Olly, the author of OllyDbg, presents his new open source joke:

PAPERBACK v1.10

Updated by Michael Mohr

Download PaperBack v1.10
Download sources v1.10

PaperBack version 1.00 does not implement AES encryption properly.  Specifically:

a) The key used for (en|de)cryption in version 1.00 provides at most an effective key strength of less than 50 bits (and likely far less, perhaps on the order of 15-25 bits, depending on password quality) instead of the expected 256 bits.  Version 1.10 derives the encryption key from the password via key stretching, significantly improving key strength.  This change causes a small delay in the encryption step.

b) PaperBack version 1.0 implements ECB mode symmetric encryption.  This mode is subject to a watermark attack and leaks information about the encrypted data.  Version 1.00 changes the encryption mode to CBC, which mitigates this attack.

2) AES key length is now selectable in paperbak.h via AESKEYLEN.  I suggest not using AES-256, as its key schedule is known to be substandard.  See Bruce Schneier's website for details.  For the moment I've switched PaperBack to use AES-192.

3) The included libraries are now packaged as binary .lib files.  Instructions for rebuilding them from source are included in README.md from the PaperBack source code.

(Olly: mea maxima culpa. I am no cryptanalytic, and wrote Paperback quickly and without much thinking about the strength of the code. Btw, can this new release read old bitmaps?)


PAPERBACK v1.00

Download PaperBack v1.00
Download sources v1.00
Read GNU GPL


1. What is PaperBack?
2. Installation.
3. Setup.
4. Printing data to paper.
5. Data restoration.
6. History.
7. Patents and IP.
8. Acknowledgements.
9. Source code description.


1. What is PaperBack?

PaperBack is a free application that allows you to back up your precious files on the ordinary paper in the form of the oversized bitmaps. If you have a good laser printer with the 600 dpi resolution, you can save up to 500,000 bytes of uncompressed data on the single A4/Letter sheet. Integrated packer allows for much better data density - up to 3,000,000+ (three megabytes) of C code per page.

You may ask - why? Why, for heaven's sake, do I need to make paper backups, if there are so many alternative possibilities like CD-R's, DVDR's, memory sticks, flash cards, hard disks, streamer tapes, ZIP drives, network storages, magnetooptical cartridges, and even 8-inch double-sided floppy disks formatted for DEC PDP-11? (I still have some). The answer is simple: you don't. However, by looking on CD or magnetic tape, you are not able to tell whether your data is readable or not. You must insert your medium into the drive (if you have one!) and try to read it.

Paper is different. Do you remember the punched cards? EBCDIC and all this stuff. For years, cards were the main storage medium for the source code. I agree that 100K+ programs were... unhandly, but hey, only real programmers dared to write applications of this size. And used cards were good as notepads, too. Punched tapes were also common. And even the most weird codings, like CDC or EBCDIC, were readable by humans (I mean, by real programmers).

Of course, bitmaps produced by PaperBack are also human-readable (with the small help of any decent microscope). I'm joking. What you need is a scanner attached to PC. Actual version is for Windows only, but it's free and open source, and there is nothing that prevents you from porting PaperBack to Linux or Mac, and the chances are good that it still will work under Windows XXXP or Trillenium Edition. And, of course, you can mail your printouts to the recipients anywhere in the world, even if they have no Internet access or live in the countries where such access is restricted by the regiment.

Oh yes, a scanner. For 600 dpi printer you will need a scanner with at least 900 dpi physical (let me emphasize, physical, not interpolated) resolution.

Have I already mentioned that PaperBack is free? I release it under the GNU General Public License, version 3. This means that you pay nothing for the program, that the sources are freely available, and that you are allowed - in fact, encouraged - to modify and improve this application.


2. Installation.

You don't need to install PaperBack. Copy it to any directory, if possible, with unrestricted write access (to allow PaperBack to save settings to the initialization file), optionally create shortcut on the desktop - that's all.


3. Setup.

This is how Options dialog looks:

Options dialog


The most important setting is the dot density. It determines the size of the data bit on the paper and must be at least two times lower than the physical resolution of your printer. For example, if you are the (moderately) happy owner of the HP LaserJet V with 600 dpi resolution, set density to 300 dpi. This allows you to draw 300x300=90,000 dots, or slightly less than 6 k bytes of useful data on every square inch of the paper.

