Encryption questions

[Dean_Reedy]

I would like to write an encryption program. I am planning on using Rijndael encryption algorithm using the 256 bit key.

Question the 256 bit key is that just 32 standard ASCII characters? 8 bits= 1 byte= 1character?

In dealing with the password, key is it better to maybe hash the Password before sending data and key to be encrypted.

I guess I am looking for ways to make the key/data even safer.

Any ideas on enhancements, i.e. hash key, …. would be great.

Thanks,

Dean