2,000 Greater & Lesser Mysteries

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_______________________________________________________________ | | Crypto--The Quick File Encrypter | | Version 3.02 | | _______________________________________________________________ | | | | Jim Leonard | | 1065 Spruce | | Winnetka, Illinois | | 60093 | | _______________________________________________________________ | | | | Copyright February 28, 1989, All Rights Reserved | | _______________________________________________________________ | | THIS IS NOT FREE SOFTWARE and may not be sold without the author's express written permission. If you have paid a ShareWare vendor for this program, none of the money you paid gets back to the author. If you use this program, YOU MUST REGISTER. Jim Leonard will not answer questions, technical or otherwise, from unregistered users. To register, send $5.00 (non-commercial single-user regis- tration fee) or $50.00 (commercial and multisystem site fee) with your name, company name (if applicable), phone number, and address to: _______________________________________________________________ | | Jim Leonard | | 1065 Spruce Street | | Winnetka, Illinois 60093 | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Upon receipt of your registration, you will be sent the most current version of CRYPTO and its accompanying documenta- tion. (Please specify disk type.) Please read the more detailed registration information at the end of this manual. _______________________________________________________________ | | Table of Contents | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Short Registration Notice............................... 1 Quick Start............................................. 3 Syntax............................................. 3 Method of Operation--Questions and Answers.............. 4 Encryption......................................... 4 Switching Encryption and Decryption................ 5 Requirements....................................... 5 Things to Remember...................................... 6 Mistakes........................................... 6 Non-Standard Monitors.............................. 6 *.COM or *.EXE files............................... 6 Techniques.............................................. 7 Choosing a Password................................ 7 Batch file usage................................... 7 Exit Codes.................................... 7 Registration............................................ 8 Single-User........................................ 8 Multi-User......................................... 8 BBS SysOps......................................... 8 Distributors....................................... 8 Warranty................................................ 9 Warning and Revision Numbers............................ 10 Credits and Background.................................. 11 Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 2 _______________________________________________________________ | | Quick Start | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Crypto is a file encrypter/decrypter. It works on any file of any size. The syntax for Crypto is: CRYPTO [path]filename[.ext] Password where: [path]filename[.ext] is the filename with optional path and extension. Examples: mybook b:tacos.dat c:\word\jim\stuff\secret.txt Password is the password or password-sentence that you wish to use as the key to the file. Crypto uses a toggle method: Run it once with the above parameters to encrypt; run it with the same above parameters to decrypt. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 3 _______________________________________________________________ | | Method of Operation--Questions and Answers | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Quickly, What exactly does Crypto do? Crypto is a file encrypter. It encrypts and de- crypts any kind of file, any size--without changing the size of the file. It's also fast. What's Encryption? Encryption is a process that takes any kind of data--numbers, letters, or words--and scrambles the data so no one can read it. Decryption is the same process, but the other way around: it de-garbles the data, so it is again readable. An example of this is the way spies send messages to each other; the messages are unreadable without a decoder. So Crypto turns files into a secret code? Yes. It reads any file you specify and encrypts it, so that no one can run your program, read your secret files, and so on. But can't someone figure out what I've done and run Crypto to change it back? No; when you run Crypto, it won't even start en- coding or decoding your file unless you enter a pass- word or password-sentence for that particular file. That "key" is the vital element in its coding process. Every key works differently with every file. Can anyone quess the key from looking at the file? No. Crypto wouldn't be effective if that was the case. What if I forget my key? DON'T FORGET YOUR KEY! Without the key, the file can never be decrypted. The coding process is so good that no one can decode a file without the EXACT password. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 4 How do I tell Crypto to encode or decode? You don't. The translation process is the same both ways: The encryption process with a key password comes first, then the decryption process is next with the same key password. So if you try to load a file into a word processor and you get an error, or you run a program and it doesn't do anything, chances are that those files/programs are encrypted and need to be put through Crypto again (with the same password that was used to encrypt them in the first place). Another example is to think of Crypto like a toggle switch: you switch it one way to turn it on, the other way to turn it off; but the process of moving your finger to hit the switch is the same. How much memory do I need? At least 128k available to DOS. What kind of computer do I need? An IBM or compatible. Crypto works with everything, and works well with memory-resident programs as well. Do I need a color/graphics card to see the program run? Crypto has been written for use on a monochrome or Hercules(tm) board, but has only been tested on a CPT white-monochrome page-length monitor, so read your dis- play with caution. Color displays, however, look beau- tiful. What is the size limit on the file I can encrypt? If you have the memory specified above, then there is no size limit. So if you have the disk space to hold a 32 megabyte file, then Crypto can still handle it. How fast is Crypto? Quite fast. During operation, Crypto will pop up a window with what file is being processed, the total file size, and how much is being worked on during its operation. To show you how speedy Crypto is, it will display the time it took when it's finished. