CNET Editors' review
Although this product password-protects executables, a demo limitation makes it useless without a difficult registration. Empathy's dialog-box-size interface uses a simple file browse selector and a couple of text entry boxes to run the app. The Help file explains usage simply and clearly, but most people will operate this app without needing any guidance.
Operating Empathy is simple and quick. You merely browse to an executable file, choose it, and enter a password twice to protect the file. This program alters the executable so that password protection follows the file no matter where it may be moved. There is an option to back up the original executable before creating the password-protected version. The demo's shortcoming is the single-character password limitation. That makes the password protection far too easy to overcome. To register the app requires users send a snail mail postcard to a Slovakia address.
This app is easy to use, and having the password protection follow the file is a plus. However, the single-character password is a deal breaker. This freeware is useless without registration, and most won't be willing to wait for the odd registration process to create more useful passwords.
Publisher's Description
From Michal Strehovsky:
Empathy is a special utility allowing you to password-protect any executable file. Empathy can modify an EXE file so that it will require a password to run. Only a person knowing the password will be allowed to run the protected program. Protected files stay protected if you copy them to another location or even to another computer, no matter which operating system do they use. Empathy allows you to protect potentially dangerous programs against running by an unauthorized person. You can use it to protect executable files in public places like schools, Internet cafes, or even homes. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
What's new in this version: This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
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All versions:
3.0 starsout of 2 votes
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Current version:
3.0 starsout of 2 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-2 of 2
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"Limitations do not make it worthless"
Version: Empathy 2.1
Pros
ridiculously simple to install and use
highly reliable
works with windows 7 64-bit
no install required
it just works
it is freeCons
have to send a postcard to slovakia to unlock longer (aka >1 char) passwords
no options for scheduling protectionSummary
The whole postcard thing is really not that bad. For the developer, it is an excellent way of verifying that you are a real person who really wants to use this program. For you, it takes about 60 seconds to create a free email account for this Slovak guy to send the unlock code to. After that, if he starts spamming porn to that address, who cares?
However, if you want a professional, paid version, I would recommend Password Door 9 by TopLang software. It provides scheduling, is not weird and cooky, and is very polished. -
"Limitations make it worthless"
Version: Empathy 2.1
Pros
The concept is a good one.
Cons
You have to send an actual postcard to the developer, who lives in Slovakia, if you want to be able to use more than one character as a password. I haven't done it, but it might be worth doing if you feel inclined.
