═══ 1. Help for Help ═══ Shredder puts extensive help at your fingertips. To get help, do any of the following: o Press F1. If an entry field, radio button, check box, etc. is currently highlighted, you'll see contextual help for that item. If nothing is highlighted, you'll see general information about Shredder. o Press a Help button. You'll get an explanation of the current data entry field, radio button, push button or check box. o Double-click on highlighted words or phrases in help windows. Details about the topic will appear. ═══ 2. Keys ═══ Shredder uses no special keys, other than the standard ones associated with Presentation Manager programs. ═══ 3. Extended Help ═══ This program is the electronic equivalent of a paper shredder. It securely erases files so they can never be reconstructed. When you "delete" a file, the operating system simply erases the file's entry in the disk directory--it doesn't actually destroy the file's data. Thus, people with the right software can later recover the material you thought was gone forever. Shredder solves this problem by physically overwriting the data before deleting the file. Now you can rest assured your private data stays private. As an added bonus, you can customize Shredder to comply with your organization's security standards. For added security, Shredder automatically overwrites the unused space at the end of each shredded file's cluster, to get rid of any sensitive data that may be hiding there. Shredder can also shred the "erased space" on an entire disk. ═══ 4. Insufficient Memory ═══ How much memory Shredder needs depends on what options you use and how many files you want to shred. If you see a message saying here is insufficient memory, try closing down some other programs and retrying the operation. ═══ 5. Drives ═══ If you select one or more drives, Shredder erases files in all directories on each selected drive. If you don't select any drives, Shredder erases files only in the current directory on the default drive. To select or deselect a drive, click on the drive letter. You may select multiple drives simultaneously, if desired. If you select any drives, the current directory (displayed above the drives) disappears, indicating files will be erased over one or more entire drives. When no drives are selected, the current directory reappears, indicating files will be erased only in that directory. ═══ 6. Shredded File List ═══ The Shredded Files dialog box shows a list of files shredded during the current session. This is a temporary list, which disappears when you exit Shredder, or when you press the Clear button. ═══ 7. Threads ═══ Shredder is a "multithreaded" program. This capability, an advantage of OS/2 over DOS, means Shredder is designed to do more than thing at once. Specifically, while file shredding is in progress, you can move the active dialog box around, browse the help windows, or even run other programs. If you're shredding a large number of files (or the erased space on a large hard disk), it may take some time. While they're shredding, take the opportunity to look at the help windows. ═══ 8. Technical Support ═══ Registered users may write to the author for technical support. In addition, the author is sometimes available on Compuserveй (76430,1071). ═══ 9. View ═══ The "View" choice shows a list of the items shredded during this session with Shredder. This is a temporary list which is destroyed when you exit Shredder. In contrast, the disk log lasts until you delete the log file. The "View" choice is disabled if there's no list to view (either because you haven't shredded anything in the current session or because you erased the list with the Clear button.) ═══ 10. File Menu ═══ The File Menu provides a way to terminate Shredder. Choose the Exit option. ═══ 11. Hidden Files ═══ A "hidden" file does not appear in normal directory listings. If you choose "Hidden," Shredder includes hidden files in its erasure operations. Otherwise, it ignores these files. This option is available only if there's an entry in the Files to Shred field. CAUTION: Use this option with care. Hidden files usually need special protection. Inadvertently deleting critical files might damage your software or operating system. If in doubt, check the Pause box. ═══ 12. Read Only Files ═══ Normally, you can't change or delete "read only" files. However, if you choose "Read Only," Shredder includes read only files in its erasure operations. Otherwise, it ignores these files. This option is available only if there's an entry in the Files to Shred field. CAUTION: Use this option with care. Read only files usually need special protection. Inadvertently deleting critical files might damage your software or operating system. If in doubt, check the Pause box. ═══ 13. Pause for Special Files ═══ If you check "Pause," Shredder stops each time it finds a hidden or read only file and