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FileStream Secure Disk (180-day subscription) Giveaway
$59.95
EXPIRED

Giveaway of the day — FileStream Secure Disk (180-day subscription)

FileStream Secure Disk is the perfect solution for protecting sensitive information from theft and other attacks.
$59.95 EXPIRED
User rating: 151 56 comments

FileStream Secure Disk (180-day subscription) was available as a giveaway on September 11, 2011!

Today Giveaway of the Day
$49.95
free today
Helps you get back all kinds of lost or deleted data on Android devices.

FileStream Secure Disk is the perfect solution for protecting sensitive information from theft and other attacks. It makes a part or all of your hard disk, USB flash drive, or removable drive, into a secure vault, which can be accessed like any drive except it requires login User ID and passwords to open.

All your private information stored on the Secure Disk is protected by Strong Encryption with options of 256-bit or 448-bit encryption. You can create as many vaults of any size as you like to compartmentalize data with the ability to move files from one vault to another.

Note that best improvement ideas will be rewarded with a full license of FileStream FrameShop. Use Idea Informer widget to submit your feedback and do not forget to fill in your name and e-mail – otherwise the Developer will not be able to contact you in case you are the one to win!

System Requirements:

Windows XP/ Vista/ 7 (x32/x64)

Publisher:

FileStream

Homepage:

http://www.filestream.com/securedisk/

File Size:

17.8 MB

Price:

$59.95

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Prevent malware and viruses from getting into the system.
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Scan your system to detect and eliminate various types of malware.
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Comments on FileStream Secure Disk (180-day subscription)

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#56

This is a really good converter. It's nice to see it support the various VOB video formats. There is only 1 improvement that would make this the perfect software to have on a computer.
*1- It would be perfect if it could include a movie maker function to be able to burn to DVD*

Reply   |   Comment by Paul  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#55

Why are there so many hyper critical blowhards on this site? It really makes you not even want to post comments about the software offered here, which is counter productive to one of the reasons for this website in the first place.
I really wish GOATD would discontinue allowing visitor ratings on others comments, as they are not the ones we are reviewing giveaway software for anyway. It would serve them right.

Reply   |   Comment by Gary  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-9)
#54

BTW, to comment #46

No, doing this will not work as it is embedded in your registry, and a rollback of your computer clock will not fool the software into continuing to work after the trial period expires.

Reply   |   Comment by Gary  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)
#53

This program is extremely straight forward. Name the device, location, size, and algorithm wanted (AES, Blowfish). Any of these settings can be changes at any time through the interface. The interface is clean, and uncluttered, and I like that.
It works well on Vista x64 (Business Edition). It is not lightning fast, nor is it painfully slow, but it does exactly what it states. Hard to suggest improvements on a program like this, as there does not seem to be much, if anything to improve upon with this software.
It is simply hard to compete in this genre, with many good free alternatives to be had out there, so price point would be my biggest concern in keeping this software installed on my machine.
I rather like the ease of use, and the clean interface, and I will keep this program for future evaluation, and perhaps purchase a license in the future, if the price is right for me. Thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by Gary  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-6)
#52

Apart from the 180 days limit(...) ,Secure Disk is a neat and no-nonsense way to store files in a virtual encrypted container.
And at first glance, it only seems to strain your hard drive with the exact size of the things you've put into the container and not the full size of the container,like most programs do.

Reply   |   Comment by Robert  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-3)
#51

Hmmm. Yeah, I read the vendor's explanation . . . it still seems "trial-y" to me. And there's Truecrypt. For free. I can't justify the time and effort to DL and eval this. Thx anyway.

Reply   |   Comment by webdancer  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-1)
#50

Sorry, but I fail to get the point of this package as a giveaway of the day. This appears to be no different than any other time limited shareware package, but with a loinger 6 month limit instead of the usual 30 days. And THEN what happens? Apparently it DIES just like any other time limited shareware if you do NOT PAY. Sure, I MAY be able to get my encrypted files back if I do not pay, but THEN what? Thanks, but NO thanks. I have been using PGPDISK for a long time to store encrypted files, and I see NO reason why I should use this time limited product instead of or in addition to, PGPDISK.

