In this post, I want to share why you shouldn’t use software cracks. Is that a new term for you? If so, let’s discover together what it means and why you shouldn’t use it.

Software Crack Definition

As you know, almost all software that is sold requires a license key. This type of software includes anti-virus, accounting, office programs, and lots more. The key proves you’ve purchased the software and it allows you to use all the benefits of the version you purchased. A software crack is a license key that wasn’t obtained legally. Instead, it’s a code that a hacker has created that is supposed to replace a legal license. In other words, the software crack allows you to illegally use paid software for free.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use Software Cracks

I recently had someone on my YouTube Channel ask me about installing software using a crack. I explained that I don’t use nor recommend the use of software cracks. Here are the reasons why:

It’s Illegal

First and foremost, it’s illegal in most countries to use a software crack. Why? Because you are in essence stealing a product from a provider. Of course, there aren’t many arrests for this illegal activity so this reason isn’t much of a deterrent to those who want to use a software crack.

Using A Software Crack Is Immoral

For those computer users with any sense of fairness, there’s an understanding that this is stealing and it’s just wrong. Someone spent money, time, and talent to create a software product and it’s only right that they are compensated for their efforts.

They Don’t Always Work

Whether you find a software crack for free or you pay a small amount of money ($10 or $20) to be able to use a very expensive program, there’s a chance the crack won’t work. Software providers are always on the lookout for these kinds of illegal licenses and they will often make changes to their software to block them. While a crack may have worked a week ago, it’s possible it won’t work now.

The #1 Reason Why You Shouldn’t Use Software Cracks

If the reasons I’ve listed above didn’t convince you that you shouldn’t use software cracks, hopefully, this one will. Often, software cracks, whether they work or don’t work, are bundled with malicious software. Remember, most cracks are created by hackers and almost always these men and women are black-hats. This bad software can be very sophisticated. It might turn off your anti-virus, install a keylogger, send spam emails to everyone in your address book (without your knowledge), or just completely shut down your computer. Remember, black-hats don’t generally care that they are costing you money or disturbing your computing life – they just want to control what happens.

Instead Of Using A Software Crack, What Can You Do?

It is true that some software is very expensive. (I’d be happy to share my software bills with you!) Here at 4KCC, we pay almost $4,000 a year for our Remote Technical Support software. Additionally, we use Quickbooks, Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Stock, Corel Suite, Cyberlink Suite, multiple licenses for Microsoft 365, and much more. Of course, it would be great to cut down on the costs associated with these products. However, trying to use a software crack isn’t the way to go.

So, what can you do when software is expensive? Here are a few ideas:

• Pay yearly instead of monthly. Many times, you can save one or two months’ worth of payments if you pay for the year instead of using monthly billing.
• Purchase multiple years. Many software companies will give you a discount if you purchase 2 or 3 years instead of just one.
• See if the provider has any less expensive options. For instance, I have Adobe Cloud which gives me lots of Adobe apps. But, Adobe also offers less expensive plans if you don’t need all the apps from the cloud. For instance, you can purchase Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom (click to view and purchase) if you like to work with photos. The cost is far less than the full Cloud plan.
• Send feedback to the software provider. It’s important to let them know that you think a particular software program is too expensive or that it should have less costly options. Understand, you most likely will not hear back directly from them. However, if enough people send them the same type of feedback, it may make a difference.

Some Page Notes

Like many of my posts, this page has a number of links (red in color) to other pages – for definitions, information, and more. Be sure to click on them and learn even more!

Whenever my posts have links to products, if you purchase that product, 4KCC may get a little kickback. I won’t be running to the bank with a large deposit but every little bit helps. Plus, it doesn’t cost you more when we get something in return. In fact, many of our links offer discounts you can’t get anywhere else!