asks if you really want to shred it. This safety feature reduces the chance of accidentally deleting important system files. This option is available only if the Hidden or the Read Only box is checked. ═══ 14. Overwrite Codes ═══ The "Codes" field lists the ASCII codes of characters used to overwrite (thus destroying) the data in a file. Enter the codes (0-255), separated by spaces. Don't include any decimal points or signs (+ or -). Shredder overwrites the file with each character specified during each pass. Unless you a have a good reason not to, we recommend you accept the default codes. ═══ 15. Overwrite Passes ═══ The "Passes" field tells how many times Shredder overwrites files. Unless you a have a good reason not to, we recommend you accept the default number. ═══ 16. Copy Before ═══ You can make archival copies of files before shredding them, if you like. For example, you might want to back up your files onto a diskette before erasing them from a hard disk. If you check "Copy Before...", Shredder asks where to copy the files to before shredding them. The backup copy of the file remains intact; only the original copy is shredded. This option is available only if there's an entry in the Files to Shred field. ═══ 17. Log ═══ If you check "Disk Log," Shredder stores the names of the shredded files in a file called SHREDDED.TXT. This is a permanent list (as long as you don't delete or overwrite SHREDDED.TXT), unlike the list displayed with the View choice, which lasts only until you exit Shredder. When you start shredding, if the Disk Log box is checked and SHREDDED.TXT already exists, Shredder asks if you want to erase the previous contents before storing the new data. ═══ 18. Keep After ═══ If you check "Keep After," Shredder won't delete the file from the disk after overwriting it. This lets you examine the file to verify its contents have been destroyed. If you don't check "Keep After," the file is automatically deleted after being overwritten. If you tell Shredder to keep files, you may notice file sizes increase after the overwrite. This is because Shredder rounds up file sizes to an integral multiple of the cluster size. This option is available only if there's an entry in the Files to Shred field. ═══ 19. About ═══ The "About" option on the Help menu displays the program version, copyright, and author data. ═══ 20. Clear Button ═══ Pressing the "Clear" button in the Shredded Files dialog box erases the list of shredded files currently displayed, then closes the dialog box. Although the file list is erased, the disk log (if you're keeping one) is unaffected. Normally, you would only invoke this function if you reach the maximum file limit and want to shred more files. ═══ 21. Partial File List ═══ When you see a message saying Shredder can't show the entire list of shredded files, it's because the operating system has reported it can't accommodate the whole list. The most common cause of this problem is insufficient memory. If you're running other applications, you might close them down and try to view the file list again. ═══ 22. Directory ═══ A "directory" is a group of related files on a disk. (If you're unfamiliar with this term, please see your operating system user's manual.) Shredder has various options that affect which directories it works in. Individual items under this topic have further information. ═══ 23. AUTO ═══ If you start Shredder with the optional "AUTO" parameter, the program starts shredding files according to the current settings, and terminates automatically when finished. (The initial default settings shred all files in the current directory.) This eliminates the need for manual intervention (see below for exception), so you can run Shredder from batch files. However, we do not recommend using the "auto" parameter until you have a working familiarity with the program. To use this option, enter the following from the command line: SHREDDER AUTO Or, you can put AUTO in the Parameters field of the Properties dialog box when you put Shredder into a Program Manager window. Shredder uses the settings stored in the SHREDDER.INI file. If you'd like to use the AUTO parameter with different settings for different situations, simply start SHREDDER in different directories, each with its own SHREDDER.INI file. If SHREDDER.INI isn't in the current directory, Shredder will create it in the current directory. Although the AUTO parameter normally starts and terminates Shredder with no further action on your part, Shredder will pause if o It encounters errors. o A situation occurs where Shredder needs your input (e.g., it has to ask if you want to overwrite a previous log file). In other words, completely unattended operation is not always possible. Testing your batch file is the only way to know for sure. ═══ 24. Environment ═══ If you desire, Shredder will use the DPATH environment variable to find the