Every day we offer FREE licensed software you’d have to buy otherwise.
Magical File Encrypt was available as a giveaway on November 30, 2008!
Magical File Encrypt is powerful yet easy to use tool that will protect and secure your important files using custom high speed algoritms. Your data files undergo powerful cipher operations which ultimately makes them unreadable and impossible to run without first decrypting them. Only the correct password will decrypt the encrypted files.
Even if an unauthorized person gets access to your files, he will not be able to read it without decrypting the files with the correct pass.
Windows XP/Vista
465 KB
$12.99
Hi, I'm just wondering what would happen if for example I downloaded this program, encrypted some data then had some sort of system problem. I'd boot up my ubuntu and backup my data. Then perhaps do a system restore and a bit later realise that in my haste I now have my important data encrypted by a program that does not exist on my system. Then I would spend hours searching the net trying to remember the name of it, then I'd find out that I need to buy the program.
This may be a great program, and I'm not knocking it in any shape or form. But I feel that something like this isn't really suitable for a once only free download, especially as there are free alternatives.
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It works well for individual files but if you want really good encryption where you can encrypt a whole drive,folder or file in under 3 clicks with your password then download MEO Encryption from NCH for free.
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i think there is something like that just weeks ago that doesnt work well.
and true crypt just search in downloads.com is user friendly and is good and free
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Today's giveaway is entitled "Magical File Encrypt" but I can't find anything magical about it. It's even inferior to many freeware titles.
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If this software does not use an open, peer-reviewed cryptographic algorithm, then it is likely NOT secure. Don't believe me, ask cryptographer Bruce Schneier, who calls such systems "snake oil".
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Installs easily and runs great on WinXP and XP Media Center. The only suggestion for improvement is to have the Password field cleared and the cursor prepositioned ready for typing, but this is very minor. Thanks GOATD.
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For the last time, this is not Truecrypt. The voting on the thumbs is if you like the product or not. Is the product solid? The voting is not if this free software is better then a another package. Its on the quality and usefulness of this package.
If you want to reference another software in your review then do so. But first, judge THIS product on it's performance.
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Simplew to use simple to implement, this is a nice product
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Monday's free game has been posted over in the forums. I'm back for the rest of this week, then as mentioned previously, Wizzard of Oz and myself will be taking weekly turns to post games. The game is called Theseus: Return of the Hero, a sequel to Alien Shooter. I've also included two Gametop games, RIP3 and Crimson Road, which are still being sold commercially elsewhere. In fact Crimson Road is made by the same developer as Theseus:
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/4344#post-46637
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I have been using Camouflage for years now, And I will not change either, it is the best and the most user friendly program to date, True Crypt is Good if you are an advanced Geek Like Me, but for the everyday quick hide or send, Camouflage is enough. Plus I know that Camouflage does not call home, how about this one, has anyone tested it's call home features, or whether or not it has them. See Ya!!!
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TrueCrypt is a free and open-source alternative with lots of documentation including this video tutorial "How to Encrypt Data Using TrueCrypt" http://hotbutteredit.com/video-tutorials
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Great! Now I can protect all those nuclear missile launch codes I have on my computer disguised as offers for Viagra!
As for TrueCrypt and other Open Source software ... I’m really weary of using Open Source software for security uses. Open Source is just that ... Open for anyone to exploit.
The reality is ... There is no such thing as 100% security. Software such as this is essentially used to provide a FEELING of security to the user.
More on topic ... IMHO ... Magical File Encrypt is an excellent program for the less computer literate user. It’s easy to use and provides a layer of protection suitable to protect data from other less computer literate users. If you want to encrypt nuclear missile launch codes however, I doubt you should use this or any other publicly available encryption software. For those of you that are afraid that Magical File Encrypt can’t be installed after today, your fears are unfounded. Simply retain the actual installation file (Setup-mfe.exe). This file can be used to install the registered program at any time on any compatible system.
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"TrueCrypt" also has a free, portable version. Thats what I use. I keep data thats that sensitive off the main PC & on travel drives. In fact, I bought two 8GB SanDisk Cruzer Micros just on black Friday at Staples for $12.99 each which was an unbeatable price. The first thing I did was move all sensitive data to those, install "TrueCrypt" portable, & lock them down. Theres nothing left on (C:), (D): or (K:) drives left for prying eyes.
