If you share a computer but do not want anyone deleting, viewing or changing your files you may want to hide them. There are a number of ways to protect your files, you need to find one that fits your needs.
Hidden Folder Options
With any version of windows there is the option to hide files and folder. This is not a very effective method of securing or hiding your files, but it needs to be mentioned.
To do this in windows, right click on a file or folder you want to hide. Select “Properties” from the menu. Check the box for “Hidden” then click the apply button.
This makes the selected file or folder hidden. The down side to this method is anyone wanting to see the hidden folder or files can just change the “Folder Options” settings to “Show hidden files and folders”. This might fool your 5 year old but most likely not anyone else that wants to find your hidden files.
A somewhat better option is a program that will hide files for you. These programs run in the background and are not noticed by the computer users unless they know the “hot key” you set to access the program. A “hot key” is any combination of key strokes set up to run a command for you. One example of this type of program would be Supreme Folder Hider .
This is a shareware program so while it is free to download you must pay for the full options. These type programs are better than nothing, but there are better options for keeping your files safe.
Encryption
Encryption does not technically hide your files. But it will make them so only the person with a password is able to view or change them.
To encrypt your files you will need encryption software. There are many types of encryption softwares, some are free some can be quite expensive. With most free versions your encryption options will probably be fine for keeping the kids out. If you prefer heavy duty protection with options that let you control multiple user access you will have to pay for a program. An example of a pay type encryption program would be WinMagic .
Folder Locks
If encryption is not for you then you might want to look at a “folder lock” type software. Folder locking software does basically what it says. You create a folder and apply the lock software to the folder.
From that point on it takes a password to access the folder or any files you store in that folder. A program like Folder Protect can easily hide all of your sensitive files and folders.
These are your most common options for protecting the data on your computer. It is up to you to make the decision. How much protection does your data deserve or need. Once you have made that decision you can use one of my links, or use your favourite search engine and get that important data protected.
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