QUOTE
0-Day - Latest software releases.
0-Sec - Same as above, although the period of time between ripping a
game or application and it appearing on a warez site is even shorter.
Ace File - The first file in a series of compressed archives (the one
you double click on to decompress all the files at once).
Active List - Similar to a mailing list, but uses ICQ to send instant
messages to subscribers.
Alpha - Software receives this label when it is in the very early
stages of development. Usually full of bugs, so don't touch it with a
barge pole.
Anti-Leech - A system which uses cgi scripts to prevent people
stealing links and then taking the credit for uploading the files.
Appz - Short for applications. For example Flash 5 or GoLie 5.5.
ASF File - The worst quality movie file format (still pretty good
though), much smaller in size than dat or mpg.
Banner Site - Password and username restricted FTP site. To get the
correct login details you must click on several banners.
Beta - Refers to an almost finished piece of software that is released
to the public for bug testing.
BSA - An acronym for Business Software Alliance, an organisation who
are responsible for enforcing anti-piracy litigation. Similar groups
in charge of controlling software "theft" include the SIIA, SPA and
ELSPA.
BSOD - Many people read about BSODs on bulletin boards and think that
they're being insulted, but there is no need to get paranoid. It is
actually an acronym for "Blue Screen Of Death". These can occur for a
multitude of reasons (old Bill likes to keep us guessing!) and are the
bane of PC user's lives.
Bulletin Board - A virtual meeting place on the web similar to a chat
room except that it isn't in real time. One person leaves a message
then others come along, read it and add a reply. Each new discussion
is called a new topic or thread and has it's own link. Whenever a new
topic is created the older topics are pushed one place downwards in
the list. When someone replies to an older topic it is brought back to
the top of the list.
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.
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.
Filler - Refers to a person who uploads stuff to pub for others to
download.
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 - File eXchange Protocol - This refers to server to server
transfer. You can transfer files from one pub to another using very
little of your own bandwidth. This is by far the best means for
distributing large files, only problem is that a very limited number
of FXP capable pubs exist.
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 - 32 bit binary number identifying the position of a computer on
the Internet - similar to the URL. The URL is usually easier to
remember as it is alpha based rather than numerical.
IP Range - usually referred to when talking about scanning a
particular range of ip addresses. They can be broken down into A, B,
and C ranges - AAA.BBB.CCC.xxx. Usually an entire B range will be
scanned at a time.
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.
KBps - Kilobytes per second - This is what most transfer speed are
referring to. One Byte is comprised of 8 Bits.
Kbps - Kilobits per second - This is what most modem speeds are
referring to. Why? Probably to make them look faster. Divide by 8 to
get KBps.
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.
MPEG 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).
Patch - We all know games and applications aren't perfect. When they
are released we would hope that they have been thoroughly tested for
bugs and incompatibility problems, but you can guarantee that many of
these will still slip through the quality control net. Once the
program is released to the general public, the bug reports start to
flood in. A patch is a downloadable executive file which takes these
reports into account and attempts to incorporate all the fixes for
these known problems. A patch can resolve incompatibility problems,
prevent crashes or improve the performance of a piece of software.
Piracy - The replication and distribution of videos or computer
software.
Pop-ups - Irritating browser windows that open automatically when you
visit a warez site. Usually contain voting portals or porn sites.
Port - A port is a term used when referring to FTP sites and is an
essential extension of the address used to access them. If the port
number of an FTP site isn't specified the default setting of 21 will
automatically be used.
Pron - A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away someone posted a
request for porn on a bulletin board, only, because of a typing error
what he ended up asking for was "pron". Since then this has become a
bit of a running joke and so it is now deliberately misspelt.
Proxy - A third party server which acts as an anonymous go between
whenever you request a web page or contact a remote server. The
message from your computer is first sent through the proxy server
before being relayed to the final destination so that it appears as
though the request has come from the IP address of the proxy server
rather than you. Used when you wish to maintain your privacy on the
net or speed up your connection (much more detailed info on this
subject in the "more tips" section).
Psx - A quick way of referring to the Sony Playstation.
Pub - A free for all FTP site where anonymous access is permitted.
They are usually used for transferring large files to many people
because of their high speeds.
Pub Scanner - Someone who scours the net for anonymous access FTP
sites which permit the creation and deletion of files. These are then
exploited by uploading software for others to share.
Pub Stealer - Someone who posts the IP address of a public FTP site
which they themselves have not built. Some pub stealers justify this
by claiming that the elitism of private FXP groups discriminates
against those people who do not have access, yet others simply post
other people's work to try to claim the credit for themselves. Either
way though, pub stealers are despised by the FXP groups and praised by
those who would otherwise not have access to them.