PGPDISK uses an encrypted file as a virtual disk. You "mount" the file and it becomes available as a virtual drive that is encrypted both ways. You only put in your pass phrase one time to "unlock" your files on the virtual drive. Then later, you "unmount" the virtual drive to close the file. The encrypted file is like a password protected archive, in that it contains 1 or more other files. This single file can be copied, moved and backed up just like any other.

PGPDISK is tried and true, time tested software, and is no longer supported but it is STILL available out there for FREE. PGPDISK may still be available as a separate package here:

http://www.pgpi.org/

as well as copies of older versions of PGP (Pretty Good Privacy). PGP used to be FREE up through version 6 dot something. Newer versions are commercial, licensed through RSA Labs, BUT the older versions are fully compatible AND more importantly, STILL available. Version 6 was also the last version that came complete with source code so you could compile your own executable so you could be sure there were no "backdoors" built into the program like the fed wanted to have built in a while back for the use of law enforcement. Thank goodness THAT didn't happen! Think of it, the fed almost got it passed into law that they have a "master key" to decrypt everything! With the compiled RSA library used NOW, the possibility of a backdoor still exists because the source code is not available to compile your own.

PGP is not exactly the most user friendly, and takes some work on your part to implement, but it STILL is military grade encryption for the masses and up through version 6 dot something, was free with source code. Even though I am using an OLD version of PGP and PGPDISK, it looks like I will continue with an older reliable package rather than switch to this newer, but time limited version of encryption. Now, if it was UNRESTRICTED, UNLIMITED, I would consider changing, but for the moment I do not see any benefit for me of simply another time limited shareware package for ANY kind of software as a Giveaway of the Day... Like I said, thanks, but no thanks...

Reply   |   Comment by Mario Balzic  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+2)
#49

I pass this software... Norton have the same option build in, so there is no need to use $40 on an extra software lock.

BTW... some newer laptops have a build in lock in the hardware, so if the laptop is stolen or left behind from its owner then can the laptop be "turned off" from a safe distance. About the feature works in practice, I could not say.

Win7 has several user programs similar to those you can buy other software companies, but it flaunts MS not in any way ! Not to mention all the freeware programs like MS also offers those who bother to spend time finding them.

I'll give an example, say you ? Okay, but it is top secret, tell no other than your circle of friends and their friends ! Search for "Microsoft Image Composite Editor" that is all I give you... then may you do the search yourself !

Reply   |   Comment by Trucker  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-2)
#48

Thanks, as always, GOTD..and the folks at FileStream..for bringing this to us..much appreciated! :- )

However, I have to agree with the vast majority of folks who have taken the time to post here..and say this is not really worth the price being charged for it..long trial taken into account!

To be honest, I find it hard to understand how anyone would choose to pay for a 180 day trial, when they can get such "temporary cover" using anyone of the well known programs out there for free.

It might be best to just offer the usual free trial..be it for 180 days or less, with a special discounted fee at the end of the trial , to those who want to buy the full licence.

I can appreciate the folks at FileStream trying to "new" or "innovative" offering such a 6 month trial..but, in all honesty, such a lengthy trial doesn't really make much sense, when you take into account the fact such users will hardly pay out later for something they wouldn't pay for at the time of downloading, if they were only looking for a "temp" solution for their needs.

As already stated here..there are so many other software programs out there that do the same thing for free. TrueCrypt has been mentioned a few times, a free and solid program in it's own right, offering good strong security..if that is what you need.

There are also other free tools to be found..one of which is WinMend..another free program, that will "hide" your files and folders in a matter of seconds, making them "vanish" from whichever drive you have them stored on..be it USB or HD..so that they don't even show up if you right-click and try to "explore" the folder/drive in question.

Granted..WinMend doesn't encrypt your files and folders..but it does offer a good "first door" level of security for any files you don't want somebody to see or find on your PC..plus it is really fast!

Granted..mentioning WinMend here might not really be fair, given "Filestream Secure Disk" is an encryption tool..and very different in nature from the above mentioned WinMend: my apologies to those concerned, if doing so is seen as being out of context here.

Having said that, I think it all comes down to what the individual requires and how much they are willing to pay for it..even if they are willing to pay at all. Some folks can't and won't put a price on the feeling that comes from a solid level of security..while others won't even consider this offering, due to having to pay for it..even if that charge comes at a later date.

