Pros and Cons of FileVault in Tiger?

Question

Pros and Cons of FileVault in Tiger?

Last week my PowerBook was stolen from my apartment. I am considering getting a new one, but have some questions regarding FileVault (which, of course, I didn't have switch on previously).

Searching through the Tiger discussions there seem to be issues with free space needed to switch FileVault on and off, and also with corruption of the Master Password. Are these problems common? Are many Tiger users using FileVault without problem?

I would like to use FileVault for personal files, but I would also like some protection for my photos. Does it make sense to use FileVault or can I use an encrypted disk image here?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Posted on Jul 28, 2005 2:21 AM

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Answer 1

Jean Hins

Level 2

196 points

Jul 28, 2005 2:40 AM in response to the family cat

For me, definitively con! Unless you have really unseable pictures what's the problem if somebody see you at the see or at a party? On the other side in case of password corruption, bye bye to your nice memories!

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Answer 2

DPSG-Scout

Level 4

1,138 points

Jul 28, 2005 3:52 AM in response to Jean Hins

Search the Panther boards and you'll find LOTS of discussions.
Don't think it has changed that much.

To summarize a bit:

If you don't care about others reading your files, don't enable filevault. If you only have a bunch of files you want to secure, use an encrypted disk image. Actually, all Filevault does is turn your home folder into a big encrypted disk image.

If, however, you decide to go with filevault, keep in mind that any data corruption or loosing your password can cause a lot of trouble. Always keep unencrypted backups, i.e. external HD and a DVD from time to time.

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Answer 3

Aug 5, 2005 8:09 AM in response to the family cat

Thanks both for your comments. Looks like it's best to avoid FileVault then.

Cheers!

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Answer 4

DPSG-Scout

Level 4

1,138 points

Aug 5, 2005 1:01 PM in response to the family cat

"avoid file vault"

Just whatever you need. I'm for instance planning to use it on my machine.

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Answer 5

Aug 6, 2005 10:33 AM in response to the family cat

So enabling FileVault is still a risky idea even in 10.4.2? Bummer.

I back up daily my Documents Folder to two different firewire externals with the application FoldersSynchronizer. If I do enable file vault is it possible to backup my Documents Folder non encrypted once I input my password to open FileVault? Or once FileVault is enabled, my backups will also be a FileVault encrypted?

If I do try FileVault, is it possible to turn it off and go back? Or once FileVault is enabled, that's it there is no going back without wiping my drive and re-installing everything?

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Answer 6

DPSG-Scout

Level 4

1,138 points

Sep 19, 2005 7:15 AM in response to musicmaker

1. Once you're logged in, you can backup any folder you want. The backup will be unencrypted. Basically, filevault turns your home folder into a growing (sparse) disk image. You can either backup the entire (encrypted) disk image or -when logged in- a single (unencrypted) folder i.e. documents.

2. Yes, you can turn it off again via system preferences.

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Answer 7

Sep 19, 2005 7:46 AM in response to DPSG-Scout

A little bit off the topic but how do you create an encripted disk image? Through file vault?

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Answer 8

Sep 20, 2005 11:06 AM in response to DPSG-Scout

Thanks DPSG-Scout

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Answer 9

Sep 20, 2005 11:40 AM in response to Peter Breen

Hello Peter.

Check Mac OS X: About Encrypted Disk Images and Mac OS X: How to create a password-protected (encrypted) disk image.

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Answer 10

DPSG-Scout

Level 4

1,138 points

Oct 14, 2005 3:48 PM in response to musicmaker

You might also consider placing your Music and Pictures folders outside your home directory... Might speed things up a bit while creating and later mounting your filevault user disk image.

iTunes: Go to preferences, advanced, set location to wherever you've moved your iTunes music folder.

Read Jack Conner, "Solution for "error when subscribing to podcast"" #1, 12:25am Oct 14, 2005 CDT

iPhoto: After moving your photos, it should ask you which library to open. If it doesn't, hold down "option key" while launching iPhoto.

As always I'd recommend making a (bootable if possible) backup before doing anything major like enabling FileVault.

Enjoy!

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