Reverse engineering information

[Compy]

Hey, im asking you guys to think way back.
I am looking for tips on reverse engineering protocols because in my mind, sometimes its needed to help improve existing software more than hurt it. Im asking you to think way back, IE: How was the first version of napster reverse engineered?
Closed source programs are a bit hard to do that with, aswell as hex editing or disassembly wont get you TOO far. I know its not an easy task, but we have to start somewhere. Im basically looking for nice tips, tricks, and methods to expand my knowledge on reverse engineering.

Any help would be appreciated ZP'ers.

Thank you
Compy

[crackerjacker]

Hey, im asking you guys to think way back.
I am looking for tips on reverse engineering protocols because in my mind, sometimes its needed to help improve existing software more than hurt it. Im asking you to think way back, IE: How was the first version of napster reverse engineered?
Closed source programs are a bit hard to do that with, aswell as hex editing or disassembly wont get you TOO far. I know its not an easy task, but we have to start somewhere. Im basically looking for nice tips, tricks, and methods to expand my knowledge on reverse engineering.

Any help would be appreciated ZP'ers.

Thank you
Compy

hmm i like this topic but it will be closed soon lol
but if u want information on this sort of stuff use google.com it can help.

[Compy]

Bleah, Sorry for posting I guess. Google to the rescue.

It was worth a shot.

[infringer]

theres quite a few disassemblers out there.

-infringer-

[method]

IDA is good... in fact.. it can do some things that Win32dasm and SoftIce trip up on.

Your best bet to learn disassembly and anti- anti-disassembly techniques is to look for "CrackMe" tutorials. You'll find keygen tutorials too... but knowing assembly language is a definite benefit and real reverse engineering is hard work without it.