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can you edit existing software?

by MarkSherris
9 replies
Okay,

I understand it might go against terms & conditions of the actual software so of course I would check this first but basically I'm wondering whether it's possible to edit existing software and if so how do you do it?

For example there's a software I use and I like it but certain features of it are a bit annoying that I would like to change, is it possible to open it up and edit it somehow?
#edit #existing #software
  • Profile picture of the author Archeon
    It is called reverse engineering and for modern commercial software is VERY difficult due to encryption after compiling etc

    Regards,

    Si
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    Simon Friling
    SEO Consultant

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  • Profile picture of the author mywebwork
    Originally Posted by MarkSherris View Post

    I understand it might go against terms & conditions of the actual software so of course I would check this first
    If it's commercial software then I seriously doubt you'll obtain permission to modify it. And if it's desktop software it's probably complied anyway so you won't be able to do it.

    If on the other hand it is Open Source then you'll have access to the source code, can make changes and submit those changes as updates if you wish.

    Bill
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnyData
      Hey Mark, as others have pointed out, it all depends on several factors. All software CAN be modified, if you have or hold rights to the source. Some software is easier to modify than others.

      If you are referring to server based software (CGI, PHP, ASP, etc), then it is easy as h*ll to modify, especially if it's not encrypted and the license allows for modifications.

      Also note that most unencrypted script owners do not mind you modifying the script to suit your needs, however, (a) you are not allowed to resell it as your own and (b) your changes will be unsupported. IOW (in other words) if you screw something up, the script writer will no longer offer support as s/he has no idea what changes you made and how well you can code.

      If, on the other hand, it is a compiled application, such as a windows based EXE file, then it is a lot more difficult, but still very possible, if, again, you have the source code.

      As a software developer in many different programming languages, I can tell you with almost 100% certainty, that if it is a compiled app, you will be hard pressed in obtaining any such rights, unless, the app was created with the intent of selling PLR (Private Label Rights) or source code access with it.

      When I create compiled applications (exe based software), no one, and I mean no one, will ever have access to the source code other than myself and my partner should I decide to use one for that particular application.

      However, most software developers are usually more than happy to offer customized versions, but usually at a cost. Sometimes, it may often be beneficial to use sites like freelancer.com or odesk.com to hire a programmer and have a software app created from the ground up to do exactly what you want or need it to do to meet your own needs.

      I will soon be launching a site called Software Creation Labs and many articles will be posted that relate directly to the question you just had. If you'd like me to notify you once I launch the site, please feel free to PM me and let me know. I will add you to my "notify on launch" list.

      This is not an actual autoresponder based list, just a simple list of email addresses I keep in a notepad file of people asking me to let them know when I launch the site.

      If you have any more questions or would like to discuss my post further, please feel free to post below or shoot me a PM. I could talk software all day long

      HTH
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  • Profile picture of the author xtreme123
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author MarkSherris
      Thanks for all the responses guys I appreciate the help a lot,

      by the sound of things this would be a lot more difficult and far too advanced for somebody like myself to do as I have no experience at all lol - (that's if it's even possible with what I'm using)

      The advice you've all given though is helpful at helping me understand how it all works, so cheers for that!

      @JohnyData - Thanks for the big response, really useful!
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnyData
        Originally Posted by MarkSherris View Post

        @JohnyData - Thanks for the big response, really useful!
        Glad I could help Mark. I get long winded when I talk about something I am passionate about. I guess it shows, eh? LOL

        Originally Posted by MarkSherris View Post

        by the sound of things this would be a lot more difficult and far too advanced for somebody like myself to do as I have no experience at all lol - (that's if it's even possible with what I'm using)
        It really isn't as difficult as it sounds, well, sometimes, LOL... If you really like the software, you may want to contact the creator and see if he'll customize it for you a little. If he has an affiliate program and is something you'd be willing to promote, explain to the creator that you'd be happy to give a glowing recommendation. Whenever someone comes to me and asks for a custom version, I am always happy to oblige (within reason) as it helps me build a repore with someone who may otherwise decide to go elsewhere. Besides, if it's a feature or function you need or want, who's to say that other may not want the same thing, you know...

        Just a thought...

        Originally Posted by MarkSherris View Post

        ...that's if it's even possible with what I'm using
        What software ARE you using, if you don't mind me asking.
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  • Profile picture of the author aleabby
    Yes you can do it, you can change it modules and make in accordance with yours, if you are good programmer you can easily can change it.
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  • Profile picture of the author carrot
    I am also interested in what particular software you are interested in modifying, and in what way.
    It might be very simple to build it from scratch with your improvements, and possibly a market for the new version as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author seokid
    If you have a source code of that software then you can edit it otherwise its not possible
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