Crinkler vs PELock

Crinkler is a compressing linker for producing very small 32-bit Windows executables, particularly demoscene intros in 1k, 4k, and 8k sizes. It combines linking and compression; the resulting executable decompresses into memory when run. By default, context modelling compresses code, optional text data, and general data as separate parts. Crinkler can replace the Visual Studio linker and supports its basic options, with configuration through project settings. Its data compressor is also available as a separate library for estimating compressed data size. Crinkler is free and distributed under the zlib license, which permits commercial use subject to its conditions. Version 3.0 requires Windows 10 or later and SSE4.2, including for the executables it produces, although those executables can target older Windows versions. Uncompressed input is limited to 64k per part. The manual warns that tiny-header mode can make decompression prohibitively slow for files significantly larger than 1 KB. The project directs users to GitHub Releases for downloads and links a manual for usage and version history.

PELock protects compiled 32-bit Windows applications against cracking, tampering, and reverse engineering, while providing software licensing tools. It protects Portable Executable formats including EXE, SCR, DLL, OCX, CPL, BPL, DPL, ACM, and AX. Anti-debugging methods detect cracking tools and block their actions. The license key manager handles users and keys, generates and verifies RSA-2048 keys, and can block illegally shared keys. Trials can be limited by days, executions, an expiration date, or minutes of use. A virtual DLL binder combines an application and libraries into one EXE, loading those libraries in memory without writing them to disk. SDK examples cover C/C++, Delphi, Lazarus, FreePascal, PureBasic, PowerBASIC, D, and Assembler. Plugins can add compression, detection, licensing checks, and loader functions. The maker lists Windows support from Windows 95 through Windows 10 and Server 2003 through 2012, with 32- and 64-bit support. Pricing starts at 59 one-time; listed licenses cost 159.00 USD or $299, paid once.