Introduction To All Warez Commonly Used

ISO:
A file that is created from an image of a CD. You can make an iso
yourself with a program such as Adaptec Easy CD Creator, or you can burn
an ISO file to a CD-R to create a copy of a CD.

Bin/cue files:
These are also used to create an image of a CD. Most people burn these
with CdrWin or Fireburner. The .bin file contains all the data for the
cd, the .cue file is just a small file in text format telling the
software exactly how to burn the data onto the CD.

MP3:
Don't know what these are? What cave have you been you living in? This
is a format used to compress music files. You can create your own by
encoding .wav files ripped from audio CDs. There are many free players
that will play mp3s for you (see the Winamp tutorial)

Ace files:
These are used to compress/archive data. Use WinAce to decompress them,
or to make your own. The normal format for ace files is to have .ace,
.c01, .c01, etc.

Rar files:
Another compression/archive format. This is most commonly used on iso or
bin files in order to split them up into smaller files (15 MB is the
norm). Winrar and many other utilities can decompress these. Rar files
are usually in the format .rar, .r01, .r02, etc. But don't be surprised
if you don't see a .rar file. Just open up winrar and point it to .r01.
You also may see them packed as .001, .002, etc. (maybe with a .rar,
maybe not)

Pub:
This is an FTP that has left on anonymous access. Many are owned by
large companies, so they have a lot of bandwidth. This makes it possible
for one person to send files there and many people can download them at
once =) These are found by scanning ranges of ips (see the FTP
tutorial). Just remember, like the name says, these are public. Just
because you upload something there or make directories with your name
does not make it 'your pub'. At the same time, realize that if you come
across a pub with another person/groups stuff on it that it may be in
use to build other pubs from - so don't ruin it for many people by
deleting stuff you find there. For more on this, go read some posts on
our Bulletin Board.

Proxy:
A system that is set up to forward packets... There are many different
kinds, check out the proxy tutorial for more info. Basically, a proxy
server helps cover up your tracks because you connect to remote
computers through the proxy. Think of it as the condom of the Internet

SFV Files/ CRC Checks:
SFV files contain information about files that they accompany. You can
preform a CRC check on the files using a program such as WinSFV. This
compares the information in the SFV file to the file itself. If the
information doesn't match, then the file was probably messed up in
transfer somehow.. try downloading it again, from a different source if
possible.

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:
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.
**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.

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).

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 misspelled.

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.

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).

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.

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:
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.

Winrar:
Utility used for decompressing .rar files and much more.

Winzip:
An essential tool used to decompress warez files.

Zip:
A common compression format used to store warez .