ASK IF SERIAL KEY IS NEEDED

Check out my About Me page for more guides Update: I've updated this section to make it clearer as to whatI'm getting at, so that you can just skip through it and find the bitsof information that you need, instead of having to read a whole blockof text just to get to one bit.Index--------1. What is a serial key?2. Do I need a serial key?3. Exactly why do I need a serial key?4. Does all software require a serial key?5. Have I been ripped off?6. How can I get a serial key?7. What are the most likely programs to need serial keys?8. Would it be common for someone to try and rip me off?9. A last minute tip.1. What is a serial key?A serial key is a code that often comes with either very popular orvery expensive pieces of software. The code is used to install theproduct that you have bought, (the software will usually start theinstallation, and will then ask for the serial key so as to continue),and it lets the company know that you have definately bought theproduct from them, rather than off an online trading siteand grabbed an illegal key (so that the company can make more money!)2. Do I need a serial key?If you have bought a piece of software, and it looks quiteexpensive or popular, it's more likely to need a serial key. I know for a fact that programs like Zonealarm Pro, AVG, Microsoft Word, Framemaker and all the Age of the Empires games and packages, need keys, so if you're thinking about buying one of the above for a birthday or Christmas present, I'd advise you to get them brand new and not second hand.3. Why exactly do I need a serial key?When you get a CD, the installation might ask for a serial key, andif it does you type it out and the installation continues.Unfortunately, a lot of people still don't realise that this onlyhappens because the key is then stored in the registry for later use,and anytime they reinstall the same piece of software after that, theCD goes and checks in the registry for the key that is needed.What if I reinstall my operating system?However, if you own a computer that does not have the key stored onit for that particular product, or if you decide to reinstall youroperating system due to some major pesky worm or something, the storedkey is removed as well, because just like the computer, the registry isbeing wiped clean as well. It only keeps very important informationthat allows you to start the computer up and run programs like paintand wordpad and internet explorer, and use the hard drive and so on. Think of safe mode.As there is no more serial key stored there, the CD won't know what it is and how to install it, and that's why you must keep the key yourself so that you can tap it in again later and store it in the registry once more.4. Does all software require a serial key?Not allsoftware requires a serial key. There are hundreds of computer gamesthat you can install immediately without any sort of code, and hundredsof computer programs that have the same situation applied to them.However, since there's still a lot of software out there that doesrequire a serial key, it is always best to check with the seller first. (Note: Check with other people as well, incase you're being scammed. Forums are the best place for doing this.)5. Have I been ripped off?If your software requires a serial key upon installation and you haven't been given one, then you probably have been scammed. It may not have been intentional, because a lot of people throw their keys out after they install once, but then again it may have been so you need to keep an eye out.I would be wary of buying second hand PC software from places like Game as well. I bought Age of the Empires 3 for

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