TrueCrypt 6.0 has been released.

This version introduces parallelized encryption and decryption on multi-core processors (or multi-processor systems). Increase in encryption/decryption speed is directly proportional to the number of cores and/or processors. For example, on a quad-core processor, encryption and decryption is four times faster than on a single-core processor with equivalent specifications.

This version also introduces the ability to create and run an encrypted hidden operating system whose existence is impossible to prove (provided that certain guidelines are followed), the ability to encrypt an entire system drive even if it contains extended partitions, a new volume format that increases reliability, performance and expandability, and more.

For a complete list of changes, see the version history.

View: TrueCrypt Version History
Download: TrueCrypt 6.0
News source: TrueCrypt

Wow, I just tried it and it is indeed faster! TrueCrypt is the best drive encryption software out there.

My only concern about this release is setup's default option of disabling the paging file. I realize the security risks of leaving the paging file active, but I still think that only the extremely paranoid should disable it. I have 8GB of memory, and even I am hesitant to disable the paging file...

May I just ask you, why are you hesitant to disabling it? (To further increase my knowledge, not to rant you.)

And too bad there aren't any software to encrypt alot of things... I don't like having seperate applications for Windows Live Messenger, Thunderbird, et cetera.
Interesting, though.

It's generally not a good idea to disable the page file Danthe because, put simply, Windows is designed to make use of it and have processes occassionally page out memory despite available RAM.

Also, thanks for the heads up on this new TrueCrypt release Chug!

Not sure what chugs reasoning is, But mine is that some applications will not run at all when it is disabled.

Well it's obvious. If you use up all your physical memory, then the virtual memory prevents your computer from grinding to a halt. Now with 8GB of memory, it shouldn't be too often that I use it all up. But if I have a few virtualized machines running, the memory can run down pretty fast.

I have never used up my 2GB of RAM on this machine, I think. That's why I asked.
Seeing as you do run VMs, that's another thing though.

Thanks for the explanations.

I've got 4GB and also run multiple (3 - 9) VMs. I run a pagefile just as a safety buffer when multi-tasking heavily.

Why not split the difference with TC6 and clear the pagefile during shutdown?


I've never really been a fan of encryption as it's serious overkill 99.999% of the time. Besides ultra-high encryption & a weak password mean you still have shit for security.

Downside to that is, takes AGES to shutdown.

Yes, because you would need to do a secure wipe that at least meets DoD 5220-22.M. I like to exceed that myself.

That depends entirely on the size of the pagefile...

They released 6.0a, with a few minor bug fixes:

http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/?s=version-history