Abstract: Disclosed are processes and apparatus that, when practiced according to the principles of the present invention, ensure that a digital storage device will only be able to download or play files that were obtained from sources deemed, either by the manufacturer of the device or by an overseeing organization, to be acceptable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for insuring that a digital storage device will only be able to download or play files that were obtained from sources deemed by the manufacturer of the device or by an overseeing organization to be acceptable. The files are downloaded in an unencrypted from and then encrypted prior to storage in a memory. The stored encrypted files are unencrypted prior to being transferred from the memory to the digital storage device.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for ensuring that encrypted files accessed either in a personal computer or in the peripheral environment of a personal computer, are kept secure. Encrypted files are accessed by the user of a personal computer through the use of either a separate peripheral or an interface card, collectively referred to as a decryption device, that decodes the contents of the files on the basis of decoding information. Each file is always maintained in an encrypted format while stored in the personal computer, thereby making it difficult for anyone to be able to illegally copy and distribute those files in an unencrypted format.