Is AES 128-bit encryption any good?

[ItDoesntMatter]

Is AES 128-bit encryption any good?
Edit: and also what is the difference between these formats?: here are the options 1. read write disk image, 2. sparse disk image.

 

[GoCubsGo]

In what respects? It's fine for casual users but frankly many encryptions can be broken.

 

[Tumbleweed666]

Is AES 128-bit encryption any good?
Edit: and also what is the difference between these formats?: here are the options 1. read write disk image, 2. sparse disk image.

Any good for what? To stop the kids/wife/SO seeing your porn? Or to stop the CIA accessing it when you are busted?

 

[jdechko]

The design and strength of all key lengths of the AES algorithm (i.e., 128, 192 and 256) are sufficient to protect classified information up to the SECRET level. TOP SECRET information will require use of either the 192 or 256 key lengths. The implementation of AES in products intended to protect national security systems and/or information must be reviewed and certified by NSA prior to their acquisition and use."

128-bit AES is fine, but a weak password is a weak link in the encryption process. Make sure it's of sufficient length and complexity.

A sparse disk image will only take up the required disk space up to a maximum amount. So if you create a 1GB sparse disk image, but only put 100MB of files in it, the image will only take up 100MB on your hard drive. You could add files to the image up to the 1GB.

In that same scenario with an r/w disk image, your image would allocate all of the space when created. So 100MB of files in a 1GB disk image would take up 1GB of space on your hard drive.