[OPLINTECH] TrueCrypt on Public Internet stations

Tue Aug 18 13:58:01 EDT 2009

Our tax volunteers are forced to use TrueCrypt by AARP and it’s driven them bonkers 2 years in a row.  I’ve seen them wrestle with some issues (version conflicts, multiple log ins, etc) and I’ve had to step in and offer support for them several times.

I personally couldn’t imagine training our librarians on its uses and ramifications, and I’m not comfortable putting software on computers that they Information Desk can’t support or adequately explain to patrons.  That’s just me.  However, I’m not saying it’s a bad idea at all.  You might consider explaining the concept, limitations, and operation of the software to your primary computer monitors and see how they respond.  I find them to be an invaluable resource for gauging public opinion on these sorts of things.

Travis McAfee

Systems Administrator

Way Public Library

101 E. Indiana Ave.

Perrysburg, OH  43551

Voice:  (419) 874-3135 x103

Fax:     (419) 874-6129

Email:    <mailto:mcafeetr at oplin.org> mcafeetr at oplin.org

Web:   <http://www.waylibrary.info/> http://www.waylibrary.info

From: oplintech-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-bounces at oplin.org] On Behalf Of Chad Neeper
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 1:13 PM
To: oplintech at oplin.org
Subject: Re: [OPLINTECH] TrueCrypt on Public Internet stations

I've installed it on (quasi-)public computers for the volunteer tax people (I forget the group's name at the moment) to use with their USB devices. I've not installed it for general patron use, although I don't see any problems at all with it being there. No technical problems, that is, even on a locked down desktop. HOWEVER...The patron using it need to be saavy enough to understand the ramifications of doing so. They need to know that if they use it at the library, they have to be able to use it every other place that they use their USB device too. You might also need to provide a way for the patron to copy the install software to an unencrypted portion of their USB device for later use. Beware suggesting that an un-saavy patron install and use it, though! It'll probably come back to bite you when they can't get to their data files somewhere else. LOL!

I guess I'm ultimately of the opinion that it's a good idea. Those patrons that know and understand it will use it. Those that don't, won't and with no harm done.

My 2 cents!

Chad

-----------------------
Chad Neeper
Senior Systems Engineer

Level 9 Networks
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

--   Full LAN/WAN consulting services   --
-- Specialized in libraries and schools --

Ed Liddle wrote: 

Is anyone using True Crypt on public computers ? 
If it were to be used, it would allow patrons to store their files
encrypted on their USB drives. This may give patrons piece of mind if
they lose their usb storage device or it gets stolen knowing that their
important data stored on it would be encrypted. It would also allow them
to access their encrypted files using library computers.

Currently we do not have any software on our public computers that
allows this functionality. 

What are your thoughts about this? 

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