I especially like the fact that all my paid software keys & credit card numbers are somewhere other then the main PC. Todays offer seems questionable to me as they don't seem to feel the need to clearly describe their encryption method so I'll stick with freeware but thanks just the same
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Sorry, but since the software manufacturer has chosen to not disclose anything about their encryption, I won't be using this software and I recommend everybody stay away. Use a system with a known encryption tool, like TrueCrypt.
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I agree with comment 11 about Axcrypt. I feel that is a much better alternative to taday's offering. TrueCrypt may be a good program but I don't think it's quite the same thing. TrueCrypt is for encrypting volumns or partitions. Axcrypt is more about encrypting files or folders on the fly. Besides for those interested in Truecrypt I would visit Download.com and read the user comments there before I installed it. Not all of those people were thrilled with the program. That's just my opinion. Thank you GAOTD and Arzoosoft Solutions for the offer.
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WARNING - In post #12 the above mentioned camouflage program has a backdoor trojan in it and the axcrypt page had dscrypt on it which also has a trojan. One was found in multiple instances at virustotal.com and the other was caught by A-squared antimalware/antivirus (offered here a while ago).
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#13. Peter, there's a time capsule waiting to take you back to 1992 and, as a special bonus, there will be tutors onboard who will teach you how to read the System Requirements at the top of each page. Safe journey!
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Like many others have already pointed out, encrypting your important files with a program that you can't reinstall should, for whatever reason, you need to, is a risky thing to do.
With very solid freeware encryption apps like "TrueCrypt" available, thats what I'd use if I ever had the need to encrypt anything. Luckily, I'm the only one that ever uses this PC so at this time I don't need this type of app. Should you decide to give this offer a go, good luck!
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Thanks, but TrueCrypt is free. If you are paranoid, use Truecrypt to create an encrypted volume and place it's file into another encrypted volume using some very long random passwords, so bruteforcing them even with a powerful computer would take years to finish (unless it's a supercomputer).
Really big thumbs down. Maybe tomorrow we'll have a better offer.
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I have not done this in a while :D
Pros:
* Simple and easy to use.
* Small footprint (computer resource usage wise).
* Encrypts/decrypts quickly.
* Give you the option of chosing what to name your encrypted/decrypted file.
* Give you the option of chosing where you place your encrypted/decrypted file.
* Adds an entry to the right click menu to encrypt a file.
Cons:
* It is proprietary encryption.
* You can only encrypt/decrypt one file at a time.
* Website does not specify what type of encryption is done.
* Encryption creates a new file instead of encrypting actual file.
* Decryption creates a new file instead of decrypting actual file.
* Program is 'locked' if you accidentally do not type same password in both fields when encrypting.
* Program is 'locked' if you accidentally type in the wrong password when decrypting.
* Program has a default password already entered into password fields when encrypting.
Registered and installed fine.
Free Alternatives:
TrueCrypt
AxCrypt
Verdict:
Do not use Magical File Encrypt - the program has a bit of a ways to go before it can be depended on to be your main encryption/decryption tool. If you would like to encrypt/decrypt single files in an easy and simple fashion, I suggest AxCrypt. If you want to encrypt/decrypt many files, just as a whole partition, I suggest TrueCrypt. Just note: TrueCrypt has a huge learning curve while AxCrypt is pretty easy and straightforward.
Full Review (which include an explanation of my "Cons" also): GOTDReviews.info
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Like most encryption tools this will keep local prying eyes from nosing into your "Secrets", but as we all know nothing is un-crackable (Especially by the Feds). So if it's to keep your average Joe from finding out what you're hiding then just about any freewae program will do. The great thing about a freebie is in case of a system crash (Knocks on wood). To say not to worry about a crash because you can download the thirty day trial is assuming the companies always going to be in business. If you install this program then be you install it on more than one system or have a few friends install it also. A great means for back up.
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I have yet to see a day when the positive comments outnumber the negative, I'm sure there must be probably before my time. I sometimes find it hard to believe that some people just can't show some appreciation for this site whether or not they like or approve the software given. For example, some will write "why would I use this software" (giveaway) "when I can use this software or this software" (another similar software) when they can just show a little respect and thanks by saying it in a way of appreciating this site, like " Thanks GOTG, here are a couple other softwares that are similar, thought you all might like to know"...you know, maybe the people at the GOTD might get a little tired and angry at the lack of positive responses and someday shut down the site, that wouldn't be a good thing. I feel if I can get one good license a month or even lesser than there is nothing to complain about. I only have to make sure I don't lose it by reformatting as I did when I lost WinUtilities, (that hurt) but someday maybe it will come back.