I think the guys at FileStream need to go back and re-think this one out..drop the 180 day trial and just offer a standard trial and fee structure, like every other company out there. But they also need to seriously keep in mind that they are asking people to part with their hard-earned cash for a product that doesn't seem to offer anything new, when compared to other more well-know free products out there.

PeterC

Reply   |   Comment by PeterC  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+1)
#47

@FileStream, #45: "you will not lose your data after 180 days even if the program expires (just don’t uninstall it)."

I feel this answer is a little misleading. After 180 days the data is not lost but unaccessable. Only when you pay for a new license your data will be accessable again.

It is like your data is kidnapped unless you pay a ransom for a new license in order to get your own data back (accessable). It's like the mafia: you will be protected as long as you will pay money, but don't you dare to say no to protection offered.

@Filestream: Would you please be fair and give a clear respons to that, either "No, you still can access tha data when the license is over" of "Yes, your data is not lost and will be accessable after you pay for a new license".

Thank you in advance for being honest with us.

Reply   |   Comment by Zorgon  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+4)
#46

I have a question, has Filestream any backdoor, as required by the US government, that give the authorities access to my data at airgates etc., when they copy whole harddrives? Not that I have to hide anything, just wondering if it conforms to the regulations.

Reply   |   Comment by jos broman  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (0)
#45

Secure Disk is a higher impact encrypted drive app that goes a bit heavy on the DRM. Adding a couple of drivers from SafeIT [safeit.com] it creates apparently dynamically expanding virtual disk files [.ved] with a minimum size of 32 MB [though when I created a disk that size it showed zero free space]. The virtual disk files themselves stayed the same size in Windows Explorer until I closed Secure Disk, & then they reflected the size of the files I'd copied/pasted there. Each new drive, when it was created, caused Windows Add Hardware dialog to pop up -- once you run through the install however that was it, with no further prompts For That Drive. Double-clicking a .ved file, or right-click -> Open, brings up the Secure Disk program window, even if the app was closed. I didn't see anyway to compact the virtual disks or increase their maximum size, so adding files & deleting them your virtual disks will still be the same size as when they held those files, & you're apparently out of luck if you fill a disk up, with little choice but to create a new, bigger virtual disk & copy files over. All in all it seems easier to use than Microsoft's VHD format, where mounting/unmounting can be a bit of a chore, & of course if you're in XP it's a bit of a hassle adding VHD support in the 1st place.

Installation is convoluted as other have posted, resulting in a new, hidden folder under All Users App/Application Data with 54 files, 86 folders, ~37 MB -- the FileStream program folder with 28 files, 1 folder, ~23 MB -- a SafeIT Security folder under Common Files, with 6 files, 1 folder, ~3MB -- & finally 3 files are added to the System32\ Drivers folder. At 1st Secure Disk didn't show the 180 day license, so I attempted to activate with the key I'd been e-mailed, & although that didn't work, afterward it did show the 180 days. I recorded ~850 new registry entries in XP Pro.

To be honest I don't know why you wouldn't just use Truecrypt for the same purpose, or BitLocker if your version of Windows has it, but there ya go.

Reply   |   Comment by mike  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+10)
#44

@42 GMMan, A+, Game Modder, @35 Gary

In this case, if you can roll backward
(and it works), you can use this program
even after 180days?

Reply   |   Comment by Misty  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-4)
#43

From FileStream – the developer:

@38 Thank you for your question. It is a bit confusing. The "$59.95" is not posted by us and it is not for the 180-Day version. It is the so called "Street Price" of the perpetual license. As mentioned, we only as users to pay for perpetual license. With that being said, the MSRP for the Secure Disk perpetual license is $69.95 and the current special price, again for the perpetual license, is $39.95. Multiple user licenses are available at our site.

@40 Thank you for your many comments, some we agree while others we don't. The 180-Day version currently is not offered in our stores for the reason cited above. You can call it a "long trial" if you wish but we are not aware of any other software that offers such length of "trial". It does not take six months to decide whether one wants to continue to use it or not. Finally, you will not lose your data after 180 days even if the program expires (just don't uninstall it). Again, we appreciate your feedback.

Reply   |   Comment by FileStream  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-23)
#42

Thank you FileStream for clearing the confusion regarding the mystery of 180 days.

Reply   |   Comment by pa basheer  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-30)
#41

@35: When I rolled my clock one year forward it told me to activate, period. I did not create any encrypted containers, but I don't think it would have made any difference.

