Systems and methods for manipulating and managing computer archive files
A computer program for managing and manipulating archive zip files of a computer. The program includes a system and method for opening, creating, and modifying, and extracting zip archive files. The program is fully integrated into Microsoft Windows Explorer and is accessed via Explorer menus, toolbars, and/or drag and drop operations. An important feature of the program is the archive manager which may be used to open a zip file, create a new zip file, extract zip files, modify zip files, etc. The program is integrated into Microsoft Windows Explorer using the shell name space extension application program interface developed by Microsoft.
1. A method of encrypting a file on a computer, said method including:
receiving an electronic file at an application on a computer,
wherein said application provides a graphical user interface including an optionally user-selectable setting to enable encryption of electronic data,
wherein, when said user-selectable setting is actuated using said graphical user interface, said application performs the steps of:
generating symmetric key data using random data;
encrypting said electronic file to form a symmetric key data encrypted electronic file using said symmetric key data key;
placing said encrypted electronic file in an electronic container file; and
placing encryption information relating to said symmetric key data encrypted electronic file inside said electronic container file,
wherein said electronic container file has been enhanced to allow encryption information relating to said symmetric key data electronic file to be placed inside said electronic container file,
wherein said electronic container file is decryptable using said symmetric key data.
2. The method of claim 1 further including:
compressing said electronic file before encrypting said file.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said compressing employs a .zip-type compression algorithm.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein said compressing employs a Deflate-type compression algorithm.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein said electronic file is not compressed before encrypting.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said electronic file includes a file characteristic, said method further including:
encrypting said file characteristic to form an encrypted file characteristic; and
placing said encrypted file characteristic in said symmetric key data encrypted electronic file.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said file characteristic includes the name of said electronic file.
8. The method of claim 1 further including:
receiving a public key;
digitally signing said symmetric key data encrypted electronic file using a digital signature generated using said public key.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said digital signature is a PKI based digital signature.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein said digital signature uses an X.509 based certificate.