Regardless, unless a software kills your computer maybe we could be more positive and less negative in how we comment.
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Not to be negative, but TrueCrypt is a much better program than this one; in security, function, speed, and how it works. It's also Open Source, meaning it's free.
http://www.truecrypt.org/
Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
1) Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.
2) No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).
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1st off, Magical File Encrypt encrypts files, whereas the often recommended TrueCrypt is designed to hide & encrypt whole portions of your drive... From the Introduction on the TrueCrypt site: "TrueCrypt is a software system for establishing and maintaining an on-the-fly-encrypted volume (data storage device)." While TrueCrypt is an excellent program, this is a major, glaringly obvious difference between the two programs.
For maximum security, & to make sure there are no hidden, so-called back doors allowing access to your encrypted files, experts recommend only using encryption software where the source code has been released publicly for review. It's up to the user to decide if whatever you want to encrypt is worth it -- whether or not you want to check out alternatives or use Magical File Encrypt, which is right here, right now, for free. There is such a thing as overkill.
One legitimate concern already mentioned by a few other folks, is what happens if you don't have the encrypting program to decrypt your files? If an encrypting program can create self-decrypting (.exe) files, that's a definite plus, since the decrypting software can be built into every encrypted file. But it's not a long-term guarantee you'll always be able to access your stuff since Windows updates and version changes can render both software & encrypted files unusable. That's one reason encrypted zip files are so popular, despite the widespread availability of zip file password hacking software.
Steganography [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steganography] has also already been mentioned in today's comments. It works, & works well, but it's an extra hassle to use, and you have to remember that it works best for *small* encrypted files... since you're hiding your file inside something else, like a picture, you obviously don't want to increase the picture's file size beyond what's reasonably expected -- a 30 MB icon could be a dead giveaway. ;?P
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Um, Kas, stop being so paranoid. You need a password to decrypt the files, not the program.
Wow, what a rant for the possibility instead of the knowledge...
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Best encrypter in the world: http://kryptochef.net/index.htm
... I was not able to REALLY decide, wether the linked page is a intended or unwilling joke ...
Decide yourself - and be amazed !
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For those of you with "older computers"/"older Windows", try this "Free" alternative.
HandyBits EasyCrypto
http://www.handybits.com/easycrypto.htm
I've used this for years, (when need be lol), & it works like a charm.
I'm currently using it on my Windows ME, & have had no problems using it what-so-ever. It's very easy to use, even for a layman such as myself.
LOL!
Give'er a try, you won't be disappointed.
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Why take a chance on a "custom algorithm" described in words more appropriate to engrish.com than here, when the aforementioned truecrypt and axcrypt use open source, peer reviewed, professionally designed and evaluated algorithms, are free, and--vital to anything obtained from GAOTD--will still be there to do their job if the original installation is ever lost. Skip this one, or any program that has to be around in the future to let you get to your own data.
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Think twice about encrypting your important files with software that is offered as free today only. What if it stops working after a few months? How will you be able to decrypt your files then? Will you buy a license from them then, to be able to decrypt the files? I don't say that it will stop working after a few months, but I have installed software given away here before that installed and worked fine a few months, and then all the sudden stopped working. I did not install updates or make any changes...just stopped working. Think about that before you use this kind of software to "protect" your important files. Better use freeware alternatives. They're not just free today, and you can save a copy of the setup file so you know you can reinstall the same version again next time. This giveaway does give you a setup file, by default extracted to C:\Setup-mfe.exe, so you might be able to reinstall, but what about activation? Maybe it's pre-registered (no activation needed, really), just a time check to be able to extract the actual setup-mfe.exe, but you better make sure before you trust this to protect important files.
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I agree with #19. We already have algorithms that have been publicly vetted as strong e.g. those used by Truecrypt. This 'proprietary' algorithm in today's GAOTD has no such assurances.
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As others have said and I endorse TrueCrypt http://www.truecrypt.org/ is my encryption software of choice.
For today thanks but no thanks
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Good reasons not to use this program:
It is propriety, meaning there is no way of knowing for you and me if there are backdoors put into it. Also meaning that if the business guys decide to discontinue the software on a next version OS, you are in the dark.
As there is excellent encryption possible using opensource programs, there really is no use for a thirteen-dollar thingy such as this.
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Not necessarily a diggression... however: I regularly check GAOTD comments, regardless of whether I intend to install the daily software/game giveaway or not, because...
