DAEMON Tools
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| DAEMON Tools | |
| Developer: | DT Soft Ltd |
|---|---|
| Latest release: | 4.0.8 / November 17, 2006 |
| OS: | MS Windows (x64 support since 4.0) |
| Use: | Emulator |
| License: | Freeware/Adware |
| Website: | http://www.daemon-tools.cc/ |
DAEMON Tools is a disk image emulator for Microsoft Windows that mounts images of DVD and CD media on virtual drives. The program is able to defeat most copy protection schemes such as SafeDisc and SecuROM.
DAEMON Tools was originally a furtherance in the development of another program, Generic SafeDisc emulator, and incorporated all of its features. It is currently being developed and distributed by DAEMON's Home and is free for non-commercial purposes. DAEMON Tools is known colloquially as D-TOOLS or just DTOOLS.
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[edit] Adware included
The latest version of DAEMON Tools (4.08) is bundled with SaveNow, an adware product of WhenU.[1] Although the adware can be deselected during installation, this is not made clear to the user as it masquerades as "DAEMON Tools Search Bar". The WhenU web site describes this as a "SearchBar interface and new user enhancements, designed to maximize your online and desktop experiences". The setup program does ask the user if they wish to install the 'Search Bar', but it does not specifically state what the program will do. If installed accidentally, the toolbar can be removed using Add or Remove Programs.
[edit] Uses
Like other disc image emulators, using DAEMON Tools means a user does not have to swap discs to run different programs, which also reduces scratching of the disc. It is useful for those who purchased software, but either lost or damaged the disc, to still be able to use that program. On a more quotidian level, DAEMON Tools enables users to run games and other programs on their laptops without requiring them to bring an entire library of CD or DVD media around with them, which is safer and more convenient.
It can also be used to access software distributed as a disk image (drivers, support files, archives, etc) without the need to burn a physical CD/DVD. This is somewhat similar to how .dmg files are used in Mac OS X.
Several disk images can be loaded at once, which can be useful for installing or using software that ships on multiple discs and requires shuffling between them during use.
It is also useful for networking applications, where a program requires a CD to be operated, and it is impossible to distribute the requisite CDs to all users.
[edit] Potential for copyright infringement
Though they have many legitimate uses, a potential use of emulation tools such as this one is to copy copy-protected material (copyright infringement). To curb the act of copyright infringement, which is illegal in many countries, the authors of emulation tools usually state that they do not endorse copyright infringement and that their tools should not be used for that purpose. Authors are quick to put up such statements because of the current attack by content industry organisations on 'unauthorized' free flow in the copyright social conflict, as well as the decision by the United States Supreme Court in the MGM Studios, Inc. v. Grokster, Ltd. case holding that authors could be held liable in the U.S. if they endorse or encourage infringement. However, Daemon Tools is produced in a country where there are no such laws.
[edit] Supported filetypes
- b5t (Blindwrite 5)
- b6t (Blindwrite 6)
- bwt (Blindwrite, older versions)
- ccd (CloneCD)
- cdi (Discjuggler)
- cue/bin
- img (not on supported file type list but may be used through "All files (*.*)")
- iso
- mds/mdf (Media Descriptor File) (Commonly used by Alcohol 120%)
- nrg (Nero Burning ROM)
- pdi (Instant CD/DVD)
- dmg (PowerISO)
- vcd (VirtualCD)
[edit] Blacklisting
Some software publishers, particularly game publishers, go to great lengths to try to disable or frustrate DAEMON Tools. For example, some games will check to see if the driver for DAEMON Tools is loaded, and if so will take some action, such as refusing to run, or uninstalling the toolset (even if the game was bought legally). Typically, as such copy protections are deployed, new versions of DAEMON Tools are released. For example, revision 4.06 randomizes the name of the virtual driver installed by the software.[1]
[edit] Products
Currently DAEMON Tools Team is working on DAEMON Tools Pro, which will be shareware instead of freeware.
