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| Beware IBM devotees. Reading this review will include mention of another
computer type rarely mentioned in Alamo PC's hallowed environs — the Macintosh
(sometimes referred to as an Apple or Pear or some other fruit). However,
this review does not cover Macintosh operations.
With a total exposure to computer security limited to working on the fringes of encryption programs, when auditing different entities, the subject interested me. However, to believe that e-mail or other Internet/intranet transactions are private I would have to be living in Alice's Wonderland. Governments and corporations are not alone in seeking privacy in their computer transactions. In fact with pure hearted government officials attempting to protect us from ourselves by monitoring the Internet we computer users may need more privacy in the future. Enter the individual's desire for a security program such as Private file. Terms.Encryption is deliberately transforming information into an unreadable form. This is different from many of us who have started out with a readable file and printed an unreadable mess. Decryption is the method of undoing the encryption to return to a readable form. Windows refers to Microsoft operating systems found on IBM compatible personal computers. Key is a password or code essential to the process of protecting an encrypted file or decrypting that file.DescriptionPrivate File is basically an encryption/decryption program designed to protect your files from prying eyes when your computer has been compromised or when soaring over the Internet highway. All this while seamlessly crossing between Windows and Macintosh computer operating systems (could not test the latter as the only Mac I'm familiar with is the Big Mac from McDonalds). Per the guide, Private File provides drag-and drop, file menu, or pop-up menu means of encrypting your files. The programs key is the mandatory password (6 to 255 letters, numbers, characters, or combination thereof) required for encryption to take effect.This is a strength and drawback (for the forgetful such as myself) in
that you must remember the password because there is no alternative method
for retrieving the information without the password. Private File integrates
e-mail programs to simplify transmission over the Internet. After selecting
the files and folders to be sent, the user can choose "Encrypt and Mail.
. ." from the menu to automatically attach encrypted files to e-mail messages.
It also incorporates StuffIt technology for its compression, allowing users
to save time when sending files over the Internet.
MaterialsAladdin's Private File package came with a 67-page User's Guide, a PictoGuide (one page summarization of how Private File works), two registration cards (two user licenses), and a CD-ROM. As with my previous reviews, this one started with a quick read of the documentation. After a quick read of the User Guides 69-pages, only the first 32-pages were reread as the second half was devoted to Macintosh computers.As with most guides, some confusion arose between the written word and
real world. The guide refers to registration numbers found on first page
of User's Guide and the Registration card. Actually they were stick-on
labels located in the CD-ROM sleeve behind the disk and initially hidden
from my view. One nice surprise was the inclusion of Acrobat Reader 30,
Endura Light 302, and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 (128 bit) on the
CD. It felt good getting more than expected.
System RequirementsFor systems with IBM operating systems (OS) require any Intel 30x60 or Pentium computer with Windows 95 or Windows NT and 4 MB free disk space. For a Macintosh OS you need a MAC OS 7.0.1 or later with 1-MB available RAM and 1 MB hard disk space. Although both OS types require a CD-ROM drive, users can send off for the program on 3.5 disks. This test was performed with the Tiger Pro 300 with 64 MB RAM, 32X CD-ROM, and plenty of hard drive space with Private File loaded. Also, a friend's Internet connection was included to sent encrypted files back and forth in order to test the Internet utility of the program.TestingThe Tiger is set to automatically load programs from my CD-ROM drive. Private File automatically loaded with the ease described in the User's Guide. Four folders of varying lengths and forms (word processing, spreadsheets, and database) were used to test the different areas of encryption and decryption as well as the different means of transporting files. The drag-and-drop, menu command, and Windows Explorer methods of encryption and decryption worked as directed in the step-by-step instructions. It was possible to perform all functions with single or multiple files. Selecting multiple files for an action followed the same procedures used in Windows Explorer.By default, protected files are given the name of the single file or the first file in multiple file selections. However, there is an option to rename the encrypted file with a special name. Another interesting program option is the capability of erasing the original file(s) after encryption. When using this option the files could not be recovered even using some popular utilities. Encrypted files are easy to identify because of the addition of an additional extension of ".pf" resulting in a unique filename format — "name.ext.pf." After decryption using the proper password all the files were equal to the originals. The use of both right and left mouse positions facilitated some of the operations. This is a program that I would purchase if there were a need for security of files or transmissions. It will stay on my computer. StrengthsEase of use is the biggest strength for this novice. Aladdin used industry standards found in popular programs for identifying, selecting, and processing files for either encryption or decryption. User group support was timely and consisted of short, clear responses. Although they did not show it, I know Aladdin personnel had to "dumb-down" their responses for this security software newbie. They also expanded the answers to include items that increased my understanding of Private File. All of this without using "techno-garbage".WeaknessesCurrently, each Private File purchase is limited to two users under the same program license. Thus, to expand your useful communications you need to purchase one program for every two people you plan to bring into your private world.FutureAladdin is developing plans to have Private File decryption capabilities in future versions of their freeware, Aladdin StuffIt Expander. When this materializes, users with Private File will be able to send 128-bit encrypted documents to anyone with either Private File or Aladdin StuffIt Expander installed on their machine. This is in the planning stages so they could not provide the freeware availability date.Availability and SupportPrivate File carries a suggested retail price of $99.95 for a two-user license, with a US street price estimated at $49.95. Aladdin is located at 165 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076, USA; telephone: (408)761-6200; web site: www.aladdinsys.com; and e-mail: info@aladdinsys.com. Contacting the User Group Coordinator was easy and her quick responses addressed each issue in an understandable manner. Also found Private File, version 1.0 on www.software.net for $47.45 and in the CDW mail order publication (www.cdw.com) for $44.95, plus S&H.Technocrats OnlyThe domestic version of Private File uses the MD5 industry standard algorithm to process a password and convert it to a reasonably unique 16-byte pattern. According to the guide the international version uses a 5-byte pattern. The industry standard RC4 encryption algorithm is used to encrypt data. Private File's domestic version uses 128-bit encryption while the international version uses 40-bit encryption.As an Alamo PC member since 1994, Pete McNamee has reviewed several programs for the PC Alamode. A computer user since the mid-1980's, his experience is limited to various IBM compatible computers. He can be reached at petemcna@freewwweb.com. |