help file (SHREDDER.HLP) . The help file must be in either the current directory, or in a directory shown in the DPATH list. If you're using multiple SHREDDER.INI files (in conjunction with batch files), it would be advantageous to keep a single SHREDDER.HLP file in a directory specified by DPATH. ═══ 25. Roundup ═══ When overwriting a file, Shredder first increases its size to an integral multiple of the cluster size. If you don't know what a cluster is, don't worry. For the technically inclined, this procedure ensures Shredder overwrites any sensitive data that might be hidden at the end of the cluster, beyond the physical end of the file. This data is not part of the file itself, but can come from various sources, such as previously erased files. If you see a message saying Shredder couldn't shred to the end of the cluster, OS/2 refused to let Shredder change the file's size, for unknown reasons. ═══ 26. Exiting ═══ You exit Shredder by choosing "Close" on the system menu, choosing "Exit" on the File Menu, pressing the Cancel button, or pressing Escape. ═══ 27. Save ═══ Choosing "Save" on the Options Menu stores the current settings for reuse later. The next time you run Shredder, the same settings are displayed. ═══ 28. Registration ═══ If you use Shredder for more than 30 days, you must register your copy. Not only is registration a legal requirement, but registration fees give shareware authors the incentive to develop new software and improve old ones. To register, send U.S. $20.00 to the author (double-click on "author" for address). If you wish to receive a disk with the latest copy of Shredder, include an additional U.S. $5.00 (total of U.S. $25.00) with your registration, to cover shipping and handling costs, and specify disk type. Prices are subject to change without notice. ═══ 29. Files to Shred ═══ In the "Files to Shred" field, enter the specification of the files you want shredded. You can enter more than one file specification, separated by spaces. If desired, you may include drive, directory, and wild card characters (* and ?). Entering "*.*" indicates you want all files shredded. Shredder will erase files meeting your specifications in either the current directory, or across one or more entire drives. The current field labels in the dialog box show which will occur. ═══ 30. Cancel Button ═══ Pressing the "Cancel" button in a dialog box closes the box without saving any changes you may have made in the box. ═══ 31. Help Button ═══ Pressing the "Help" button in a dialog box shows information about the currently selected entry field, radio button, push button, or check box. ═══ 32. Files ═══ A "file" is a collection of data on a disk. (If you're unfamiliar with this term, please see your operating system user's manual.) Shredder has various options that affect which files it works on. Individual items under this topic have further information. ═══ 33. Overwriting ═══ "Overwriting" is the process of replacing the current contents of a file with new contents (erasing the old contents). This how Shredder achieves its security. Shredder has a number of options that affect how it performs overwriting. Individual items under this topic have further information. ═══ 34. Shareware ═══ The "shareware" concept is "try before you buy." The author provides a copy of the software for your use on a trial basis. If you decide it doesn't meet your needs, throw it away and never pay a dime. On the other hand, if you want to keep using the software, you officially register your copy and pay for it. The shareware concept greatly reduces advertising and distribution costs, letting us offer you quality software at rock bottom prices. Since you try before you buy, you're guaranteed to get exactly what you need. If you ask, "Why should I bother to register?", read on. First, registration gives you the most current version of Shredder. Second, you become eligible for technical support. Third, there is both a moral and legal obligation to do so. Fourth, registration fees encourage software authors to improve old programs and develop new ones. And finally, registered users are eligible for free copies of future versions of Shredder if they submit suggestions which are adopted. ═══ 35. Author ═══ Shredder was written by Richard W. Adams. You can reach the author at the following address: 104 Willow Oaks Boulevard Hampton, VA 23669-1528 In addition, the author is sometimes available on Compuserveй (76430,1071). ═══ 36. Church Use ═══ Tax exempt Christian religious organizations (e.g., churches) are eligible for free use of Shredder for official business. Send a written request to the author, and you'll receive registration forms. The registration takes effect when you complete and return the forms. This is a charitable donation. ═══ 37. License Agreement ═══ When you register your copy of Shredder, you receive the perpetual right to use