Info about Hl2 DL activation

[djmasta747]

How big is the file that I will download for activation? I am hearing 5 MB or less. Is this correct?

 

[KagePrototype]

No one knows yet.

 

[BlackMesaDude]

its that big that even people on 56k will be able to activate.

 

[Vegeta897]

its that big that even people on 56k will be able to activate.

People with 56k can activate any size... But when you consider how long that will take

Why are we even talking about this. We clearly have ran out of ideas, so just stop making threads! Argh! We have made like 5 pages within the past 3 days!! (That's WAY too many)

... I estimate 5-10 mb...

 

[A2597]

I'm guessing 1-2 myself.

 

[Feath]

Why would it even be as big as a megabyte? It's not any game content, I can imagine it just being something to say to Steam "Unlock Half-Life 2 now".

 

[Malfunction]

I'm guessing that they might force us to download a file that it automatically runs that kind of decrypts all of the HL2 files we have already downloaded.

 

[Solver]

The actual decryption key is obviously small. It might also include a missing file or two, if there are indeed such. Either way, can be from a few kilobytes to a megabyte, I expect - Valve wouldn't want people to wait for 2 hours to unlock.

 

[-Yo-]

I guess a 1024 bytes key to unlock .
So let's talk about a 2 Mb.

 

[Pauly]

Shouldn't be too big.

 

[destrukt]

deja vu is killing me in this thread.

 

[Solver]

I guess a 1024 bytes key to unlock .
So let's talk about a 2 Mb.

1024 byte key? That is not serious. First, not even government uses that kind of encrytpion. Second, HL2 is encrypted with AES, which takes 128, 192 or 256 bit keys only.

 

[Didymium]

If I'm not mistaken the only file missing from the preload is the exe file (Maybe it uses the same as cs:s. If so then there is nothing left.). All files needed is most probably included on the retail discs so the only thing left is the decryption key which shouldn't be big at all.

 

[Wikt]

Remember "Unlocking Half-Life 2 files" when Steam updated CS:S? How many people were fussing about it? That's what will happen. It's already there, and it'll just decrypt the .gcfs and add the game to My Games list.

 

[Vegeta897]

Actually... I remember Gabe commenting on this... I think you have to dl that core game file thing.. I forget what it is called... It's like a key game engine file that you need...

Well whatever, it will DL in like 5 seconds anyway, who cares?

 

[Solver]

If I'm not mistaken the only file missing from the preload is the exe file (Maybe it uses the same as cs:s. If so then there is nothing left.). All files needed is most probably included on the retail discs so the only thing left is the decryption key which shouldn't be big at all.

The .exe is one of the GCFs, as well as client.dll.

 

[Vegeta897]

as well as client.dll.

Ahh yes, that's the one.

Well then, I guess all it needs to do is decrypt the GCF's...

I still think there might be a little file that it has to add somewhere... I mean, why not? It would make it so that even IF hackers cracked the GCF, they wouldn't be able to play.

 

[Solver]

Ahh yes, that's the one.
I still think there might be a little file that it has to add somewhere... I mean, why not? It would make it so that even IF hackers cracked the GCF, they wouldn't be able to play.

Yes, a possible precaution, but if that's the case, I'm sure the file is small. Anyway, I am positive that the download won't take over a minute. Hopefully, the actual encrytpion will also be done in several minutes.

 

[Vegeta897]

Hopefully, the actual encrytpion will also be done in several minutes.

You mean, decryption? :O

 

[Cole]

True a 56k can activate any size. If I use my 56k to dl 600megs files(which i do) then im pretty sure I can activate it...

It most likly is decrypting the files and adding the "key" file to make it work.

It's like having a mansion that is great in every way. But the only possible way is getting in it through the door. The door is impossible to break in any way. The only way to open it is with the key. Without the key the rest of the house simply is useless onsept to wonder about. All you need is the key.

The key is small, but required.

 

[L337_Assasain]

True a 56k can activate any size. If I use my 56k to dl 600megs files(which i do) then im pretty sure I can activate it...

It most likly is decrypting the files and adding the "key" file to make it work.

It's like having a mansion that is great in every way. But the only possible way is getting in it through the door. The door is impossible to break in any way. The only way to open it is with the key. Without the key the rest of the house simply is useless onsept to wonder about. All you need is the key.

The key is small, but required.

Was there any point to that last paragraph?

 

[Opheli@r]

I bet that everithing is on STEAm, the whole game... but, VALVe headquarters sends an 5 kb. order, to decript HL2, since sending a last preload or file, would make the servers crash, even if its 1 meg...

 

[Wraithen]

Was there any point to that last paragraph?

It was an appropriate (if laboured) analogy... that had nothing to do with his first statements. But I agree, the file(s) will be small, it wouldn't make sense to have so many people downloading a large files simultaneously.

 

[W4E]

I think the steam servers will actually have LESS work to do.
Think.. Less people will be playing steam games (cs,dod etc.) and it must be easier to give someone a 1-5mb file than to support them playing an online game at 100kbs per second(or whatever it needs).

 

[BigDaz]

If the servers go down, Gabe better hire a bodyguard.

 

[Fliko]

3 mb, yea, 5 second dl for most people

 

[silverstealth89]

for all we know it could be 1KB

 

[Francis_Cole]

you can get 3mb in 5 secs.. thats fast

 

[Dee]

If the servers go down, Gabe better hire a bodyguard.

he'll have to hire a helluva lot of bodyguards to guard that body. lol j/k