Why You Should Avoid Cracked Versions of On-Screen Takeoff Software: Risks and Alternatives
On Screen Takeoff Free Download Crack: Is It Worth the Risk?
If you are in the construction industry, you may have heard of On Screen Takeoff software, a tool that allows you to perform digital takeoffs and estimations from electronic plans or drawings. You may also have been tempted to download a cracked version of this software for free, instead of paying for a license. But is this a wise decision? What are the risks of using cracked software, and how can you avoid them? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
on screen takeoff free download crack
What Is On Screen Takeoff Software?
On Screen Takeoff software is a product of On Center Software, a company that specializes in estimating and takeoff software for the construction industry. On Screen Takeoff software enables users to view, measure, and annotate digital plans on a computer screen, eliminating the need for manual takeoffs and reducing errors and omissions.
Benefits of On Screen Takeoff Software
Using On Screen Takeoff software can bring many benefits to your construction projects, such as:
Reducing costs, saving time, and improving accuracy.
Automatically saving your takeoff calculations for quick access to incoming change orders and revised specs.
Giving you detailed backup on changes to scope, which helps eliminate warranty claims.
Integrating with other software such as Quick Bid, Excel, or Sage.
Supporting various file formats such as PDF, TIFF, JPEG, DWG, DXF, etc.
Features of On Screen Takeoff Software
Some of the key features of On Screen Takeoff software are:
Auto-Count Objects, Annotations, and Callouts. This feature allows you to count out objects of the same shape and size within the drawings. For example, if you have to take off 125 studs on a wall, and you have a room with four walls, On Screen Takeoff will auto-count the studs.
Intelligent Paste Logic. This feature selects takeoff objects and pastes them into a similar distance, space, and directions. This feature is a huge time-saver for ceilings and multi-room takeoff with the same layouts such as hotels, apartments, condos, and dorms.
Multi-Condition Takeoff. You can select any number of conditions and draw the takeoff once. On Screen Takeoff places the appropriate takeoff objects on the plan automatically, all at the same time.
Overlay. This feature saves you hours of exhausting plan review by comparing two versions of a drawing. Deleted items are in red, and added items are in blue.
Style Sheets & Templates. This feature streamlines project setup by creating typical takeoff conditions called "styles". You can combine styles into sets to quickly drop in multiple conditions to your bid.
What Is Software Cracking and Why Do People Do It?
Software cracking is the act of modifying or adding software code to bypass licensing restrictions, encryption keys, and other copyright protection mechanisms. The sole aim of crackers is to make the software available for free for their personal use or unlicensed copying and distribution. They also try to gain access to a software's premium version without any payments to its creators.
How Software Cracking Works
Software cracking involves various techniques and tools to manipulate the software code and bypass its security features. Some of the common methods of software cracking are:
Reverse engineering. This is the process of analyzing the software code and its behavior to understand how it works and identify its vulnerabilities.
Debugging. This is the process of finding and fixing errors or bugs in the software code using a debugger, a tool that allows the cracker to monitor and modify the software's execution.
Patching. This is the process of modifying or replacing parts of the software code with new code that alters its functionality or removes its restrictions.
Keygen. This is a program that generates valid serial numbers or activation codes for a software, allowing the cracker to register it as a legitimate user.
Loader. This is a program that runs before the software and modifies its memory or environment variables to trick it into thinking that it is licensed or activated.
Reasons for Software Cracking
People may have different reasons for cracking software, but some of the common ones are:
Economic reasons. Some people may not be able to afford the software they need or want, especially if it is expensive or has a subscription-based model.
Cultural reasons. Some people may live in countries where software piracy is widespread and accepted, or where there is no effective law enforcement or intellectual property protection.
Technical reasons. Some people may prefer cracked software because it has fewer bugs, more features, or better compatibility than the original version.
Ideological reasons. Some people may crack software as a form of protest against the software industry, which they perceive as greedy, monopolistic, or unethical.
Curiosity reasons. Some people may crack software as a challenge, hobby, or learning experience, to test their skills and knowledge.
What Are the Risks of Using Cracked Software?
