*** ReadMe file for CodeSafe v.1.5a - 21 Apr. 1997 *** CODESF15.ZIP contains CODESAFE.MCR and CODESAFE.TXT. DESCRIPTION CodeSafe is a MacSys macro to store and retrieve secret codes and passwords. It uses a self-created and self-maintained database of your secret codes. MOTIVATION The ever-increasing number of codes and passwords that one has to have at hand in order to get around a little comfortably in this high-tech society, is putting a big drain on many a brain. Especially Psion users, pampered by the brain-extending abilities that their Psions offer, possess merely rudimentary skills necessary to memorise this kind of trivia, at least that holds for me. That is why I decided to write this utility. The idea behind CodeSafe is to be able to decipher the encrypted codes in a database, using only a single master password. I hope it will prove as indispensable for you as it has for me. EXPLANATION OF CODESAFE's FUNCTIONING This is how CodeSafe works. After hitting the hot-key CodeSafe asks for a master password. The characters of the password are converted to their code numbers and the numbers of this array are added to the code numbers of the subsequent code or password to be stored. The numbers that result from these calculations are then converted back to characters and stored in the database. Upon retrieval of a code from the database, the calculations are reversed, resulting in a text string. When the correct master password was entered, this string is identical to the original text. When for retrieval a different master password was entered, the resulting text string will be different from the input text. The fact that there will always be a string displayed adds to the security of the system. This way the unauthorised user will have no way to discriminate between the displayed string and the correct code. Since for the master password all combinations of letters, numbers and other characters may be used, and the password may be from one to eight characters long, this will provide additional security. Finally, the Achilles heel of many password protected computer data is the storage of the (master) password in some way in the program or data files. CodeSafe does not allow that the master password itself be stored. The same CodeSafe program can even be used by different users. As long as each uses a unique master password, he/she has access only to his/her own data. INSTALLATION Copy CODESAFE.MCR to directory \MACRO\MCR. Open Tom Dolbilin's MACRO (MacSys), open CODESAFE.MCR (Psion-E) and translate it (Psion-T). After installation assign a convenient hot-key (I use ). CodeSafe is now ready for use. While running for the first time, CodeSafe will create the database file (CODESAFE.DAT) on the internal drive. DISCLAIMER I've used CodeSafe on my English 1 Mb Psion 3a, where it performed perfectly. However, needless to say, I don't give guarantees and you cannot hold me responsible in case anything goes wrong. BE CAREFULL, if you forget your master password, there is no way I can help to resolve your encrypted information. CodeSafe is freeware. You are free to use, modify and copy the macro. The only "rule" I would like you to obey is to pass only this unmodfied version of CodeSafe, including this readme file, on to others. NOTES 1. CodeSafe does not work when its database is opened by another program (like DATA)! 2. CodeSafe supports use of JBMACFIX.OPO. When you have this file installed, after exiting from DATA, CodeSafe will return to the program it was started from, instead of ending in the MACRO program. CodeSafe expects that JBMACFIX.OPO is installed on the M drive. You can change this setting in CODESAFE.MCR by modifying in line 11 "m" for the drive letter on which JBMACFIX.OPO is installed on your machine. 3. If for security reasons you would like to change the duration of the display of the searched code, change the setting for m$ in line 10 of the MCR file from "Window" to "Blink". The code will than be displayed for a only few seconds. UPDATES V.1.0. First version only released to certain individuals V.1.1. Several modifications Changed calculation. V.1.0 codes are not compatible. Upgraders, translate your old codes using CodeSafe v.1.0 and remove CODESAFE.DAT before installing CodeSafe v.1.1. Repaired mistake in program code. CodeSafe now handles code lengths of 25 characters. Included possibility to print the translated codes to file. Although it is possible to add master password modification, this would interfere with the multi user support. Therefore, a printed list will help to re-enter the codes under a new master password. Careful, once the data have been written to file, the information is accessible to others. Therefore, remove the file from your Psion as soon as possible. Close this file before printing another one. If you forget to do so, the database remains opened and you'll have to exit MACRO before CodeSafe can be used again. V.1.2. Increased security With each use of CodeSafe, the macro looks if CODESAFE.WRD exists and if so, offers to delete the file. V.1.3. Changed program order CodeSafe now opens with the start menu and then, dependent on the menu choice, asks for the master password. Smoothened program running, added some checks, and modified appearance somewhat. V.1.4. Improved safety Before addition of new encrypted codes to the database CodeSafe requests to confirm the first entry of the master pasword. This minimizes the input of unrecognizable codes using a misspelled password. Changed several menu structures. Repaired mistake in check for storing master password. V.1.5a. Change master password Added the possibility to change the master password. CodeSafe can now be started from non standard programs that do not support macro menuing (except Macro itself). Changed menu structures. V.1.5a is a bug fix (thanks Ed). If you like CodeSafe, please give me feedback. I am always interested in positive criticism, comments, and ideas. If you would like to encrypt pieces of information in your regular WORD, DATA, AGENDA or SHEET files, try my other encryption macro NDCode. Have you already tried my ExAb macro? It extends abbreviations from a database that you create automatically during use. Huub Linthorst linthors@chem.leidenuniv.nl