Jet printers are not as good as laser. Maximal useful resolution is typically limited to 200 dpi. Please select the best available quality, and don't forget to align the printing nozzles, so that points printed from left to right coincide with those printed from right to left.

Dots must be clearly distinguishable from each other. Usually this means that they must be separated by some anount of white space, determined by the parameter dot size. 70% is usually the best option.

Compression is always good, because it reduces the size of the bitmap, unless your file is already packed. Use fast compression if your computer is really, really slow, and maximal compression in all other cases.

Redundancy helps to recover partially damaged data. Redundancy 1:5 means that for every 5 consecutive data blocks, if one block is completely unreadable, PaperBack will be able to restore it. To reduce damages caused by coffee pots and other common dangers, blocks are distributed around the page. Higher redundancy decreases page capacity but improves reliability.

Header and footer asks PaperBack to print useful information about the file, like file name, its size, date of last modification, page and recommended scanner settings. This parameter influences only the printing and has no influence on the reading of the data. Border around the page improves autocropping with the not-so-smart TWAIN drivers.

Large files will be printed on several pages. When last page is scanned (order is not important) and autosave option is activated, PaperBack will ask you to select location where restored file will be saved. If this option is unchecked, you must press Save button when recognition is finished - convenient if your scanner has automatical feeder and you scan several backups (up to 5) at once.

PaperBack uses Highly Sophisticated Unbelievably Advanced Error Correction Techniques (in fact, Reed-Solomon ECC) to restore unreadable pixels. Therefore, if data is halfway readable, it will accept it, even if recognition parameters are very far from optimal. This accelerates processing but leads to the high amount of bad blocks reported by the program. When you backup important data and verify it afterwards, this may lead to false assumption that data is unreliable. But activate Determine best quality, and PaperBack will report the real data quality. Of course, this costs time.

Two last options set data encryption (FIPS-197 compliant AES is not easy to crack) and whether password is displayed as the readable text while you type it in, or the characters are replaced by asterisks. Of course, this option does not mean that password will be printed on the paper!


4. Printing data to paper.

First, set page size and printer options. They may differ from one driver to another, so I will not discuss them here in details. Always select the best available printing quality. Turn off halftoning, dithering and image optimization. Don't forget to align nozzles on jet printers; if possible, turn off bidirectional printing. Note that only basic printer options are saved between the sessions, and you may need to re-enter them again.

After options are set, you can print your data. Current PaperBack version is 1.00, and it can't backup folders - only the single files, at most one per page. This is the very substantial drawback for the backup program. If you are going to save many small files, better first pack them into the single archive using WinZip, tar or similar program.

PaperBack supports drag-and-drop. If file has extention other than .bmp, it will be printed. Default action for bitmaps is the recognition. To  backup them, use Print button. You can drop several files at once; internal queue is limited to 128 entries. Again, each file will be printed on the separate sheet(s) of paper.

For test purposes, you can save bitmaps to the disk. This option is selectable from the main menu.


5. Data restoration.

PaperBack should support any scanner with TWAIN interface. It also accepts uncompressed grayscale and RGB bitmaps with 8 or 24 bits per pixel. You can drag-and-drop files with extention .bmp directly into the PaperBack.

If you use scanner, select scanning source from the main menu, then press Scan button. Optimal resolution is about 3 times the dot density. B/W scans are usually unreadable, always select grayscale image. Color scanning is also acceptable, but has no advantages except for 3-fold memory use. (Another joke). Memory requirements are relatively high. A4 grayscale bitmap with 900 dpi resolution requires around 80 MB.

Turn off all image optimizations, like sharpening - PaperBack uses its own optimization techniques better suitable for this particular case.

Grid should be more or less parallel to the sides of the scanner (maximal angle must not exceed 7), but general orientation is unimportant: portrait, landscape, upside down or even, if you use transparencies, flipped. Orientation may change from one paper sheet to another.

You can scan up to 5 backups simultaneously. Each file will be placed into the separate tab. If backup consists of several pages, the order in which they are scanned is absolutely unimportant. Bottom line in the tab displays list of unscanned or incomplete pages. If some page is unreadable, change its placement, resolution and/or brightness and contrast.

Quality map to the right shows distribution of errors on the last scanned page as a gradations of colours. Good blocks are green. The higher the number of erroneous bytes, the more reddish is the colour. Undeciphereble blocks with more than 16 invalid bytes are black. If block is white, PaperBack was unable to recognize the grid. Doubleclick map to display the block as a grayscale image (optionally with marked errors).

