CNET Editors' review
Advanced File Security Basic is an easy-to-use program that lets users encrypt files and folders using the Advanced Encryption Standard. It's not the most elegant thing we've ever seen, but it does make the encryption process simple enough for anyone to navigate.
The program's interface is a little strange, with buttons down the side representing its major functions and a menu bar across that duplicates much of the same stuff. The bulk of the interface is actually an ad for the Pro version of the software. It's not hard to figure out what to do--the buttons are fairly representative and have mouse-over tool tips--but a lot of space is wasted in the interface. The built-in Help file is adequate but a bit sparse. Actually using the program is quite simple: users select the file or files they want to encrypt, choose a password, and the program does the rest. Users can optionally e-mail the files after encryption, shut down the PC after encryption, or run the encryption as a background task. We liked that the program showed us the bits in the password key length, ensuring that we chose a password of an appropriate length. Once encrypted, files can easily be decrypted by opening them within the program and entering the password. Overall, we found the software very easy to use, and we think it's a good choice for users who need a basic encryption program.
Advanced File Security Basic is free. It installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend it to all users.
Publisher's Description
From Osborn Software:
The new AFS 4. Experience encryption to be easier than ever: Just 1-Click is necessary and all your files will get encrypted directly and safely and will be protected against any unauthorized access. Straightforward and fast. Are you fed up with always forgetting your 12-place password or to re-enter it always again? With USB-Key you can use your USB drive as a key to your password. No forgetting or mistyping anymore. Even the best encryption is useless if you do not delete your encrypted files securely. AFS takes care of all your sensitive data to make sure it won't be recoverable anymore. In addition you can remove all your traces in the internet safely or delete your recycle-bin, temp-folder or pagefile irrevocably with AFS Secure Delete. Therefore AFS is using the perfectly safe and proof delete algorithms like e.g: VSITR, US-DoD, Schneier and Gutmann.
What's new in this version: Version 4.0.3 may include unspecified updates, enhancements, or bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 15 votes
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Current version:
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"Great program"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.7
Pros
Simple to use, does a good job
I don't need a compicated program to hide my privete files.
This one does a great job.Cons
None that I am aware of
Summary
I recomend this program to anyone that wants to encript their files.
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"WARNING will encrypt but will not decryp"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.7
Pros
NONE CUSTOMER SUPPORT NON EXISTANT
Cons
The software encrypted and decrypted my files several time and then just QUIT decrypting them. I tried to contact support but THEY WILL NOT RESPOND..password confirmation area gets "Grayed out" and you can not enter the password
Summary
UNLESS you want your files to be un usable DO NOT TRY THIS SOFTWARE!!!!
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"Great Software!!"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.7
Pros
Does exactly what it is supposed to do, and it is very easy to use. It is as good as any program that you have to buy.
Cons
There is nothing negative about the program. It might not contain some of the "bells and whistles" of some other programs, but it works great!!
Summary
I would definitely recommend this program to anyone that simply wants an encryption program that works and is easy to use!
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"Excellent Program"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.7
Pros
Quick and easy to use.
Cons
No cons that I am aware of.
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"Easy to use"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.7
Pros
Does what it's supposed to.
Cons
None so far.
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"The best encryption software I've ever worked with."
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.5
Pros
It's very useful and quite easy to serve. As far as I'm concerned, this is definetely the best encryption software I have ever used. Yo should really try it, you'll gonna be pretty satisfied.
Cons
Perhaps, the design could be somehow more innovative, but naturally, that's just my personal impression and it doesn't really have negative influence on my positive attitude concerning this program.
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"its a nice one looks crapy but it does the job"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.4
Pros
safe good blah blah blah
Cons
u r ****** up if u forguet da password ******
Summary
i like this ****
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"Pretty Good"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.3
Pros
Really easy to use. Encrypts any type of files any size.
Cons
Can't encrypt the folder. every file in folder is individually encrypted
Summary
its a good program just wish it could encrypt the folder rather than each individual files. time consuming if you want to decrypt lots of files quickly
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"Fantastic and handy freeware"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.2
Pros
Lightweight.
Fast encryption.
No installation needed.Cons
Just available in german and english language.
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"Great, Easy-to-Use Encryption Software"
Version: Advanced File Security 3.1.2
Pros
Easy user interface and fast program,very useful for encrypting usb-sticks/removable drives
Cons
Not much actually, it would be great if it would run also on Linux hosted systems
Summary
I would say it's a small, pretty handy (full explorer context menu integration) and really great encryption tool, where are not much things more to wish for. It's perfect for encrypting files on my mobile usb drive securely or to send mail attachments where I can ensure that no unauthorized person can read it. For local encryption it's anyway essential, especially for Notebooks. Also it proved very stable and reliable in the past, which is probably the most important criterion for security related tools.
Wants-to-have/Wishes:
1. Linux compatibility, now it's only possible to decrypt there via windows emulation software (virtualization).
2. Maybe a more cool and modern design would be nice as well but it's not that important of course
And it's even free! Excellent work, keep it going on!
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