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README.TXT: Evaluation Version
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MarshallSoft AES Library for Delphi (AES4D)
March 3, 2020.
Version 6.0

=== Software Evaluation ===

This software may be freely distributed provided that no files are modified. 
There are no functional limitations. AES4D may be purchased for $119 (USD) 
for electronic (email) delivery, or $199 (USD) with source code for the 
DLL. Registration includes one year of technical support and downloadable 
updates. The evaluation version can be used for 30 days.

See http://www.marshallsoft.com/order.htm to order.

=== Description ===

The MarshallSoft Advanced Encryption Standard Library for Delphi (AES4D) is a 
toolkit that allows software developers to easily implement strong encryption 
and decryption into a Windows Delphi program.

The MarshallSoft Advanced Encryption Standard Library is a component (DLL) 
library used to perform encryption and decryption using the 256-bit Rijndael AES 
(Advanced Encryption Standard) as specified by the U.S. National Institute of 
Standards and Technology (NIST).

AES is considered "strong encryption" and replaces the previous U.S. encryption
standard DES (Data Encryption Standard). AES is commonly used by many financial 
entities such as banks to protect their customer's sensitive information.

The MarshallSoft AES Library for Delphi component library supports and has been 
tested with all 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Delphi including: 

- Borland Delphi (2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0. 6.0 and 7.0) 
- Borland Delphi 8 for .NET 
- Borland Delphi 2005 & 2006 
- Borland Turbo Delphi 
- Codegear Delphi 2007 
- Embarcadero Delphi 2009 & 2010 
- Embarcadero Delphi XE through XE10

AES4D can be used in the development of Win32 and Win64 applications running 
under Windows XP through Windows 11. 

The library does not depend on support libraries and makes calls to Windows API 
functions only. Both aes32.dll & aes64.dll can be called from any supported 
language such as C/C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, .Net, PowerBASIC, Visual FoxPro, 
Visual dBase, Xbase++, and COBOL as well as any VBA language such as EXCEL and 
ACCESS.

AES4D is delivered with both a Win32 component (aes32.dll) and a Win64 component 
(aes64.dll).

Some of the features of AES4D are:

- Performs 256-bit AES encryption & decryption.
- Implements Diffie-Hellman key exchange.
- Includes cryptographically secure (pseudo) random number generator.
- Does key generation from password phrases.
- Encrypts & decrypt files, strings, and byte data.
- Supports PKCS7 padding.
- Supports initialization vectors.
- Supports CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) mode.
- Supports ECB (Electronic Cookbook) mode.
- Supports SHA-256 cryptographic hash algorithm.
- Does random byte data generation.
- Allows concurrent encryption/decryption threads.
- Validated using "known answer tests" published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
- Comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit DLLs.
- Can be used by C/C++/C#, Delphi, Visual Basic, Power BASIC, FoxPro, dBase, XBase, & COBOL.
- Makes calls to Windows API functions only. 
- Works on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows XP through Windows 10.
- Free technical support and updates for one year. 
- Royalty free distribution with your compiled application. 
- Purchase with or without C source code for the DLLs.

=== Installation ===

Run the installation program SETUP.EXE which will install all AES4D files, 
including aes32.dll and aes64.dll to your Windows directory, typically C:\WINDOWS. 
Note that no DLL registration is required. 

=== Documentation ===

Documentation will be found in the DOCS directory
after running the SETUP installation program.

For more information, refer to the following manuals:

(1) AES4D Programmer's Manual

  Covers Delphi language issues such as compilers,
  compiling, and examples.

  See AES_4D.PDF

(2) AES4D User's Manual

  Covers theory of operation, application notes,
  ordering, and licensing.

  See AES_USR.PDF

(3) AES4D Reference Manual

  Lists details for each function in the library.

  See AES_REF.PDF

Also refer to:

(1) EULA.TXT    : End User License Agreement.
(2) RELEASE.TXT : If upgrading from earlier version.
(3) INVOICE.TXT : Order form and invoice.

Online documentation and the latest version can be
found on the AES4D product page at

    http://www.marshallsoft.com/aes4d.htm
    
=== Example Programs ===

All example code is found in the APPS directory.

=== Quick Start ===

(1) Unzip AES4D60.ZIP into an empty directory.
(2) Run SETUP.
(3) Refer to the Programmer's Manual (AES_4D) for
    compiler information, then compile and run
    AESVER to test your installation.

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