Improved security is increasingly playing an important part in computing these days, particularly with the growth of wide-area networking. These are a few of my favourite secure applications.

W9x / Me / NT / 2000 / XP — Vaporware

Developer's Site

While I like this software, I am not certain where to download it now.

Encryption Plus^® Folders Freeware is a powerful utility that protects the contents of a single folder on your computer. Encryption Plus^® Folders Freeware uses the well-known and documented Blowfish algorithm and a 64-bit encryption key.

Just enter a password and select a folder to apply secure file encryption to its contents. Each time Windows loads, Encryption Plus® Folders Freeware prompts you for its password. When the proper password is supplied, it takes up residence in your system tray and grants access to the contents of the folder.

If the program is shut down or the proper password isn't given, the contents of the folder remain encrypted. An added feature lets you easily lock and hide your desktop when you step away from your PC. Windows 95 / 98 / ME and Windows NT/2000 compatible.

Encryption Plus® Folders is no longer supported by PC Guardian. Full-featured (and frighteningly expensive) versions of Encryption Plus® are available for purchase on the PC Guardian website.

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W9x / Me / NT / 2000 / XP — FREE

Download | Developer's Site | My Public Key

PGP is primarily used for encoding e-mail messages, or other files, to ensure that only the intended reader views it.

All PGP encryption functions take place on your own computer, with your private key(s) residing only on your computer. To send an encrypted message to me download my public key and use it to encrypt your message — then only I can decode it using my private key; the public and private keys work together.

The right click menu makes it very easy to use on files in Windows Explorer.

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