Reply   |   Comment by GMMan, A+, Game Modder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+19)
#40

Everyone calm down, if GOTD posted it then it obviously doesn't lock you out of your system after the trial period runs out! Also it works good so far, but it's not the best out there.

Reply   |   Comment by Paco  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-30)
#39

@34: Well, I can think of a better way. If people travel, they don't need a solid 180 days to use the software. Maybe have a switch to allow blocks of license time instead of going for a solid 180 days. And where exactly is this special license on your site?

Also, please fix your installation/registration system. Why would you need three different extractors before finally getting to the InstallAware one? I have not seen any other developer wrap their installer so many times when just one works perfectly well. Maybe you're trying to make it hard for AV software to scan?

Finally, the spirit of GOTD is full versions of software free to install in around a day, but also free forever to use unless you lose it. This is a trial. It's a long one, but it's still a trial. It even says in the program. That's against the GOTD spirit. What do you have to lose to offer a perpetual free version? You'd get at least 20% more thumbs-up and more positive comments. After all, half the comments here are about how encryption software should not be paired with a 180-day trial and purporting to be a full version.

Reply   |   Comment by GMMan, A+, Game Modder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+21)
#38

I believe the only reason why anyone would ever pay for such a product would be if they´d offer extraordinarily high encryption + a "guarantee of no built-in backdoors", which of course nobody would trust in...

Reply   |   Comment by Tobi  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+3)
#37

Quote @34 From FileStream – the developer ..... they do not want to pay for a license that they won’t need it after they return home.....

The price posted on FileStream website is $39.95 for full version. Here the developer priced $59.95 for only "180-day license". Am I missing something here?

Reply   |   Comment by calvin  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)
#36

Thank you for the clarification. I have already downloaded the software, and am evaluating software currently. I SHALL RETURN!

Reply   |   Comment by Gary  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-29)
#35

@34 You're just defending the fact that you're wrong. Excuses are frowned upon, especially by "companies" to their customers.

Reply   |   Comment by Mitch  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+9)
#34

Hey come on now folks, you get a FULL 180 days use out of this fine program! What more can you ask for?? Count me in!! Thanks GOTD!!

Reply   |   Comment by Geekie La'roo  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-76)
#33

It seems alot of visitors today are under the impression that after 180 days they will have to pay to unlock their files. Not so.
This program will allow you to set up an encrypted file location for 180 days, even to flash drives, and you can use these encrypted file locations once set up for the remainder of the time it is installed on said device. It will only prevent you from creating new encrypted file locations after 180 days. As long as you have your User ID, and password, you can continue to use the existing encrypted file location for as long as you wish, until you either delete the file location, or reinstall your operating system.

Reply   |   Comment by Gary  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-14)
#32

From FileStream - the developer: All FileStream software products are offered as Perpetual License and none is offered as Subscription. We do not believe in Subscription either. The word "subscription" is not put there by us. This special 180-day version came about from users, who requested such type of license because they only need encryption when they are travelling occasionally. Because as you know, laptops have been lost or stolen in great numbers every day. They told us that they do not want to pay for a license that they won't need it after they return home. This is the genesis of the 180-day license, which is unique to Secure Disk only. We are sorry if this offended anyone but that was not our intent. Feel free to e-mail us at info at filestream dot com if you have any questions.

Reply   |   Comment by FileStream  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-65)
#31

@11 the
From Reg Page:
Regular: $29.99
Discount: -$20.00
Today Only: $9.99
Is an advertisement for their turbozip express software.

@8 TrueCrypt does run off a USB drive (I have done so many times) but you are correct about administrator privileges on some computers.

For new users that are unfamiliar to encryption, the interface won't be as overwhelming as truecrypt's can appear at first and may bring peace of mind, but then the 180-day's will come in to play.

I was also worried that the installation prompted TWO device installation messages!

I had planned on using this GOTD as a trial run, but then upon attempting to create a disk, I lost useability of my computer. Twice I attempted to create a simple AES disk of 1GB in size, both times Everything on my computer became unresponsive. The second time I had kept my task manager opened and CPU never went above 15% but seemed to sit at 1% for some time with only minor spikes and eventually would go down to 0 at which point a manual power down of my computer was needed as nothing was working. My disk was not busy either. Needless to say I have removed it and will not be trying it any further.