your copy of the program. However, The author retains ownership of the software, which is protected by United States copyright laws and international treaties. You may copy and distribute this software freely if you: o Include all constituent files (double-click on "File List" for list) o Don't change the software or documentation in any way o Charge no fee other than a nominal one to cover distribution costs o Don't distribute the software for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. o Don't rent or lease a copy of the software This software is provided "as is." There is no warranty, implicit or otherwise. You assume the entire risk as to the results and performance of the software. The author does not guarantee compatibility with your system and is not responsible for any damages incurred by use of this software. The author disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to the software and written materials. In no event shall the author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including without limitation damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, and the like) arising out of the use of or inability to use this product, even if the author has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Because some states don't allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitation may not apply to you. Use of this software constitutes agreement to these terms. ═══ 38. File List ═══ Shredder comes with the following files: File Contents SHREDDER.EXE Main program SHREDDER.HLP On line help (must be in current directory or locatable via DPATH) README Introduction REGISTER.DOC Software registration form CATALOG.DOC Other OS/2 and DOS software by the same author Shredder creates the following files: File Contents SHREDDER.INI Program defaults SHREDDED.TXT List of shredded files (if Log option chosen) ═══ 39. Free Copies ═══ If you're the first registered user to make a particular suggestion for improving Shredder (or to report a specific bug), and your suggestion is incorporated (or the bug is fixed) in a future version of Shredder, you're eligible for a free copy of that future version. Please send any suggestions or bug reports to the author. Comments are welcome at any time. Your input makes good programs even better. ═══ 40. Reset ═══ Choosing "Reset" on the Options Menu sets all entry fields, radio buttons and check boxes to the values last saved (or the defaults, if you've never saved new values). Note the difference between this and "Default." ═══ 41. Erased Space ═══ If you check "Erased Space," Shredder overwrites the space on the selected disks which contains previously erased files. This eliminates any sensitive data which may be hiding there. Shredder uses the same overwrite codes and number of passes as for shredded files. Shredder can shred the erased space on disks up to 4GB in size. On a large hard disk, this can take some time. The process does not overwrite bad or hidden sectors. Any data in these sectors remains unchanged. Normally, though, OS/2 flags these type sectors when it first formats the disk, so no data is ever written to them. In other words, you usually don't have to worry about sensitive data lurking there. This option is available only if you select specific drives. ═══ 42. Default ═══ Choosing "Default" on the Options Menu sets all entry fields, radio buttons and check boxes to their standard values. Note the difference between this and "Reset." ═══ 43. Cancel Button ═══ Pressing the "Cancel" in the Shredding dialog box stops the shredding process. Any files already shredded are unrecoverable. ═══ 44. Begin button ═══ Pressing the "Begin" button begins shredding the specified files. To have the program automatically begin shredding without manual intervention, see the help window on the Auto option. ═══ 45. Default Overwrite Codes ═══ The default overwrite codes are designed to toggle each binary bit in the shredded file at least three times. The final overwrite code is a solid block character, to help visual verification of data destruction. ═══ 46. Defaults ═══ See individual topics under this heading. ═══ 47. Programming Tools ═══ Shredder was written in the C programming language, using PC-Write, version 3.02. It was compiled with the Microsoftй C Optimizing Compiler, version 5.1. ═══ 48. Copyright ═══ Shredder is copyright ╕ 1991 by Richard W. Adams. Portions of the library code are copyright ╕ Microsoftй Corporation, 1984-1988. All rights reserved. This is a shareware program, and copying is permitted (and even encouraged) in certain circumstances. See the help window for terms of the software license. ═══ 49. Verify Filespec ═══ If you enter a global file specification (*.