What's the difference in Serial Numbers bt OS, software and hardware?

[smith]

I know that there are Serial numbers for system, software as well as
hardware.
But what does serial number mean for?

how do they produce by massive production?

There are faked serial numbers for OS and software. Are there faked ones for
hardware, such as HDD?

And what is the difference in serial numbers among OS, software and
hardware?

 

[DatabaseBen]

yes, serial numbers use
to be reproduced. but
the technology to prevent
piracy has greatly improved and
sometimes exceeded the boundaries
that affected genuine users.

ultimately, the serial numbers
are transmitted back to the home
base/mfg. then their database
sees if the serial number is ok
to use and sends back a release
code to activate the product.

some mgf's don't require
the above. but most do
and the above is a simplistic
explanation.