How to Obtain a Unique Computer Identifier in Java Across Windows, MacOS, and Linux?

Computer Identifier in Java

Determining a unique identifier for a computer in different operating systems can be a challenging task. This article explores methods to obtain such an identifier in Java across Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

UUID vs. MAC Address

UUIDs (Universally Unique Identifiers) are often considered unique, but they can be reset or altered, which limits their reliability. MAC addresses, while initially unique, face issues when multiple network adapters are present.

WMI for Windows

On Windows, the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) API can be leveraged to retrieve the System Enclosure Serial Number. This method relies on COM4J to interact with WMI.

wmic Command for Linux

Linux systems offer the wmic command-line tool that can display the Serial Number of the motherboard. This tool provides a straightforward solution for Linux environments.

MBinfo Tool for MacOS

MacOS users can utilize the mbinfo command-line tool to retrieve the System Serial Number. This tool provides a native method for obtaining the desired identifier on MacOS.

Specialized Classes

For convenience, custom Java classes have been developed to obtain the computer identifier in a platform-independent manner. These classes are available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS:

• [Windows SN](https://gist.github.com/jherreraalv/6469919)
• [Linux SN](https://gist.github.com/jherreraalv/6469917)
• [Mac OS SN](https://gist.github.com/jherreraalv/6469915)

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