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Cryptix

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Cryptix TM README

Introduction

This library contains a suite of cryptographic classes for Java. See the package documentation for information on the API, as well as the FAQ for frequently asked questions.

Cryptix implements the International Java Cryptographic Extension, a cleanroom version of the early-access release of JavaSoft's cryptographic environment. This allows cryptographic extensions -- providers -- to be plugged in by users.

Cryptix also includes its own provider, including many popular cryptographic algorithms.

Version 3.0.2 is an evaluation release, intended to gain feedback about the implementation of JCE, etc. The API for newly introduced features is not stable, and may change in later versions.

Benefits over previous releases of the Cryptix library

Extensive changes have been made to support JCE (the Java Cryptography Extension API). This is a clean-room implementation based only on the javadoc documentation for JavaSoft's version, so there should be no legal problems with using it freely.

Many new algorithms have been added (see the list below).

There are now 100% Java implementations of all algorithms, and native implementations for many.

Native Implementations

If a native library is available for a particular algorithm and platform (i.e. it is in the cryptix-lib/bin directory), it will be used automatically in order to improve performance. See the supported algorithms list for details of which algorithms have native support.

Distribution of native code and libraries is not done as yet.

Supported algorithms

In general, Cryptix supports many algorithms but see the source distribution or binary distribution for the specific inclusions or exclusions.

Bugs

Bugs are documented in the FAQ, in the release READMEs for Source Distribution and Binary Distribution, and on the cryptix-java group.

Please send bug reports to cryptix-java@systemics.com

Please include

and of course a description of the problem (including exceptions, output).

Note that if you are not subscribed, you should do so. The cryptix-java list is where you will see all announcements of new versions and bug fixes. It is also your channel to the development team.

Regardless, if you are not subscribed, send bug reports to bugs@systemics.com and it will be sent to an appropriate Cryptix Development Team member. However any reply will be sent to cryptix-java.

Bugs are the only thing that we especially look out for, other mail will probably be ignored, as the list manager has many other things to do than chase bounced posts and redirect mail.

Mailing list

A mailing list exists for the users of this library. This list is currently generating about one post per day. It can be joined by sending

subscribe cryptix-java
to majordomo@systemics.com. See the FAQ for more detailed instructions and some variations.

Installation

How to get Cryptix installed and tested.
  1. Download and unzip the archive(s) from the mirror site nearest to you (you have probably already done this).

  2. One time only, the Cryptix provider must be installed as a valid alternative to the SUN provider. This change should work for all future versions as well, and can be left in place, although it will be need to be done for every new release of the JDK (or other Java VM) that is installed on your machine.

    To install Cryptix as a provider, run this command:

     
          java cryptix.provider.Install
      
    which will add something like:
          # Added by Cryptix-Java installation program:
          security.provider.2=cryptix.provider.Cryptix
      

    at the end of the file lib/security/java.security in your JDK. If you don't do this, Java will not be able to find the additional provider, and will complain that algorithms are not available, for example:

          java.security.NoSuchProviderException: provider Cryptix is not available.
      

    The added line says that the 2nd priority provider will be based on the class mentioned. (The 1st priority one can be left as the Sun class). If you had already changed your java.security file, these priority numbers may be different.

    Note that on Unix systems, you may have to change the permissions of the java.security file so that it can be written to (this is only needed during installation). Consult the administrator of your JDK setup if necessary. Changing the file by hand will work just as well as running the Install program, if you prefer not to run Java as a privileged user.

  3. To compile and test for the Source distribution, see the instructions in the Compilation Guide and any special instructions for this release in the Source Release README.
  4. To test the binary distribution, see the instructions in the Testing Guide and any special instructions for this release in the Binary Release README

Copyright and License

All contents of this distribution are Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1997 Systemics Ltd on behalf of the Cryptix Development Team. All rights reserved.

This release of Cryptix is covered by the Cryptix General License.


Cryptix All contents of this distribution are
Copyright © 1995 - 1997 Systemics Ltd
on behalf of the Cryptix Development Team.
All rights reserved.
Cryptix is a trademark of Systemics Ltd.