[tripletaker]

Is it worth it to have FileVault on?

After a long time using the computer and then restarting, it takes such a long time for File Vault to do it's thing (retrive extra space?).

Is it worth the bother? Today I had to wait 20 minutes for it to restart.

[Randman]

How much do you want to keep encrypted? Rather than FV, I just use Disk Utility to create an encrypted disk image, store the private matter (for me, it's financial stuff and billing stuff for freelance work rather than pr0n). Saves space and time while still using the heavy-duty encryption.

[SLam]

If you're using a Powerbook/iBook, It might be worth it to keep FileVault. You should move your Music, Movies, and Downloads out of your home folder and just create an alias to them.

[cpac]

that's one of the silliest questions ever.

Nobody can tell you if it's "worth it" except you.

Do you need to have all your data encrypted? If you do, then File Vault is "worth it." If you don't, then it isn't. Pretty simple...

[Randman]

It's not that silly. Perhaps, he was asking about alternatives to using FV.

[kman42]

I currently use my PB as my main computer and am interested in using FileVault, but I'm not sure if it is compatible with my back up scheme. Basically, I use target disk mode to weekly transfer my entire home folder from my PB to my desktop G5. I then use Backup to copy my entire home folder of my G5 to an external Firewire drive. This way I have a copy of everything important on my PB and my G5 and it is backed up to the external firewire drive. Will FV let let me copy my home folder to my G5 if the PB is in target disk mode in such a way that I could get access to it later if my PB flames out?

thanks,
kman

[TETENAL]

FileVault is basically an encrypted sparse disk image as your home folder. If you put your PowerBook in target disk mode there is the disk image (I think it's hidden though) and you can copy it as backup. You can also mount the disk image while in target disk mode or from the backup copy using the login password. It will then mount like a regular disk image and you can access the files in it.

[workerbee]

Originally Posted by Randman

Rather than FV, I just use Disk Utility to create an encrypted disk image (snip)

If this only worked with ~Library/Application Support/Macromedia/Common/2004/Sites/Site Prefs file!

[Randman]

Originally Posted by workerbee

If this only worked with ~Library/Application Support/Macromedia/Common/2004/Sites/Site Prefs file!

What's that? Why does it need encryption?

[workerbee]

Originally Posted by Randman

What's that? Why does it need encryption?

It doesn't need encryption... but I'd really like it to have encryption.
One of the main reasons I use FileVault is that I don't want anyone to be able to see/use all our clients' websites/server FTP access data in the event my PowerBook was stolen. Ergo: encrypt Dreamweaver's site prefs -- which does not work on an encrypted disk image AFAIK.

[Cadaver]

I use FileVault on my laptop. I have data on there that by law (HIPAA) must be encrypted and password protected. Should my laptop disappear, I know no one will be getting in to it any time soon.
I only have OS X do its FileVault housekeeping at logout/shutdown when I know I can leave my laptop for 15-20 minutes or so (like when its charging at home). Other times I just keep hitting "later."

[tripletaker]

I can't stand FileVault anymore... I deleted 30 gb of stuff that I didn't need on my new mac and it took over an hour when shutting down because File Vault did the extra space thing. Everytime I shut down I have to wait so long that it's not worth it...

If only it was faster... I just don't have the time...

[GORDYmac]

I think FileVault is great. The space recovery thing can be bothersome--especially if it's recovering 30GB of drive space, but I still prefer to use it. Also, every app doesn't play well with FileVault. EyeHome doesn't fully work on accounts with FileVault enabled.