This occurred on Windows 7 32bit
The Event log does not contain any relevant information other than showing that the computer powered down incorrectly.

It's possible this is just because I have 3 other encryption software packages installed and this ones drivers are not playing well with one or more and I'm sure someone will say that's my fault, but if the other 3 can get along just fine, I'd say this one needs work either way.

The uninstall left behind elements in the HKLM HKCU and a driver file inside system32\drivers.

I recommend staying away but if you are intent on trying it, be sure to backup your system first!

Reply   |   Comment by Byter  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+25)
#30

The biggest weakness of programs like TrueCrypt is that they are useless if you hibernate your system with access to the encrypted drive unlocked. Does FileStream Secure Disk do anything about that problem?

Reply   |   Comment by DVMarsh  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-13)
#29

I think it's good that GOTD makes offering of encryption software such as Filestream. It gives the developers of such programs a feel for how people that like using their computers, think. And may lead them to develop something the readers here may like. Who knows, some of the freebie encryption software already developed may be a result of past GOTD advertisers.

In that spirit here is an article about 15 Of The Best Free File Encryption Software and Tools:

http://pulse2.com/2011/02/01/15-of-the-best-free-file-encryption-software-and-tools/

Reply   |   Comment by shimmer  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+14)
#28

I am astonished by the fact that seven percent (!!!) gave this a positive response. Several free and cheap alternatives are at least as good, and the price of this one is relatively astronomical, but there's another reason that this is my nominee for the worst GOTD for 2011.

It's a 180 day subscription to a utility designed to secure highly sensitive information! RIDICULOUS!!!

Reply   |   Comment by Hank  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+42)
#27

I very much disagree with subscription software, except in rare pay-per-use situations. The only exception is where the software receives significant and necessary updates (e.g. antivirus/malware software) or is in an enterprise environment where is gets paid on a transactional basis.

But even in those situations, the software should still work after the subscription period ends; it just doesn’t receive new updates.

But this software does neither!?! I cannot imagine ANYONE or ANY BUSINESS that would allow a company to hold their data to ransom by locking protection within a subscription-system. I would question the ethics of a company that tries to “trap you via your data” into a subscription revenue generating model. And can you imagine the consequence of a scenario where this company doesn't exist next year? Disaster.

In some countries selling this type of software to consumers (private individuals) might actually be illegal business practice.

Reply   |   Comment by lemonadesoda  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+12)
#26

@11-That $9.99 is for Turbo Zip Express, an entirely different program. JTYLTK (just thought you'd like to know).

Reply   |   Comment by Herman Carnell McCrea  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+6)
#25

No chance would I ever try this program. What happens after 90 days? I looked at Truecrypt and it is a great program. Personally I prefer MyLoxkBox which has both a free and paid version.
http://fspro.net/my-lockbox/ The free version does not have all the bells and whistles as TrueCrypt but is much easier to use and may be sufficient for most of us.

Reply   |   Comment by Arnie  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+9)
#24

I can see two problems with a subscription-based security product of this nature.

1. I let the 180 day time period run out. the information to extend my subscription is on my PC. My PC is inaccessible because I didn't renew my subscription.

or

2. The company goes out of business or stops supporting the product. I can no longer access my files.

If it was a one-time payment, it might be worth it. However, there are some good, free products available that are time-tested and not subscription based so they won't time out after a certain period.

The product idea isn't necessarily bad. The method of implementation with a subscription doesn't look like it's going to work.

Since there are great free alternatives, I would suggest marketing the product for $10 or $15, without the time limed subscription, and highlighting the easy to use GUI and why it's better than Truecrypt or any of the other free ones.

Your investment in product development is a sunk cost anyway, so you may want to make the best of it by marketing it differently and hoping to make at least some money on the product. You might find ways to improve the product over time and be able to sell upgrades to new versions also.

Miki

Reply   |   Comment by Miki Erikson  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+8)
#23

#8, Johan Aa, FreeOTFE has FreeOTFE Explorer for portable and non-administrator use (also, if FreeOTFE has been installed, administrator privileges are not required).

