# Welcome to Xecrets Ez 2.3.1801

## Instructions for Linux

1. Double-click the .tar.gz archive to extract the files to a folder with the same name. If you are reading this, you
   should already have done that.
2. You can run the app directly from the extracted folder, but we suggest you move the folder to a more permanent
   location, we recommend your home folder. When you update the app, you can just overwrite the existing file.
3. Double-click the 'XecretsEz' executable file to start the program. If this does not work, you may have to
   right-click the file, select Properties, and check "Executable as a program". The exact wording depends on your Linux
   distribution and desktop environment.
4. Create your local profile and start using the app. The email used in the profile is only a name for reference, and is
   not used for any communication.
5. Optionally, associate `.axx` files with Xecrets Ez, so you can open them by double-clicking them in your desktop
   environment. Just follow the [instructions](https://www.axantum.com/help#association).
6. If you want to use a YubiKey you may need to do a little Linux-specific setup. See the [YubiKey
   instructions](https://www.axantum.com/help#yubikey) for details.

## Distribution support

We test our Linux app on Ubuntu LTS. It should work on most modern distributions, but we cannot
guarantee that it will work on all distributions.

## Activate Premium

To purchase a Premium subscription, visit the [pricing page](https://www.axantum.com/pricing) and follow the
instructions. There are also various shortcuts in the Help menu in the app.

Remember that Xecrets Ez does not ever contact the Internet, so you will have to manually copy the license key from your
browser and use it to activate Premium in the app.

The license key can be used on all your computers, regardless of platform, as long as it is one single person using it.

## Other features

In addition to password protection of files with strong encryption, there are many other features to explore.

* Encrypt and share plain text.
* Split any secret into parts with [Shamir's Secret Sharing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamir%27s_secret_sharing).
* Overwrite files to make recovery more difficult.
* Create multiple profiles, to support different passwords.
* Share encrypted files with others by sharing a common password.
* Generate strong passwords that are still possible to type and remember.
* ...and more.

## YubiKey support

Xecrets Ez supports using a YubiKey to store the password. This is optional, and you can always use a normal
password.

## USB Thumb Drive support

If you want to run Xecrets Ez from a USB thumb drive, you can do so by placing the app there. In this case, the
configuration and local profile is stored on the thumb drive. Nothing is stored on the host computer.

## Portable mode (advanced)

To keep Xecrets Ez data with a standalone application copy, rename it before first use:

* Windows: `XecretsEz.exe` to `XecretsEzPortable.exe`
* Linux: `XecretsEz` to `XecretsEzPortable`
* macOS: `Xecrets Ez.app` to `Xecrets Ez Portable.app`

Portable mode stores all Xecrets Ez data in `Axantum/XecretsEz` beside the portable application. Copy or move the
complete containing folder, including `Axantum`, to retain profiles and settings.

Portable mode requires write access to the application folder. Existing Xecrets Ez profiles are not copied
automatically; copy the existing `Axantum/XecretsEz` directory manually if required.

## Free vs Premium

Xecrets Ez is free to use for all encryption and decryption of files. With
a [Premium](https://www.axantum.com/ez-features) subscription you also enable some
advanced and convenient features such as one-click re-encryption after editing.

## Desktop Platforms

Xecrets Ez is available for Linux, macOS and Windows. We support both Intel/AMD x64 processors, and Apple
silicon/M-series/ARM64 processors.

## Help

Help is available in the app by clicking help buttons in the app, using the help menu or by going directly to
the [help web page](https://www.axantum.com/help).

## Support

Get support at our [help desk](https://www.axantum.com/support). We typically respond within 24 hours, week days
CET 9 AM - 5 PM.

## Review us

Please consider [reviewing](https://www.axantum.com/review-us) us!
