                      +-+
                      |U|
                      |V|
               +-+  + |*|
     -------   |J|  |\|W|
    /ABcDEFG\  |K|  | |X|
   +HIJKLMNoP+ |l|  |  \|
   |QrS+-+TUV| |M|  |   \
   |WXY| |ZZY| |N|  |    \   /|
   |XWV+-+UTS| |O|  | +-+ \ /E|
   |RQPONMLKJ| |P|  | | | |/DF|
   |IHG+-+FED| +Q+  | +-+ /cGH|    _
   +cBa| |ABC+  \R+-| +__/B/|i|---+ +
    \DE| |FG/    \ST| ||YA/u|J|VWXYZ|
     \H| |I/      +-| ||Z|--|K|-----+
      \| |/         | |+_+  |L|
                    +-+     +-+


Q: What is alph?
A: alph - implements and analyzes historical and traditional ciphers and codes,
such as polyalphabetic, substitutional, and mixed employing
human-reconstructable algorithms. It provides a pipe filter interface in order
to encrypt and decrypt block text to acheive transparency. The program is meant
to be used in conjunction with external programs that transfer data, resulting
in transparent encryption and decryption of information. alph can thus be
used as a mid-ware program between communicating applications.

Q: What is it used for?
A: Using the definition above one can use alph for any type of program that
communicates with "something". Take for example IRC clients like epic... One
could pipe all the text you send to a channel or in a private discussion through
alph and it will come out encrypted without stressing you to process what you
want to say and then send manually (although that could also be done in case of
an emergency). IRC is a brilliant example yet, of course, with some 
imagination im sure you could find more...

Q: How do I use it?
A: Simple. Download. Compile. Install. Make a script or fiddle in your options
looking for pipe program (such options are allover... in pine for example one
frequently uses this option to sign or encrypt messages with pgp).

Q: My program doesn't support piping! What can I do?
A: Call your lawyer and sue them. :D No, really, if you can make a script, it
would be great and I will include it without hesitation in the package along
with your name and/or with your pet's name.

Q: Why would I use it?
A: It's your choice, really. There is no big deal about this program. It just
does its job and that's that. Impress your gf... What can I say...

Q: "Is it secret?! Is it safe?!"
A: No. No. Yes. Yes. Secrecy and safety are always relative to people that could
compromise them. These algorithms are old: cca 1400bc through 0 and not that
far into AD. All algorithms are known.


Q: Why not include "newer" algorithms then?
A: Even if I did, the result would most probably be the worst frontend to any
of these new c(ai)phers. I promise, I will but later on...

Q: Is there some way I can help?
A: Yes please, call your lawyer :P Yes, thanks, if you've ever heard about an
algorithm/a cypher or if you vaguely recall the name of it, please tell me... I
am collecting them. Preferably not a variant (CAESAR has endless: ROT-13 is
still a variant but will be included).

Q: Is there something else I should know?
A: Uhm... In case... uhm... You know... Don't call your lawyer please, pretty
please, with cherry on top? :D