After all pages are scanned, press on Save to write restored file to the disk. If backup is encrypted, you will be asked to enter the password.


6. History.

Once upon a time, my oldest son (he was 15 then) asked me: "Dad, how the huge amounts of data are saved on the small CD?" A brief explanation from my side followed, I took a very sharp pencil and tried to draw as small points and lines as possible, in order to emphasize how dense the data is. Then my son asked: "How much data can you place this way on the single sheet of paper?" My estimation was in the order of 100 K. "Can we make a try?" It took me four or five days to make the proof of concept, and another two weeks to integrate packer, encryption and user interface. Then I lost the interest and put the whole project into the darkest corner of the deepest directory on my hard disk. (One more joke). But why keep potentially useful code to myself? So now I am releasing it under GPL 3.


7. Patents and IP.

PaperBack is a "clean-room" implementation. I assure that my part of code is written by myself alone and is not based on any 3-rd party work.

However, I can't guarantee that this program doesn't infringe any patents, trade marks or other stuff that makes lawyers rich. If you are going to use PaperBack, all the burden of proof is on your side.

To make lawyers (un)happy:

Kutools For Excel Free Repack License Key Extra Quality

I can’t provide a “full review” for “Kutools for Excel free license key extra quality” because that phrasing suggests looking for a cracked, pirated, or unauthorized license key — which is illegal, unsafe, and against ethical software use.

However, I can give you a legitimate review of Kutools for Excel (the official software), explain its features, and tell you how to get a legal free trial or discounted license.

Legal free alternatives:

  1. Official 60-day trial – Fully functional; no commitment.
  2. Excel’s native Power Query & VBA – Free but requires learning.
  3. ASAP Utilities – Free for personal use (limited features).

7. Conclusion

Seeking a "free license key" for Kutools for Excel involves significant risk regarding data security and legal liability. The term "extra quality" associated with such keys is a marketing p used by piracy distributors and holds no technical merit.

Recommendation: It is strongly advised against using unauthorized keys. Users should either purchase a legitimate license to support the developers or transition to free alternatives such as Excel Power Query or the non-commercial version of ASAP Utilities to ensure system security and data integrity.

Searching for a "free license key" for Kutools for Excel often leads to risky websites offering "cracked" versions or "extra quality" keys

. Using these is strongly discouraged as they frequently contain malware and can compromise your data security.

Instead, users should stick to legitimate methods to access this powerful add-on. Below is a detailed look at how to get Kutools safely and why it remains a top choice for Excel power users. The Legitimate Way to Get Kutools for Free

While Kutools is a commercial product, you can still use it for free legally through official channels: 30-Day Full Feature Free Trial : The official developer, ExtendOffice

, offers a 30-day trial that provides access to all 300+ advanced features with no credit card required. Completely Free Alternatives : If you need a permanent free tool, ASAP Utilities

is a highly recommended alternative that is free for home and non-business use. Why Users Choose Kutools for Excel

Kutools is an all-in-one productivity suite designed to simplify complex Excel tasks that would otherwise require advanced VBA coding.

Kutools for Excel: 300+ Tools to Streamline Your Spreadsheets

Kutools for Excel is a popular productivity tool, the search for a "free license key" often leads to significant security risks rather than "extra quality." Genuine productivity is best achieved through legitimate licensing or mastering Excel’s native capabilities. The Value of Kutools for Excel Kutools for Excel

by ExtendOffice is a comprehensive add-in that provides over 300 advanced features to simplify complex spreadsheet tasks. Key benefits include: Data Manipulation

: Merging worksheets or cells without losing data, and advanced text processing. Visualization

: Access to specialized chart types not natively available in Excel, such as Gantt and thermometer charts. Automation

: Batch processing tools for renaming multiple sheets or deleting blank rows in seconds. AI Integration : Newer versions include an to help generate formulas from plain language. The Risks of "Free" License Keys

The search for "free license keys" or "extra quality" cracked versions frequently leads to untrustworthy third-party websites. Security experts warn that these sources often bundle software with malicious risks: Malware & Spyware kutools for excel free license key extra quality

: Key generators (keygens) or cracked executables can contain hidden scripts that compromise your personal data or system stability. No Support or Updates

