app wanted to lock files on external hd so copy cant be done

[meulemaster]

hi all,

I am looking for an app that can password protect/lock the files on an external HD so they cannot be copied. I do need them to be able to be read/opened.

I want to give my bro his dvd collection on an external HD but I do not want him to distribute it so others can just copy the files from his hd to theirs. i do want him to be able to play the files

any advice?

 

[old-wiz]

In *nix/linux permissions rules, any file that can be read can be copied. The file systems have no way to tell if you are just reading it in DVD player or copying it.

 

[r.j.s]

What ^^^ said.

It isn't possible without implementing DRM on the files.

 

[meulemaster]

hmm ok

and how about the folders which contain the files? could those be locked? that way it will become a gruesome task to copy them....

any other suggestions?

ps thanks for the quick replies

 

[old-wiz]

If you want the files to be readable, then they are by definition copyable. If you try to "lock" the folders, then you won't be able to even find the files. You would need some kind of DRM wrapper around the files that would only allow playing the files.

 

[r.j.s]

If you can read the file, you can copy the file.

Adding a DRM scheme to the files is the only way.

 

[meulemaster]

Thanks for the replies...

appreciatte it very much!