SecretBook

21 Nov 2008 07:56:07

John Surtees

In the latest issue of MacWorld magazine, on the supplied DVD, there what appears to be a handy little program called SecretBook. It's a Personal Information Manager that uses the industry standard 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data.

It's free, but the problem is, as far as I can see, there is no documentation. I'd love to give it a try, but it seems people who are brilliant at writing programs, haven't the first idea of what it's like for us mere mortals, to understand how to use their creations. Or is it just me?

Version 3 is free if you access it through the Macworld DVD and works with Tiger. Version 4 ($25) works with Leopard and can Sync with the iPhone and Touch.

Has anybody else used this software, or have any views on it? It can be found at:

http://bookshelfapps.com/secretbook.ph

Re: SecretBook

21 Nov 2008 14:55:42

Mark Ford

Hi John,
There was/is a rtfd file that explained some things in the disc image on the Macworld disk. I have a copy which I can send you - pls contact me via the link on our website's About page.
For years I have used a basic & limited app called Pastor which is now choc-a-block with stuff - and there's the rub - I can't export it except in encrypted format so once one starts to use one app switching to another seems to be a real chore. Mark

Re: SecretBook

21 Nov 2008 17:32:55

Mark Ford

There are also help files available from the Menu Bar item Help - 'Learn how to use SecretBook' and 'Answers to common questions.'
I haven't tried them yet but at first glance they don't look promising. I would be interested in how you find them!

Re: SecretBook

23 Nov 2008 09:52:06

John Surtees

Thanks for the response Mark. I have looked at the rtfd file and the Help item 'Learn how to use SecretBook' and it all seems a little lacking in constructive information. However, when I find time, I will continue to try to find some info, as it looks like a really handy little program.

I feel, that in common with an awful lot of software, and hardware for that matter, there is a real need for good technical writers. It's seems pointless to create programs or gismos, if you are unable to make them easily useable by the intended user.