Software Overview

This page is a basic overview of the various software used to process born-digital collections. For more detailed instructions on each of these, refer to associated pages and how-tos. This page also contains information about software versions present in the Volz & Associates collection.

Volz & Associates, Inc. collection

Detected AutoCAD versions: 1995-2010; DWG R11/12 (1009) - DWG 2007 (1021)

Digital Processing Laptop (Alienware)

BitCurator:
When beginning, read the BitCurator Quickstart Guide and other tutorials under "Documentation and Help" on the desktop. For a detailed overview of all of BitCurator's functions, read the BitCurator Environment wiki.

BitCurator Disk Image Access, Mounter, and Reporting Tool - A trio of tools that allow you to work with media from imaging to processing. Not our primary method of processing. CCA Tools uses the Reporting Tool.

Bless Hex Editor - A hex editor. I typically use Super Hex Editor in Windows.

CCA Tools

• Disk Image Processor - Forensic analysis of disk images that uses BitCurator Reporting Tool, Brunnhilde, and bulk_extractor (each are available as individual GUIs as well). A one-stop shop for disk image analysis.
• Folder Processor - Similar to Disk Image Processor, but for folders and exported files.

Guymager - The default disk imager for optical disks. Produces .E01 disk images.

LibreOffice - An open-source software suite we primarily use to view .csv files.

Windows:

Autopsy - "A digital forensics platform and graphical interface of The Sleuth Kit and other digital forensics tools" (sleuthkit.org/autopsy). Use this to view files (it renders text and photographs) and analyze disks/disk images. It can also be used for forensic analysis with added plug-ins.

Bagger - This tool creates bags of AIPs to be sent to tape.

DWG TrueView - An open-source .dwg tool that allows you to render CAD files. I have been able to render all versions found in the collection (1009-1021).

FTK Imager - A disk imaging and analysis software. If Guymager does not create a working disk image, use FTK. Outputs .iso disk images. Useful for seeing the file structure of disks and exporting files.

Super Hex Editor - A hex editor that allows you to redact PII/other information from files.

Teracopy - A copying tool that allows for secure copying of files.

XnViewMP/XnConvert - A photo-viewing tool that allows you to view images and their metadata. XnConvert allows you to convert image files in order to condense/erase potenial PII.