John the Ripper (32-bit)

John the Ripper is a decrypting and decoding utility built to test the strength of the user’s password as well as try to recover lost passwords using several built-in methodologies. Built from the ground up to be focused only on working with passwords, this versatile password utility is distributed without a graphical user interface and is therefore accessible only via a command window.

Since the user has to learn how to manage this app using only text commands and parameters, the John the Ripper app will most likely capture the attention of more seasoned PC users and technicians who can look past this disadvantage and focus only on the actual success rate of password recovery. On the other hand, this GUI-less approach has made the app compatible with a wide variety of legacy PC configurations and can run on ALL versions of Windows OS.

Thankfully to learn how to use the app to test and recover passwords, users only need to learn few command options and command syntax. Most basic use involves typing the full name of the executable file, adding a few desired parameters and options, and then typing the file that contains passwords or hints for password recovery.

John the Ripper utilizes several methods for password testing and recovery – the most basic “single crack” method, and more advanced “incremental” and “external” that will use provided word library to try to filter and faster guess passwords. The app can run in benchmark mode, which is a great way for any user to test their password strength for a limited amount of time. To make prolonged password testing and recovery sessions easier to manage, developers of this app have included a handy service for saving and restoring sessions. The app can pause its work and save a printable log with the summary of its processed work.

While John the Ripper is not the most attractive and influential password testing and recovery apps on the market, it still has value for users who ask only for simplicity and reliability. However, many other users will strive to find other solutions that have a fully built interface and additional functions.

John the Ripper can be downloaded and used for FREE. A premium version of the app called John the Ripper Pro can be purchased on its official website.

Note: Use 7-Zip program to unpack the archive.