What Is Product Key?

You might think that a product key is something you type in when trying to get your computer to do something. It's a sequence of letters and numbers that proves you're the real deal, not a pirate! Product keys are the new catnip. When you buy a computer, you're often presented with an entire array of options: what kind of processor? Do you want a mouse, or would you prefer one of those weird touch pads that makes it feel like your fingers are made of rice pudding? One thing always is the product key, the sequence of letters and numbers that allows you to activate your new operating system. The only problem is that what these things are for is never apparent or why they're necessary. It is a way for software companies to ensure users aren't pirating their products. It turns out there's more to product keys than meets the eye! The product key often consists of 25 characters, but sometimes! It may enter multiple ways. For example, buy Microsoft Office at an authorized retailer. They'll probably have a code generator where you can enter your email address and receive your product key in return. If you buy from a less-reputable source, they might email you the code attached (which is risky). Companies even go far as to print their fake codes on paper labels that they stick on the outside packaging or inside their manuals or support documents. These are called "crack codes because they allow pirates to get around the need for an actual product key when installing cracked software versions onto pirated computers. Product keys used to be the way to secure software licenses, but some users started developing ways around them. So now, companies are using more sophisticated license management systems like combining a product key with your hardware system's data.