cd key
A CD key is a specific software-based key for a certain program or a computer game. It is used to identify that the copy of the program/game is original. For official products the key might be used offline, at other times with software like Windows XP it is registered online to prevent multiple people using the same key.
The term CD key very likely comes from the fact that the key is usually on the case or the CD. Computer games use CD keys to verify that the game has been not been illegally copied; for example, one could not play Diablo II online without an original/unique CD key.
CD keys consist of a series of numbers and/or letters. This sequence is then passed to a verification function in the program. This function manipulates the key sequence according to a mathematical algorithm and attempts to match the results to a set of valid solutions.
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "cd key".
key
The word key has several uses:
- A key (lock) as a physical object (tool) used to manipulate a lock.
- A key (music) forms a property of a piece of music: see also key signature.
- A key (cryptography) consists of a piece of information, usually kept secret, used to customise ciphers.
- A key (instrument) comprises a moving part of a musical instrument.
- Key (company), a Japanese firm, makes ren'ai video games.
- In database design, keys refer to unique values in database rows. See primary key and related articles.
- A telegraph key serves to send Morse code.
- Typewriters and computer keyboards have buttons called keys used for the input of text or commands.
- A key (map) consists of the section of a map or other document that explains the symbols used elsewhere on the document.
- A key (art) features in painting and photography.
- A key frame constitutes a frame or cell in animation which serves as a guide for the other frames, or inbetweens. Usually the key framer is a more prominent artist than inbetweeners.
- An identification key can help to identify species.
- The word key or cay may refer to an island, especially in the Caribbean Sea.
- The Florida Keys consist of a chain of islands off the coast of Florida.
- A skate key functions as a tool in the adjusting of roller skates.
- Keying (graphics) involves compositing two or more frames in video editing.
- Keying (car) involves using something metallic, such as a latch-key, in order to scratch something (often something of perceived value) such as a car.
- The House of Keys (also knowns as "The Keys") operates as part of the Tynwald - the parliament of the Isle of Man
- The word "key" has a homophone: quay.
- The word Key can refer to an English surname, as in Francis Scott Key.ca:Clau
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This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "key".
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