TrueCrypt is a free open-source disk encryption software. It is able to create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk. The encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent. However, a major disadvantage of TrueCrypt and all other on-the-fly encryption software is the requirement of administrative privileges on the computers where they are used. Thus they will not be usable in places such as public libraries and internet cafes, where the computers are typically locked down and the users are given only limited privileges.

The purpose of this software is to overcome this limitation of TrueCrypt by providing an interface, similar to compression and decompression software, where directories and files can be imported and exported easily from TrueCrypt containers. There are some debates on the merits of such software. Those in favor argue that it will make TrueCrypt truly portable. Those against it argue that it is a security breach to extract files stored in TrueCrypt containers to computers where you do not have control. I do not wish to partake in such debates. This software arises because of my own needs. I wish to transport my documents (which are not very confidential) in my thumbdrive but I do not wish others to be able to look at my documents if I accidentally lose my thumbdrive. Thus I need to encrypt my files and a good candidate to encrypt them is TrueCrypt. However, as I may need to extract the files onto other computers (which most likely will not be logged in as administrator), I will need a software which allows me to extract TrueCrypt files without requiring administrative privileges. A search on the net shows that it is possible to create such software and a proof-of-concept commandline software, OTFExplorer has been created by Josh Harris. However, the author did not wish to continue the project to build a GUI interface. This software picks up where Josh Harris left off.