It is not possible to open a TC container file by double-clicking, instead we must first launch the app and then select a container file from within the app itself - the app must then remain open the entire time that a volume is mounted. The entire experience is quite un-Mac-like. It is a shame that this is what Mac users are stuck with. not being able to back-door their way into your data, with Apple's 'help'), but for some this may provide added peace-of-mind. Again, most people are not likely to need this added level of security (i.e. As far as I know, Apple can not make the same claim for Filevault/Firevault2, because it uses proprietary code. This eliminates any chance of it having 'back-doors'. TrueCrypt is open source software, which means all the application code is publicly viewable. A wise move if you have ANY data on your stick or drive you'd rather no one but you could access. You can encrypt any volume, which includes external drives and USB sticks. It's unlikely most people need such plausible deniability, but for those who do TrueCrypt makes it easy. Simply put, a Govt agency or some other threaten foe will not be able to force (through law or malice) you to reveal the password to your encrypted data, because there will be no way to prove this encrypted data exists. You can create hidden volumes, which makes it possible to completely hide encrypted data. make it impossible for anyone to actually know there's encrypted data on your Mac) TrueCrypt is the way to go. For basic encryption of user data OR for the hiding and protection of data you not only want to encrypt but actually wish to hide completely (i.e.

Mac truecrypt alternative