: Official licenses include two years of free updates and professional support. "Free" keys bypass these, leaving users with outdated, buggy software that may not work with newer versions of Excel. Workplace Policy Violations

: Many organizations strictly forbid the use of unauthorized third-party add-ins due to security and compliance concerns. Legitimate Ways to Access Kutools

Instead of risking system security with unauthorized keys, users can take advantage of official pathways:

Comprehensive Guide to Kutools for Excel: Legitimacy and Official Access

Kutools for Excel is a powerful third-party add-in designed to enhance Microsoft Excel by providing over 300 advanced features that automate repetitive tasks and simplify complex operations. While many users search for a "free license key," it is important to understand that Kutools is a premium commercial product. The Reality of "Free License Keys"

Searching for a "free license key" or "extra quality" crack for Kutools often leads to untrustworthy sources.

Security Risks: Unofficial downloads can contain malware or malicious attacks designed to compromise your data.

License Validity: Keys obtained from third-party sites are often stolen or part of violated volume license agreements, which Microsoft and ExtendOffice can deactivate at any time.

Official Safety: When downloaded from the official ExtendOffice website, Kutools is safe, stable, and collects no user data. Official Ways to Use Kutools for Excel

If you want to experience the "extra quality" of Kutools without immediate payment, use the legitimate methods provided by the developer:

Kutools for Excel: A Full Introduction of the Excel Add-In | DataCamp

Looking for a "Kutools for Excel free license key" can be tempting, but using unofficial or "extra quality" keys from third-party sites carries significant risks to your data and system security.

Instead of risking malware or legal issues, here is the safest way to access Kutools for Excel and what you get with it. The Safest Way to Get Kutools for Free

The developer, ExtendOffice, provides a legitimate way to use the software for free:

30-Day Full-Feature Free Trial: You can download Kutools for Excel directly from the official website and use all 300+ features without a license key for 30 days.

No Credit Card Required: Most trials from the official source do not require payment info upfront, making it a risk-free way to boost your productivity immediately. Why Avoid "Free License Keys" Online? Searching for cracked keys or "activators" often leads to: I can’t provide a “full review” for “Kutools

Hidden Malware: Many "free key" downloads are bundles for ransomware, spyware, or keyloggers that steal your passwords.

Legal Risks: Using pirated software violates copyright laws and can lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment in some regions.

Software Instability: Cracked versions often crash, fail to receive critical security updates, or stop working when Excel updates. Kutools for Excel: Key Features & Pricing

If you decide to keep it after the trial, Kutools is a popular "Swiss Army Knife" for Excel users:

Kutools for Excel: 300+ Tools to Streamline Your Spreadsheets

Unlocking the Full Potential of Excel with Kutools for Excel Free License Key: A Comprehensive Review

Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used spreadsheet software applications in the world, with over 1 billion users across the globe. While Excel offers a robust set of features and tools for data analysis, formatting, and visualization, many users often find themselves limited by its built-in capabilities. This is where Kutools for Excel comes into play, offering a powerful suite of add-ins that can significantly enhance your Excel experience.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using Kutools for Excel, discuss its key features, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a free license key. We will also examine the concept of "extra quality" in the context of Kutools for Excel and what it means for users.

What is Kutools for Excel?

Kutools for Excel is a popular add-in developed by ExtendOffice, designed to extend the functionality of Microsoft Excel. The software offers a wide range of tools and features that can help users streamline their workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and improve productivity. With Kutools for Excel, users can perform complex data analysis, create professional-looking charts and reports, and manage large datasets with ease.

Key Features of Kutools for Excel

Kutools for Excel boasts an impressive array of features, including:

  1. Worksheet Operations: Kutools for Excel provides a range of worksheet management tools, allowing users to quickly insert, delete, and manipulate worksheets.
  2. Data Tools: The software offers advanced data analysis and manipulation tools, including data merging, splitting, and formatting.
  3. Chart Tools: Kutools for Excel provides a variety of chart creation and customization tools, enabling users to create professional-looking charts and reports.
  4. Productivity Tools: The software includes a range of productivity-enhancing features, such as a spell checker, a calculator, and a timer.

