The new vCloak files allow you to create an encrypted account record that you can email or beam to another Palm handheld or store on your PC. This is an ability that has long been needed, especially by those of us who tend to beam around contact information that may have sensitive data associated with it.

Import
Cloak v2.0 can be used to import information from a .csv file into the Cloak Desktop. This feature is useful if you already have information in a spreadsheet or desktop database on your PC that you want to pull into Cloak. However, using this feature takes some work. I found it to be somewhat confusing, and I really needed to dig into the documentation to get a good understanding about setting up the Import template.

The import utility is only capable of handling a .csv file, and the record layout must follow strict guidelines to work properly. This function is for a more advanced user who feels comfortable manipulating file formats. If you decide to do this, I suggest you download the Cloak documentation in Adobe Acrobat format (.pdf file) from the Chapura Support site and carefully read the chapter on Cloak Import/Export.

Export
The Cloak export function has two options. One option allows you to export account information (defined as Export Categories in the pull down screen) from the Cloak Desktop to a .txt file or .csv file. The text file can be opened with a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad or Microsoft Word, and the Comma Separated Value file can be opened with a spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel.

Exporting is a convenient way to create a backup of your records. You have the option of selecting one or more records and selecting export from the pull down menu. Cloak automatically pops up a dialog box that requests a password and shows you the number of records selected.

The second option allows you to export a vCloak file. You can create a backup vCloak file and protect the file with a unique password. You don't have to use the same password you created to open Cloak. In fact it's suggested that you do not do so. The only way to import this file is to input the correct password when prompted by the import utility. Otherwise you receive an error.

Finally, you can beam a vCloak file between two devices. Once again you must have the correct password to complete the transaction.

Email vCloak files
Forwarding a vCloak file allows you to bundle a file as an attachment to an Outlook email message. The person receiving the attachment then opens the attachment, enters the correct password, and assigns a category. The import utility then places the new account in the account list on the desktop. The same rules apply for opening the file as before. If you're not using Outlook, then this feature is not available.

Print your accounts
The print utility not only prints the vCloak account files but also arranges them in alphabetical order. This can be a real helpful feature if you have a large group of accounts. It's also possible to print out accounts by category, which gives you another level of precision in cutting down on the amount of paper around your desk. This is a great feature, but I strongly suggest that you take great care in using it. It would be a real shame to take the time to encrypt your files only to have someone pull the information off a printout they found in your trash.