Locking Disks

SoftLock can be used to place a software lock on any disk that is not already hardware
locked. Potential uses include -

                    • removable hard disk cartridges.
                    • public access floppy discs.
                    • protection from viruses.
                    • checking that large HyperCard stacks will work from a CD-ROM
                       by locking a hard disk.
                    • locking individual partitions.

To lock a disk, click and release in the Lock button. To unlock a disk, click and release
in the Unlock button.

A disk that is already hardware locked cannot be locked or unlocked by this utility.
This will be apparent, as both Lock and Unlock buttons will be disabled.

While the software lock is fully supported by the Macintosh operating system, some
applications, such as the Finder, do not always check for its presence. For this reason,
the small icon lock may not always appear in a Finder window until that window is
first closed and then re-opened.


                                            Installing Passwords

A password can be placed on a disk at the time the disk is locked. Choose the Set
Password… item from the Options menu to specify the password. The Set
Password item will become checked. If no password is specified the disk can be
locked and unlocked again without entering a password.

A disk that has a password installed can only be unlocked if the correct password is
supplied. If a password is forgotten, your only option is to choose the Erase Disk…
item from the Options menu. Choosing this option will unlock the disk and delete all
of its files.

A warning appears when locking a disk with a password. This warning can be
disabled by choosing the Disable Warnings item from the Options menu.


                                              Shareware Details

SoftLock is not free, it is shareware. If you wish to use it, you should send US$10
or equivalent to the author at the following address. By sending in the money you
will encourage further improvements to the program.

Please send your name, address and shareware fee to:

                                           David Davies-Payne
                                           12, Grosvenor Terrace,
                                           Wadestown,
                                           Wellington 1
                                           New Zealand.


                                                Version History

Version 1.4 added some System 7.0 features, such as help balloons. Help appears
under the Help menu under System 7.0. The password dialog now hides the entered
text using dashed lines. Windows now appear in the correct places with multiple
monitors. A warning now appears when locking with a password. This warning can
be disabled. The ability to unlock a disk without a password was added; this process
deletes all files on the disk.

Version 1.3 uses a new method for encrypting the password. While 1.3 can unlock
disks locked with earlier versions, the reverse is not true.

Version 1.2 added  a help window.

Version 1.1 sported a new interface that was MultiFinder friendly.

Version 1.0 was the first release version of SoftLock.


                                                     Warranty

The author makes no warranty 
as to the performance of SoftLock. The user accepts
the program as it stands. The author will make every effort to fix any bugs found in
the software but is not obligated to do so.

The user is reminded that once a disk is locked with a password, that volume
can only be unlocked by supplying the correct password.

The author is not liable for any loss of data or profits associated with the use of
SoftLock. In no event will the author be liable for more than the price paid for SoftLock.