While cracking software may seem like an easy and convenient way to get free software, it comes with many risks and drawbacks that can outweigh its benefits. Here are some of the risks of using cracked software:
Malware Infections
One of the biggest risks of using cracked software is malware infections. Malware is any malicious software that can harm your computer or data, such as viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware, etc. Crackers often embed malware into their cracked software to steal your personal information, damage your files, hijack your browser, display unwanted ads, encrypt your data and demand ransom, etc.
According to a study by Microsoft, 33% of PCs running pirated software were infected with malware. Another study by IDC found that 25% of websites offering pirated software downloads exposed users to malware. Malware infections can cause serious problems for your computer and data security, as well as your privacy and identity protection.
Dodgy Websites
Another risk of using cracked software is dodgy websites. Dodgy websites are websites that offer illegal or harmful content or services, such as pirated software downloads, phishing scams, fake surveys, etc. These websites can expose you to malware infections, identity theft, fraud, spam, etc.
Dodgy websites are often hard to distinguish from legitimate ones, as they may use similar names, logos, or designs. They may also use deceptive tactics to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading malicious files. For example, they may use fake download buttons, pop-ups, redirects, etc.
Dodgy websites can also affect your computer performance and internet speed, as they may consume your bandwidth and resources. They can also affect your online reputation and credibility, as they may compromise your email account or social media profiles.
Software Malfunctions
A third risk of using cracked software is software malfunctions. Software malfunctions are any errors or problems that affect the functionality or performance of the software. These can include crashes, freezes, glitches, compatibility issues, missing features, etc.
Software malfunctions can occur because cracked software is often modified or tampered with by crackers, which can introduce bugs or errors into the code. Cracked software may also not receive updates or patches from the original developers, which can leave it vulnerable to security breaches or compatibility issues with other programs or devices.
Software malfunctions can affect your productivity and efficiency, as well as your user experience and satisfaction. They can also cause data loss or corruption, or compromise your work quality and standards.
Legal Consequences
A fourth risk of using cracked software is legal consequences. Legal consequences are any penalties or sanctions that you may face for violating the law or the rights of others. These can include fines, lawsuits, injunctions, criminal charges, etc.
Legal consequences can occur because cracked software is illegal and infringes the intellectual property rights of the software developers. Software developers have the exclusive right to control the distribution and use of their software, and they can enforce their rights through various legal mechanisms, such as licenses, contracts, or lawsuits.
Legal consequences can affect your finances and reputation, as well as your freedom and rights. They can also expose you to liability and damages, which can be costly and time-consuming to resolve.
Ethical Issues
A fifth risk of using cracked software is ethical issues. Ethical issues are any moral or social dilemmas that you may face for violating the norms or values of others. These can include guilt, shame, disrespect, dishonesty, etc.
Ethical issues can occur because cracked software is unfair and disrespectful to the software developers. Software developers invest a lot of time, money, and effort into creating and maintaining their software, and they deserve to be compensated and acknowledged for their work. By cracking their software, you are stealing their intellectual property and depriving them of their rightful income and recognition.
Ethical issues can affect your conscience and integrity, as well as your relationships and trust with others. They can also damage your professional image and credibility, which can harm your career and opportunities.
How to Avoid the Risks of Cracked Software
Now that you know the risks of using cracked software, you may wonder how to avoid them. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and legal when using software:
Use Legitimate Sources
The best way to avoid the risks of cracked software is to use legitimate sources for your software needs. Legitimate sources are sources that offer legal and authorized software downloads or purchases, such as official websites, online stores, or authorized resellers. These sources ensure that you get the original and authentic version of the software, which is free from malware, errors, or restrictions.
Use Free or Open Source Alternatives
Another way to avoid the risks of cracked software is to use free or open source alternatives for your software needs. Free or open source alternatives are software that are available for free or under a license that allows anyone to use, modify, or distribute them without any restrictions. These alternatives often have similar or better features and performance than the paid or proprietary software.