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 5 _______________________________________________________________ | | Things to Remember | | _______________________________________________________________ | | 1. NEVER FORGET THE PASSWORD YOU USED TO ENCRYPT THE FILE. If you try to decrypt a file with the wrong password by mistake, don't worry--just "encrypt" it with the mistyped password, and then "decrypt" it with the real one again. For example: Crypto Myfile Jimbo (Encrypted) Crypto Myfile Jimbop (Typing error; Mistakenly encrypted again) Crypto Myfile Jimbop (Decrypted mistake) Crypto Myfile Jimbo (Correctly decrypted file) So, if you feel threatened, keep a backup of the file you are working with in a very hidden, secret place (preferably, a floppy disk locked in a safe). 2. IF YOU RUN CRYPTO ON A NON-STANDARD MONITOR, AND CAN'T QUITE SEE ANYTHING, CHANCES ARE IT'S WORKING PERFECTLY. Display type has nothing to do with Crypto's method of operation, and it will work just fine. If you wish to see the result of the program's operation, check the exit code at the end of its operation (See "batch file techniques" below). 3. IF YOU ENCODE A *.COM OR *.EXE FILE, PLEASE DON'T RUN THAT PROGRAM INTENTIONALLY UNTIL YOU DECODE IT. There's a very good chance it will freeze your computer. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 6 _______________________________________________________________ | | Techniques | | _______________________________________________________________ | | "The success of encryption relies more on the disci- plined use of passwords than on the complexity of the algo- rithm." --Lewis Perdue --It's understandable that you will want a password you'll remember; but too many people choose passwords that are easy to guess. Remember these important points about choosing a password: Try to avoid: Names Common phrases Slang Inside jokes Birthdays Aniversaries License numbers Vital statistics --People tend to use passwords that are too short--six characters should be the MINIMUM. --Passwords should be changed frequently. --Try using Crypto in a batch file, like when you want to work on a book that you don't want anyone peeking at. You'd first decrypt the file, work with it, and then encrypt it again. A similar batch file might look like: echo off cls echo Decrypting data... CRYPTO C:\jim\document\myfile.txt This is my password echo Done. Loading word processor... Word c:\jim\document\myfile.txt echo Encrypting data... CRYPTO C:\jim\document\myfile.txt This is my password echo Done! Have a nice DOS! echo on --Experienced batch file users: Crypto exits with the standard DOS exit code (ERRORLEVEL) for a program. If you want to check for Crypto's exit code, here's what the codes mean: 0 = Normal termination 1 = Required parameters on the command line not found 2 = Work file not found or doesn't exist Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 7 _______________________________________________________________ | | Registration | | _______________________________________________________________ | | No version of Crypto, including version 3.02, is public domain or free software. Crypto is a work copyright (C) 1989 by Jim Leonard. Non-registered users are granted a limited license to use Crypto on a trial basis for the pur- pose of determining whether Crypto is suitable for their needs (described below). Any other use of Crypto requires registration. Use of non-registered copies of Crypto by any person, business, corporation, governmental agency or other institution is strictly forbidden. --Non-commercial Single-User Registration ($5.00) permits a user a license to use Crypto on a single computer. A single registered user may use the program on a different computer, but may not use the program on more than one computer at the same time. --Commercial and Multisystem Site Registration ($50.00) permits an unlimited number of people within a comapny to use and make copies of Crypto, provided the organization has paid the multisystem fee and the person(s) can prove their affiliation with the organization. --No user may modify Crypto in any way, including but not limited to reverse compilation, disassembling or otherwise reverse-engineering the program. --All users are granted a limited license to copy Crypto only for the trial use of others subject to the above limitations, and the following conditions: A. Crypto must be copied in unmodified form, and the full manual must be included with the program. B. No fee, charge, or other compensation may be col- lected for distribution by any licensee. C. Crypto may not be distributed in conjunction with any other product without prior written permis- sion. --Operators of electronic bulletin board systems (SysOps) are encouraged to post Crypto for downloading by their users as long as the above conditions are met. --Distributors of user- supported software are also encouraged to distribute copies of Crypto only if they agree to the above conditions and if the fee for expenses and handling does not exceed $10. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 8 _______________________________________________________________ | | Warranty | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Jim Leonard makes no warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, without limitation, any warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. Jim Leonard shall not be liable for any damages or financial losses, whether direct, indirect, special or consequential arising from a failure of this program to operate in the manner desired by the user. Jim Leonard shall not be liable for any damage to data or property which may be caused directly or indirectly by use of the program. _______________________________________________________________ | | IN NO EVENT WILL JIM LEONARD BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY | | DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, LOST DATA | | OR OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF | | YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM | | BY ANY OTHER PARTY. | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 9 _______________________________________________________________ | | Warning and Revision Numbers | | _______________________________________________________________ | | IF YOU HAVE TWO VERSIONS OF CRYPTO, USE THE LATEST ONE. The methods for encryption are different in all versions of Crypto, so use the latest one and delete the older one. Revision Numbers: 1.0 Initial release. 2.0 Faster algorithm for encryption. 2.1 Added pop-up windows and documentation. 3.0 More secure and faster algorithm for encryption. 3.01 Fixed bug in windows and inproved documentation. 3.02 Fixed bug that cut memory requirements down by half, turned off cursor, and improved documentation. Current release. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 10 _______________________________________________________________ | | Credits/Background | | _______________________________________________________________ | | Jim Leonard is a high school student, classical radio DJ with WNTH, first tenor with the New Trier Concert Choir, a computer consultant with Direct Solutions, and is an advisor to Vertical Software. He wrote and developed Crypto as a security measure for a client. Jim recently decided not to pursue his consulting business for a while to concentrate on his studies and prepare for college. He is planning to major in Computer Science and Marketing/Advertising. Crypto Documentation--Printed on February 28, 1989 at 10:42 PM--Page 11