the needs of the particular vender and are much more reasonable priced because they lack excessive packaging and a hard copy of the manual.


OST:
Not strictly a warez term this one, but one that you are likely to come across while searching for MP3 music. It stands for original soundtrack (movie music).