Frequently Asked Questions

Using Armour

When should I use Application Armour 2007?
Use Armour whenever you are working on the Internet or if you are working on sensitive documents, files, emails and so on.
Can I run a single application in more than one Armour mode at once?
Some applications can run in more than one Armour mode at the same time, e.g. Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer. Always ensure that the application displays the correct Armour shield when using multiple Armour modes. Some applications should never be run in more than one Armour mode, Microsoft Office Applications (including Outlook) and Windows Live Messenger are good examples. Generally, we recommend not running a single application in different modes at the same time.
Can I run a single application un-Armoured and Armoured at the same time?
See the above FAQ. Un-Armoured mode is just another mode.
Can I use different Armour modes at the same time?
Yes. For example, you can use Microsoft Word in Offline mode, Microsoft Outlook in Online mode and Internet Explorer in Throwaway mode at the same time.
Which Armour mode should I use?
If you are working on sensitive documents, use Offline mode. For email and downloading files from the Internet, use Online mode. For casual Internet browsing where you don’t need to keep anything, use Throwaway mode.
How do I start an Armoured Application?
Armoured Applications are started using the Console’s Launcher panel. Select the Armour mode you wish to run the program with, and double–click the program you wish to run Armoured e.g. select Online mode, and double–clicking on Internet Explorer. For more information refer to Application Armour 2007’s help file available when you download the software.
Can I use the Windows Start Menu to start Armoured programs?
No. To start an armoured application you must use the Console’s Launcher panel.
How do I know if an Application is Armoured?
Armoured programs have a shield at the top of the main window. A green shield shows that the Application is running in Offline mode, a red shield is Online mode and a yellow shield denotes Throwaway mode. Additionally, all Armoured Applications are shown in the Console’s Applications panel. For more information refer to Application Armour 2007’s help file available when you download the software.
What is locking and why do I need it?
Locking Application Armour 2007 allows you to quickly hide all of your Armoured applications and prevents another user from accessing your Armoured files without your password. Lock Armour if you leave your computer and no one will be able to see what you are working on, start Armoured applications or access your Armoured files.
How can I find out where my Secure Storage is located?
Application Armour 2007’s Armour Configuration section in the Console’s tools view shows where your Secure Storage file is located. For more information refer to Application Armour 2007’s help file available when you download the software.
Can I have more than one Secure Storage area?
No. The current version of Armour only allows one Secure Storage area per Windows user. The next major release of Armour will allow multiple Secure Storage areas.
How can I find out how much Secure Storage space I am using?
Application Armour 2007’s Armour Configuration section in the Console’s tools view shows how large your Secure Storage is and how much space you are using. For more information refer to Application Armour 2007’s help file available when you download the software.
My Secure Storage area is full. Can I make it bigger?
No. You must delete some Armoured files to free up safe. A forthcoming update to Armour will allow you to make your Secure Storage area larger and will allow you to clean up unnecessary files and settings in your Secure Storage area.
What happens if I forget my password?
We cannot reset your password for you. Keep it safe. A forthcoming update to Armour will allow you to backup your password so you can reset it yourself.
Can I run the same Application in different Armour modes at the same time?
Some applications like Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer can be run in different modes simultaneously. Some applications, like Microsoft Word cannot be run in different modes simultaneously. If an Application fails to start when run in any mode (Armoured or un–Armoured), try closing down all other open instances of the application and try again.

Armoured Files

How do I access my Armoured files?
Your Armoured files are stored in your Secure Storage. The only way to access them is through an Armoured Application. Either start an instance of the program with which you want to work with the file (Microsoft Word for example) or start an Armoured Windows Explorer to browse your hard disk and your Armoured files.
How do I know which files are Armoured?
Armoured files have a shield in the lower left corner of the file icon. A green shield indicates an Offline Armoured file, a red shield is an Online Armoured file and a yellow shield is a Throwaway file.
Where are my Armoured files stored?
Any files you create in Offline or Online mode are automatically stored in your Secure Storage. To access them you need to start an Armoured Application in the same Armour mode.
How do I back up my Armoured files?
There are two ways to back up your Armoured files. Copy your Secure Storage file and key file to a safe location or export your files to unsecured storage. For more information refer to Application Armour 2007’s help file available when you download the software.
Why can’t I see my Armoured files?
Your Armoured files are only visible when you run a program in an Armoured mode. When you run an application in Online mode, you will be able to view and modify your Online files. Similarly, an Offline application can only view and modify Offline Armoured files. You cannot view or modify your Armoured files with any un–Armoured program including un–Armoured Windows Explorer.
Can I keep documents or downloads in Throwaway mode?
No. Throwaway mode guarantees that all your files and settings are destroyed when you have finished using your Throwaway applications. You cannot keep anything you download, favourite links you have created or any files you have worked on.
Can I copy files between different modes?
Yes. For more information refer to Application Armour 2007’s help file available when you download the software.

Security

Is there a backdoor into Application Armour 2007?
No. There will never be a backdoor into Application Armour 2007.
Does Application Armour 2007 protect my PC against viruses and malicious software?
Yes. Application Armour securely isolates viruses and malicious software that attempt to infect your PC whilst using programs in an Armoured mode. Application Armour 2007 compliments your existing security software and for maximum protection you should continue to use your existing security software.
Can I Virus scan Armoured files?
Yes. On access virus scanners will continue to scan your Armoured files and will also scan Armoured files that are moved to unsecured storage.
I already have a disk/file encryption product. Do I still need Armour?
Yes. Traditional disk encryption products do not provide additional protection when you have logged in. Application Armour 2007 hides your Armoured files from un–Armoured applications so that they cannot be stolen or accessed by other programs and Trojans running on your PC.

General

Why can I not access online features of my programs when running in Offline mode?
Offline programs cannot access the Internet. This ensures that your Offline files cannot be stolen over the Internet or a network. This security feature means that you will not be able to use online resources whilst running an Application in Offline mode.
Can I use Application Armour 2007 with any application?
Virtually any application can be run in an Armoured mode although we can only guarantee fault free operation with the applications listed in our online Technical Information section.
Can I install programs into my Secure Storage?
No. This release of Application Armour 2007 does not support installing programs into your Secure Storage. This feature will be available in a later version. If you have downloaded a program you wish to install, export it to unsecured storage and install it normally after you have virus scanned it. We also recommend that you investigate the nature of the program on the Internet before you install. Application Armour 2007 ensures that a malicious download cannot damage your PC or data before you export and install it.
Do I have to update Application Armour 2007?
We are constantly working to ensure that Application Armour 2007 is as secure as possible. We will inform you by email when an update is available.
Will running Application Armour 2007 affect the speed of my PC?
Armoured applications will start slightly slower than normal and then run at full speed. We have tested Application Armour 2007 with some of the most demanding software available including PC games such as World Of Warcraft™ without any delay. Windows and un–Armoured applications will run at their normal speed.
Which versions of Windows is Application Armour 2007 designed for?
Application Armour 2007 is designed for Windows XP Service Pack 2. A forthcoming update of Application Armour 2007 will add support for 64 bit Windows XP and both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows Vista.
How do we know that Application Armour 2007 works?
The unique “always deny” architecture of Application Armour 2007 is the core of our security model. Armour has also benefited from 3rd party design and code reviews by leading security experts. We have performed extensive testing focussing on Armoured file access control, Armoured application data leakage, computer forensics and virus and Trojan containment. We have spent many man months visiting some of the most controversial and dangerous websites on the Internet to ensure Application Armour 2007 does exactly what it claims.
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