Reply   |   Comment by Fubar  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+17)
#22

#6, Noizee1, both the open-source FreeOTFE and TrueCrypt have stronger encryption options and both allow volumes within volumes, and both are more widely used than any commercial volume encryption packages, so I don't see where you can claim that most such software can't do these things.

Reply   |   Comment by Fubar  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+24)
#21

This program is dangerous system pollution, don't do it!!!! TrueCrypt is free, secure, safe and has eeverything.

Reply   |   Comment by Bill Wonder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+44)
#20

@7 Thanks for link.

The program is available for $59.95,
but it will be free for our visitors
as a time-limited offer.

From Reg Page:
Regular: $29.99
Discount: -$20.00
Today Only: $9.99

Theres a bit of confussion on the price?

Reply   |   Comment by owen.jr  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+23)
#19

This product offered today is about as useful as t*ts on a bull as there is no chance in hell I am going to encrypt my information using a TRIAL 180 day version of this type of software. Come on GAOTD, lets avoid trials and beta versions I plead with you. The reality is that the thumbs up/down ratio should be a clear indicator of dissatisfaction with the giveaway conditions itself, not as I would like to think a true reflection of the actual product which may actually be excellent. A shame really, because if an older full version was offered I would at the very least download it and give it a try out and then based upon my experience I would consider purchasing the latest version. As it stands, I can download a TRIAL of this type of software anytime from many sites without feeling blackmailed, as I do right now.

Reply   |   Comment by Leslie  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+63)
#18

180 day time limit null and voids any chance of me trying this one. This is not a GATOD it's a limited trial of a product. No thank you FileStream. It's a shame that the developer missed the boat on taking advantage of the power of word of mouth advertising that comes with their offering their product on GAOTD. Filestream seems to want "something for nothing" with this absurd offer. Thanks GAOTD day but no thanks.

Reply   |   Comment by aswegohomestead  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+62)
#17

The UI of FileStream Secure Disk is okay but I don't like the "180-day subscription"-GAOTD. TrueCrypt is great, but you will not be able run TrueCrypt from the USB flash drive and you need administrator privileges in order to be able to run TrueCrypt in portable mode.

If you need full portable encryption try AxCrypt - http://www.axantum.com/axcrypt/ or SafeHouse Explorer Encryption - http://www.safehousesoftware.com/

Reply   |   Comment by Johan Aa  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+27)
#16

The registration process for this program is utterly bizarre.

You're directed to a supposed registration page, but the registration form doesn't appear to actually do anything; it doesn't care if you actually fill in any of the fields nor does any registration information get sent to you if you do so.

The real request for an installation key is done by sending an email to the publisher. You do need to click the "Register" button on the (apparently fake) registration form in order to be told what email address to send the message to, but, as I said, it doesn't seem to make any difference whether you actually fill in any of the form fields first. (And, yes, that means that they'll send the installation key to an address that hasn't been provided on the "registration form" despite what it says on that page.)

Also, a bit of testing shows that they're providing the same installation key to everybody anyway, so it's clear that they're requiring you to explicitly request it only so that they can collect your email address. I strongly suggest using a throwaway address to do the request.

Reply   |   Comment by Jim Stone  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+34)
#15

Basically, I am dead AGAINST subscription software. The only exception is where the software receives significant and necessary updates (e.g. antivirus/malware software).

But even in that event, the software should still work after your subscription period, just it doesn't receive new updates.

But this software does neither!?! I cannot imagine ANYONE or ANY BUSINESS that would allow a company to hold their data to ransom by locking protection within a subscription-system. The people that run this company are clearly greedy and immoral... trying to "trap you via your data" into a subscription revenue generating model. In some countries this might actually be illegal business practice. They deserve to fail.

Reply   |   Comment by lemonadesoda  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+44)
#14

Have I mentioned fake awards? They definitely did not get the Getabest.net SC Award for 2009 (no reviews or logo on getabest.net), and the rest aren't linked. The only one that is linked is the Brothersoft one. Decide for yourself.

Reply   |   Comment by GMMan, A+, Game Modder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+64)
#13

you can still use it after 180 days. the software will create an exe file that contains your sensitive information. As the exe file is stand-alone, you can use it everywhere (haven't tested in Mac) without problem.