Benefits of Using Kutools for Excel

The benefits of using Kutools for Excel are numerous. Some of the most significant advantages include:

  1. Increased Productivity: Kutools for Excel automates many repetitive tasks, freeing up users to focus on more complex and high-value tasks.
  2. Improved Accuracy: The software's advanced data analysis and manipulation tools help reduce errors and improve data accuracy.
  3. Enhanced Data Visualization: Kutools for Excel's chart creation and customization tools enable users to create professional-looking charts and reports.

Obtaining a Free License Key

While Kutools for Excel offers a free trial period, users who want to continue using the software beyond the trial period need to purchase a license key. However, there are ways to obtain a free license key. Here are a few methods:

  1. Download the Free Trial: Users can download the free trial version of Kutools for Excel and use it for a limited period.
  2. Get a Free License Key from Official Website: ExtendOffice occasionally offers free license keys on its official website. Users can check the website regularly for promotions and giveaways.
  3. Participate in Online Communities: Users can join online communities, such as Reddit or online forums, where users often share their experiences and knowledge about Kutools for Excel.

The Concept of "Extra Quality"

The term "extra quality" refers to the additional features, support, and services that come with a legitimate license key. When users purchase a license key from an authorized vendor, they can expect:

  1. Priority Support: Users receive priority support from the software developers, ensuring that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly.
  2. Regular Updates: Legitimate license keys ensure that users receive regular software updates, which often include new features, bug fixes, and security patches.
  3. Full Functionality: Users with a legitimate license key can access the full range of features and tools, without limitations or restrictions.

Conclusion

Kutools for Excel is a powerful add-in that can significantly enhance your Excel experience. With its wide range of tools and features, users can streamline their workflow, automate repetitive tasks, and improve productivity. While obtaining a free license key may require some effort, the benefits of using Kutools for Excel far outweigh the costs. By understanding the concept of "extra quality" and the benefits of a legitimate license key, users can unlock the full potential of Kutools for Excel and take their Excel skills to the next level.

FAQs

  1. Is Kutools for Excel compatible with my version of Excel? Kutools for Excel is compatible with Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 365.
  2. Can I use Kutools for Excel on multiple computers? Yes, users can use Kutools for Excel on multiple computers, provided they have a valid license key for each installation.
  3. How do I activate Kutools for Excel with a license key? Users can activate Kutools for Excel by entering their license key in the software's activation dialog box.

By following the guidelines and information outlined in this article, users can unlock the full potential of Kutools for Excel and take their Excel skills to new heights.

I can’t help with requests for license keys, cracks, or any assistance that enables software piracy. If you need help with Kutools for Excel, I can:

Which of those would you like?

Finding a "free license key" for Kutools for Excel through third-party sites often leads to "extra quality" versions that are actually cracked software . These downloads frequently contain that can compromise your system's security [1, 2].

The safest way to get the most out of Kutools without a paid license is to use the 30-day free trial

. This version includes all 300+ features with no functional limitations, allowing you to complete your tasks safely [3, 4].

If you need a permanent free alternative, consider these options: Excel Add-ins:

Search the Office Store for specific free tools (like "Merge Cells" or "Data Cleaning"). VBA Macros:

Most Kutools functions can be replicated with free VBA scripts found on forums like Stack Overflow or MrExcel. Power Query:

Many data manipulation features in Kutools are natively built into Excel's Power Query tab. VBA script

to automate a specific task you were planning to use Kutools for?

5. Legal and Ethical Implications

Cons ❌

2. Overview of Kutools for Excel

Kutools for Excel is a powerful add-in for Microsoft Excel that expands the software's capabilities. It includes over 300 advanced features designed to simplify complex tasks, such as:

It is a commercial product requiring a paid license for full functionality, typically offered as a lifetime license with free updates for a specific period. Legal free alternatives:



8. Acknowledgements.

PaperBack would be not possible without the Reed-Solomon error correction. The code is written by Phil Karn (C) 2002. Phil allows use of his code under the terms of GPL.

AES encryption code is developed by Christophe Devine (C) 2001-2004. This code is also released under GPL.

bzip2 compression engine is developed by Julian R. Seward (C) 1996-2005. See sources for details. To my best knowledge (IANAL), his license is compatible with GPL.


9. Source code description.

There is currently none, but the sources are commented. If you need help, read comments. If you still need help, ask your friends. For more help, visit some discussion forum. If you are completely despaired, create your own forum. If you are ready to commit suicide, well, drop me a mail (ollydbg at t-online de). Set subject to PaperBack, or you will be considered spam and filtered out. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.


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