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A product key, also known as a software key, serial key or activation key, is a specific software-based key for a computer program. It certifies that the copy of the program is original. It certifies that the copy of the program is original.
In one form, product activation refers to a method invented by Ric Richardson and patented (U.S. patent 5,490,216) by Uniloc where a software application hashes hardware serial numbers and an ID number specific to the product's license (a product key) to generate a unique installation ID.
In some cases, the product key is checked against a list of known illegally distributed keys. [27] Certain retail copies of Windows and Office sold in certain countries classified as emerging markets have geographical activation restrictions, which only allow the user to activate the product within the indicated region. [28]
The purpose and application is different. A software serial number, otherwise called a product key, is usually not embedded in the software but is assigned to a specific user with a right to use the software. The software will function only if a potential user enters a valid product code.
This key, however, must only be used once, i.e. on one computer. A volume licensing key (VLK), however, can be used on several computers. Vendors can take additional steps to ensure that their products' key are only used in the intended number. These efforts are called product activation. Volume licenses are not always transferable.
A security key is a physical device that gets uniquely associated with your AOL account after you enable it. Discover how to enable, sign in with, and manage your security key. Account Management · Apr 29, 2024
If the product key used for activation is lost, then product key finders, readily available on the Internet, can decrypt the key from a local installation, however only SLP keys allow the user to avoid activation upon re-installation. [3] In the SLP 2.x implementations, BIOS report the ACPI SLIC table to the operating system.
Product code may also refer to: Universal Product Code, common barcode used to identify packaged products; Electronic Product Code, an RFID code mainly applied as a packaging code for packaged products; Motion Picture Production Code (production code for short) Product key, a number used to verify the authenticity of a software as a license code