Reply   |   Comment by Ozawa  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (-30)
#12

17.8 Mb download for an encryption program...something isn't legit here. What else are you getting with this program?

Reply   |   Comment by BillyBob  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+28)
#11

News flash: Apparently their password protected extractor is completely broken. Enter any random thing into the boxes and it will continue with installation. Heck, you don't even need to enter anything at all! So there's a perfectly good reason why you shouldn't go through their registration, if for some reason you're still considering this software.

I think I'm prepared for my email address to be distributed to spam list. Who knows what they will do to my email account.

Reply   |   Comment by GMMan, A+, Game Modder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+56)
#10

Oh yeah, there's only AES and Blowfish? Considering, Blowfish is relatively weak these days. So that leaves Rijndael as the only good choice. Well, TrueCrypt can do that, and more. FWIW, this program looks quite simplistic.

I wonder whether or not buying an actual license gives lifetime access to the program. I checked its expiry mechanism by moving the date forward by one year, and indeed it holds your data for ransom.

Reply   |   Comment by GMMan, A+, Game Modder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+51)
#9

I'm not understanding why there's so many steps in getting this thing installed. So lets start from the beginning.

1. Unzip downloaded file (normal)
2. Run GOTD Wrapper (normal)
3. Go to website to register (a bit odd)
First, I'm looking at their dialog. It says it requires a password. Huh. OK. You probably, though, will see the registration form first. For some reason, they want more personal information than necessary. I just typed in name, email, and country. The next page you see is a thank you page. Now this page looks very wrong. It has a TrialPay ad for one of its products and a "free scan for Windows errors" ad. Now there's no explanation for the TrialPay, though it's tolerable because it's their own product. Then there's the other ad. Is that what you really want for a first impression? It's one of those crappy cleanup program ads you can find anywhere on the Internet, especially on unreputable download sites. OK, on to the next thing.
4. Email them (wait, what?)
Since when did we have to email a developer, ever? They all sent emails to us, and have us click a link to confirm it. This is abnormal.
5. Enter key to begin (um, sure)
6. Extract MSI installer (finally)
7. MSI installer extracts EXE (huh?)
8. EXE extracts another EXE (WTF???)
9. Second EXE extracts yet another EXE (that's normal for InstallAware, I'm guessing)
10. EXE launches, presenting an MSI based installer (frigging finally)
Interesting thing to note is this is an OEM version. Maybe they're thinking of partnering with computer manufacturers. And as with those types of bundled software, this one's time limited.

Let's see how many extraction process we have. Not counting the GOTD wrapper, there's 4 extractions. The EXE that was extracted from the MSI is actually the same type as the initial extractor (the one the GOTD wrapper decrypts). Now, wouldn't it make more sense to set the password on that one instead of putting it in two more containers? Also, their so called "password" does squat. Everyone gets the same key, and it's compared to the constant key in the extractor. The contents are not even encrypted. With no problem, I was able to get to the source InstallAware package by unpacking each extractor with Resource Hacker, 7zip, and extracting the MSI with Orca. Seriously, if they have to run loops and still not be able to secure their own installer, then I don't know what security they're providing for your files.

So, in the end, save yourself from having to give info to this company. Don't fill their form, and don't email them. The product's just a long trial, and there's no online activation. I would post the password here, but the GOTD moderators will most likely delete them. Someone will leak it eventually. Or just grab a PE resource editor and a archiving program that can handle .CABs (Windows can natively). Of course, with all of their hoops to jump through, I'd rather stay away from them.

Reply   |   Comment by GMMan, A+, Game Modder  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+106)
#8

only 180-day subscription ? this should not even be in GAOTD. Isn't that GAOTD policy is to giveaway lifetime key but with no updates ? only AV or IS software has 1yr limitation. All other software so far can be used forever, some with 1 yr free updates but still can be used after that without update. For 180-day subscription, it is basically only trials and one has to buy the software after that in order to access to their files in the FileStream Secure Disk vault. A definitely no no.....Just use truecrypt - free, portable, secure, featured-rich. Or safehouse
http://www.safehousesoftware.com/SafeHouseExplorer.aspx

Reply   |   Comment by mikey  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+46)
#7

I do not see anyone messing around with
such an offer. I do not see anyone buying
such a software. TrueCrypt is far, far convenient.
Sorry. Simply do not understand what the developer wants...

Reply   |   Comment by Doru Botoiu  –  12 years ago  –  Did you find this comment useful? yes | no (+27)
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