First question: How fast can I crack DES using a single processor, modern, commodity Pentium processor, circa 2007 ? Any comments on speeding it up using a GPU ? Can it be done in real time ? Are we talking four quad-cores CPUs or 40 quad-core CPUs (to do real time)? Second question: How relevant are the questions (and their answers) above to this: http://www.cablelabs.com/news/pr/1996/1996_10_03.html This is the standard used to encrypt digital television as they travel from the cable company to the customers set top box. From what I understand, the standard is NOT triple-DES, but just normal DES. Is there anything about what is being used here that would make it not related to, or not applicable to, the method and expense of cracking "DES" as discussed above? Any comments about any of this are appreciated. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on www.Answers.yahoo.com