What Are Activation Codes?

Every time you sign up for a new service, change a password, or do anything that has to do with personal information online, there are activation codes. These codes are sent to your email address, and you have to click on them to activate the account or confirm the change. Most websites out there use these in some form.

Usage

These codes are usually http addresses that need to be clicked on – then a new window will be opened. After that, and depending on the website, the user may need to log in right then with their user name and password to activate the account. Alternatively they may need to enter an additional code that they receive in the email and enter that into the website. Sometimes there is nothing else to do after clicking the link and being taken to the website. The account has been activated or updated and the user can begin using their account with no further problems.

Online Security

Most of the time activation codes are used for reasons of security. This is to make sure that there is no spamming and that no false email addresses are being used to create accounts. It also helps ensure that people are not signed up for products or services they do not want. Theoretically this should cut down on spamming, identity theft, and the stealing of other information. Statistically, I do not know if this has actually achieved any of these things because there are many ways around activation codes – spamming people and identity theft can be done without the use of activation codes.

Copyright Protection

The same as activation codes that come with store bought software, these codes or keys fully activate the software that was purchased and installed on the computer. This is to make sure that copies are not being made of software and sold or distributed. The codes are unique to each software disk, even if it is the same program. Every disk has its own activation key that has to be entered.

Bypassing Activation Codes

Again, there are ways to avoid using activation codes. For example, you can load software and not activate it and it will still work – you just can’t receive online support or phone support for it. If you do not think you will ever need tech support then you can avoid using activation codes.

New Developments

Some of the newest software requires an activation code to function. This makes having an original copy from a store the best way to go. Once the activation code is entered no one else can use that copy; you can then no longer return or sell that particular disk.