Some examples of free or open source alternatives for On Screen Takeoff software are:
Name
Description
Website
PlanSwift
A construction takeoff and estimating software that allows you to quickly measure digital plans on your computer screen.
https://www.planswift.com/
eTakeoff
A construction takeoff software that enables you to view and print electronic plans as well as perform fast and accurate takeoffs.
https://etakeoff.com/
Bluebeam Revu
A PDF editing and markup software that allows you to create digital drawings and perform takeoffs with customizable tools.
https://www.bluebeam.com/solutions/revu
QTO Estimating
A quantity takeoff service that provides accurate takeoffs from PDF drawings using advanced tools and techniques.
https://www.qtoestimating.com/
EasyMeasure
A mobile app that allows you to measure anything on your phone screen using augmented reality technology.
https://easymeasure.app/
Use Trial Versions or Discounts
A third way to avoid the risks of cracked software is to use trial versions or discounts for your software needs. Trial versions are versions of the software that allow you to use it for a limited time or with limited features before you decide to buy it. Discounts are offers that reduce the price of the software for a certain period or for certain customers. These options can help you test the software and see if it meets your needs and expectations before you invest in it.
Some examples of trial versions or discounts for On Screen Takeoff software are:
A 14-day free trial that allows you to use all the features of the software without any limitations.
A 10% discount for new customers who sign up for a one-year subscription.
A 20% discount for existing customers who renew their subscription for another year.
A 30% discount for educational institutions or non-profit organizations who purchase the software.
Conclusion
On Screen Takeoff software is a useful tool for construction professionals who need to perform digital takeoffs and estimations from electronic plans or drawings. However, using a cracked version of this software can expose you to many risks, such as malware infections, dodgy websites, software malfunctions, legal consequences, and ethical issues. To avoid these risks, you should use legitimate sources, free or open source alternatives, or trial versions or discounts for your software needs. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of On Screen Takeoff software without compromising your security, quality, or integrity.
FAQs
What is the difference between On Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid?
On Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid are two products of On Center Software that work together to provide a complete solution for construction takeoff and estimating. On Screen Takeoff is a software that allows you to view, measure, and annotate digital plans on your computer screen. Quick Bid is a software that allows you to create detailed and accurate bids from your takeoff data. You can integrate On Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid to streamline your workflow and save time and money.
How much does On Screen Takeoff cost?
The cost of On Screen Takeoff depends on the type of license and the number of users you need. There are two types of licenses: perpetual and subscription. A perpetual license is a one-time purchase that gives you lifetime access to the software. A subscription license is a recurring payment that gives you access to the software for a specific period. The number of users determines how many computers can run the software at the same time.
According to the official website of On Center Software, the prices of On Screen Takeoff are as follows:
Type of License
Number of Users
Price
Perpetual
1
$3,495
Perpetual
2-4
$3,295 per user
Perpetual
5-9
$3,095 per user
Perpetual
10+
$2,895 per user
Subscription
1
$125 per month or $1,250 per year
Subscription
2-4
$115 per month or $1,150 per year per user
Subscription5-9$105 per month or $1,050 per year per userSubscription >10+ >$95 per month or $950 per year per user >How can I get support for On Screen Takeoff? >You can get support for On Screen Takeoff by contacting the customer service team of On Center Software. You can reach them by phone at 866-627-6246 or by email at support@oncenter.com. You can also visit their website at https://www.oncenter.com/support/ to access their online resources, such as manuals, videos, webinars, forums, etc.How can I update my On Screen Takeoff software? >You can update your On Screen Takeoff software by downloading and installing the latest version from the official website of On Center Software. You can check for updates by clicking on Help > Check for Updates in the software menu. You can also enable automatic updates by clicking on Tools > Options > General > Check for Updates Automatically. You need to have a valid license and an internet connection to update your software.
How can I learn more about On Screen Takeoff software?
You can learn more about On Screen Takeoff software by visiting the official website of On Center Software at https://www.oncenter.com/products/on-screen-takeoff. There you can find more information about the software features, benefits, pricing, testimonials, etc. You can also request a free demo or a quote, or contact the sales team for any inquiries. dcd2dc6462