Rar File - The first file in a series of compressed archives (the one
you double click on to decompress all the files at once). Usually
decompressed using a program called Winrar.
Release Groups - A group of people who are involved in cracking and /
or ripping software and then repackaging it into easily downloadable
segments.
Ratio - Two numbers separated by a semi-colon. Indicates how much data
you must upload to an FTP site before you are permitted to download
anything.
Reg File - Tiny file that adds essential configuration details into
the registry.
Resume - The ability to stop and start downloading / uploading a file
whenever you choose without having to start from the beginning again.
Rip - Software that has had all the non-essential gubbins removed to
reduce its size. Videos and music are always the first casualties.
Raped - A release is branded with this term if it has been damaged
beyond repair during the ripping process.
RM File - Shorthand for Real Media, a file format used to encode video
sequences, which can only be played back using the "Real Player".
Video clips produced using this format are not of the highest quality,
but do have the advantage of a small file size.
ROM - Games which are designed for other platforms, but are played on
the PC using an emulator.
Serial - A valid username and password that is saved as a basic text
file and is used to register a shareware program and therefore remove
all the restrictions.
Shareware - Try before you buy software downloaded from the net.
Spam - Unsolicited junk e-mail. Supposedly stands for "Stupid Person's
Annoying Message".
Sponsor - To make some money webmasters can place adverts on their
sites. Each time you click on these adverts or banners they get paid a
few cents for bringing potential customers to the sponsors website.
Surfer Friendly (SF) - Surfer friendly sites supposedly have no blind
links, pop-ups or porn banners. Don't be fooled by this label though
as some sites will tell you fibs to get you to visit them.
Sys Op - The person who has the responsibility for running the
computer from which an FTP site has been established. When warez is
uploaded to public FTP sites and then suddenly goes "Missing In
Action" you can often lay the blame at the door of the Sys Op who has
an obligation to make sure his/her server stays within the boundaries
of the law (i.e. warez free).
Tag / Tagged - This generally refers to the tagging of a pub. A FXP
group uses a directory structure to claim it as their own. A general
rule is that if a tag is 2 weeks old and not in use it has been
abandoned.
Top List - Chart which lists in rank order the best warez sites.
Worked out on the basis of votes.
Trading - Swapping warez, file for file via FTP, ICQ etc. Not usually
approved of by the real warez community who believe that warez should
be freely distributed. To put it simply, it is not the "warez way".
Trainer - A small, executable program which sits in your taskbar while
you play a game. Hotkeys are associated with cheat commands so that
when they are pressed you are given extra ammo, weapons, lives or the
ability to toggle between invincible/mortal modes etc etc.
Trojans - Nasty virus like attachments which can be merged with
executable files. These are tiny so are unlikely to arouse suspicion.
When run they allow a hacker to access your computer and wreak havoc.
Can occasionally be found in warez files.
UBB - Shorthand for Ultimate Bulletin Board, currently the most
popular script used for creating warez bulletin boards.
UBB Hacks - This term falsely gives the impression that something
destructive or malicious is involved, but when you hear people talking
about a hack in the context of bulletin boards they are simply
referring to code which helps to improve the functionality of a board.
For example a "thread hack" would effect the way in which individual
threads look and operate.
Undeletable Pub - An anonymous access, public FTP site where the
permission attributes are set to allow uploads and downloads, but do
not permit deletion.
Unzip - Unpacking or decompressing many files that have been stored in
a single archive. Technically only used when talking about zip files.
Upload - Copying files from your computer to a web server or FTP site
using a modem.
URL - Stands for "Uniform Resource Locator". The web site address you
type into your browser.
VCD - Stands for Video Compact Disc. Basically these are huge movie
files which can be viewed with the latest version of Media Player.
Voting - Members of the warez scene are very keen to reach the number
one slot of top lists such as Voodoo, Top 60 etc. and will therefore
encourage you to vote for their site to improve their position and get
the credit they deserve (or not as the case may be!).
Warez - "Pirated" Full version software that is uploaded to the
internet and is available for free download.
Warez Board - Bulletin board used by the warez community to share
links and discuss anything related to warez.
Winace - Another utility used for decompressing all the common archive
formats. Not great in my opinion. See below for a better one.
Wingate - Similar to a proxy in that they are used to hide your
identity, except all information actually passes through the Wingate,
if you have a slow Wingate you get slow download/upload speeds.
Wingates are also used to force FXP transfer on pubs that do not
normally accept FXP, again all data passes through the Wingate so you
need one that is fast for it to be useful.
Winrar - Utility used for decompressing .rar files and much more.
Winzip - An essential tool used to decompress .zip files.