- Thumbs up or down are (more) valuable, given there is at least some explanation. It is easy just to follow the crowd and decide upon majority vote; however, each visitor should bear in mind her/his individual needs, and pay attention why thumb up or down is given, and of which importance is this remark to hers/his intended use
- When available, and in obviously good spirit, I find (fair) reviews and comments comparing daily giveaway with other similar programs, freeware or shareware are one of valuable sources of information on such software, and one of the additional benefits of this site.
Thank you GAOTD, Whiterabbit, and all other fellow GAOTDers who honestly review, try the software and give their views on it to truly help, and not just for the sake of saying something or getting a little public exposure.
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Caution to those trying this software: If the program is not around to undo its encryption, you will be kept from your own files just like any other "unauthorized person".
If you feel encryption is necessary, I suggest using the free alternative, PGP. Although PGP is slower, you can set it for a more complex encryption than the 512-bit level today's offering provides.
Encryption, however, is not a viable substitute for maintaining proper security of your sensitive data. If someone grabs your files, it's true that encryption will slow their use of the data, but today's computers are fast enough to crack a 512-bit encryption in a few hours, even if using brute-force methods.
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I do not use, and have no need for, encryption software and am certainly no expert on the pros and cons of said but one thing does bother me when I see it offered on this site. If you lose your current version,for any reason,are you not locked out of whatever you have encrypted - and are therefore forced to purchase another copy to release your information?
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The first thing I don';t like about this software is the fact that the install dialog box shows C: as the place to extract the files. The inexperienced user is going to think the program is installed, however, you have to navigate to the C: directory and locate the setup file, then double-click on that to install the program. One good thing is that the installation actually removes the files after the program is installed.
Also this program only allows you to encrypt ONE file at a time. Talking about taking forever assuming you have Top Secret files (as the author states in the help file) this would be a very time consuming project.
A well-known free open-souce alternative is True-Crypt. Here are it's main features:
Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
1) Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.
2) No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).
Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS.
This page contains other free alternatives:
http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/encryption.shtml
I have to give this a thumbs down
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Actually Vista has such a feature already built in, but I've never had a need for it. No thumbs from me, as I personally don't need this program and didn't try it, but I know there are people out there who do need it. Good luck. ;-)
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with early signs of alzheimers this one scares me.
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Tried to install Magical File Encrypt on Win XP, 3 - which has VIRUSfighter (Norman AV) working.
During the last step of installation I got the message: VIRUSfighter has detected a trojan and quarrantined it. The exe-file disappeared, and that was it.
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Great software ! I recommend it for all those who want good protection for files.
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Truecrypt is the best encryption software--free
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I dont even want to try this because its a give away and any problem with the software i will be stuck.
i stick to my 'truecrypyt' and its free
www.truecrypt.org/
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erratic, a waste of time .
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Why should we trust this product? Does it use AES/Rijndael?
If so, why don't you say so on the website? Or why don't you state what the algorithm is? Has it been peer-reviewed, or is it, God forbid, "propietary"? And what does "A lot of effort was taken to make this Powerful algorithm" signify?
For the moment, this smells like snake oil.
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Just for once I'd like to keep todays comments on the pros & cons of using encryption software. Please, no mention of porn & no telling the rest of us that "you have nothing to hide" like somebody always does whenever a program of this type is offered.
I don't recommend anybody new to computing use one of these programs & if you do, tread lightly! I also recommend "True Cryot" over todays offer! Why anybody would pay for an app of this type is beyond my imagining when "True Crypt" is available free & does so much more. It even has the ability to encrypt an entire drive.
"True Crypt" has great reviews where ever you look. Just a few user reviews can be read here:
http://www.download.com/TrueCrypt/3000-2092_4-10527243.html?tag=lst-1
Available for download at the homepage which is where I recommend getting it from. That link is here:
http://www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php
It's also a real "Vista" compatible piece of software that doesn't need to be run as administrator. Just use any encryption program with some caution & remember your password.
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nice software
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Tools that are more interesting, funny and effective programmed - with a lot of additional features (for those who are capeable to use them; executables are protected):
http://freezip.cjb.net/freeware/
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Sorry the link for camouflage is here http://camouflage.unfiction.com/
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Here's a thought.. If they're that important, winzip them with a password.
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I thank GOTD for the software.People want to use it download today and make use of it.but §12 for the software is useless but nowadays wegot many of these softwares for free like AxCrypt linkis here http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/ ,,,,or Camouflage encrypter,, link in
http://camouflage.unfiction.com/,,,,which works super good specially in camouflage you can encrypt and hide the file in a normal file jpeg ,pdf,excel or in anything
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