*) and select one or more drives, Shredder asks you to verify that this is what you intend. CAUTION: Answer this question with care. If you say yes, Shredder erases all files on the specified drives. ═══ 50. Profile File ═══ When you exit Shredder, the program saves the settings you used in the various dialog boxes in a "Profile File" (SHREDDER.INI). The next time you use Shredder, it reads those settings, giving you a consistent environment each time you run the program. ═══ 51. Erase Failure ═══ There are several reasons why Shredder may be unable to erase a file. The most common are sharing violations (another program using the file, or the share buffer overflowing) or a drive being locked. A hidden or read only attribute doesn't cause erasure to fail. Press "Abort" to stop shredding altogether, "Retry" to attempt the erasure again, or "Ignore" to skip this file. ═══ 52. Copy Destination ═══ In the Copy Destination dialog box, enter the name of the drive, directory, file, or device you want files copied to before shredding. You may use any valid OS/2 device name, such as COM1 (communications port) or PRN (printer). Don't use wild card characters (* and ?). If the destination is a file, Shredder adds each shredded file in sequence to the end of the file, giving one combined file. (If the file already exists, Shredder first asks if you want to overwrite the current contents.) If the destination is a drive or directory, Shredder puts a separate copy of each shredded file there, keeping the original file names. Note: If you have a parallel printer, using the device name "PRN" gives you a hard copy printout of the shredded files. If you have a serial printer, use "COM1" (or "COM2," or whatever), instead. ═══ 53. Shredding ═══ While shredding is in progress, a dialog box shows the item currently being processed, and a colored bar showing the fraction shredded so far. When the bar turns completely green, shredding is done. While you're shredding the erased space on a disk, no other program will be able to write additional data to the disk (though they can read or update existing data). You may press Cancel to stop shredding at any time. ═══ 54. OK Button ═══ Pressing the "OK" button in a dialog box accepts the current entries and closes the box. ═══ 55. Existing File ═══ You named an existing file as the copy destination. If you want to overwrite its contents (destroying them), push the "Yes" button. If you press "No", Shredder adds the copied files to the end of the destination file, preserving its current contents. To re-enter the file name, press "Cancel." ═══ 56. Copy Failure ═══ There are several possible reasons Shredder may be unable to copy a file before shredding it. The most common cause is insufficient disk space. Other possible errors (usually caused by actions of other programs) include sharing violations and locked drives. Press "Abort" to stop shredding files, "Retry" to attempt the copy again, or "Ignore" to shred the file without copying it first. ═══ 57. Maximum Files ═══ The amount of free memory determines the maximum number of files Shredder can handle at once. When you reach that number, the program shows a message and stops. This does not mean you can't shred any more files, just that Shredder can't show a larger list. To shred more files, press the Clear button, in the Shredded Files dialog box. ═══ 58. Failure to Open Log ═══ If Shredder can't open the disk log file for any reason, it displays an error message. Possible causes for this situation are the file being marked as read only, or its being used by another process. ═══ 59. Previous Log ═══ If you want to keep a disk log and a previous log (a file named SHREDDED.TXT) exists, Shredder asks if you want to overwrite it. If you answer Yes, the previous contents of the log file are destroyed. If you answer No, the new data is appended to the end of the log file. If you choose Cancel, shredding is aborted. ═══ 60. What to Shred ═══ When specifying what item(s) are to be shredded, you must either enter a file specification in the "Files to Shred" field, or you must check the "Erased Space" box, or you can do both. ═══ 61. Shredding Entire Disks ═══ To shred everything on a disk, do the following: o Enter "*.*" in the "Files to Shred" field o Select the drive(s) you want to shred o Check "Erased Space" o Check "Hidden" and "Read Only" files o Push the "Begin" button. Note: Due to the design of OS/2, Shredder can't erase operating system files on the boot drive (usually drive C:). Normally, you wouldn't want to shred system files, since they contain only software. However, if you do want to shred these files, you'll need to boot your machine from a different drive (e.g., from diskette). In addition, Shredder doesn't overwrite any bad or hidden sectors on a disk. ═══ 62. Drive Problems ═══ Common causes of drive problems include open door, no disk in drive, disk in backward, unformatted disk, etc. Correct the problem and press "Retry". Or, you may press "Ignore" to bypass the drive, or "Abort" to stop shredding altogether.