Folder encryption

Ok, I have become somewhat paranoid recently about personal information. I am in a dorm, and frequently let friends use my laptop to do email, instant messaging,etc. . Because of this, and the fact that I am not always sure if they are telling me the truth about not downloading items or snooping through my files, I was wondering if there is a good file/folder encryption software for windows. I already have an anti-virus package and software and hardware firewall, so all I really need is encryption currently.

thanks for your help

Which version of windows?

The first steps I would take: password protect your account, create another user for your friends (or just enable guest), change the settings of your folder to not allow anyone but you access.

Quote:

---

Which version of windows?

---

WinXp Prof.

Quote:

---

change the settings of your folder to not allow anyone but you access.

---

it would not be so bad, but even doing this people still manage to find a way around it(I swear, Windows's security must of been made by delinquents). It also doesn't help that most of my friends are EE or CS majors.

Nah delinquents would know how to protect their stuff better :p

I did a google for "folder encryption" and it came back with a bunch of programs. I haven't used any myself so I can't recommend one. Sorry

the sandisk cruzer memory sticks come with file/folder-enrcypting software... don't know how that will help you though...

there's also my freeware post in GD... I think I remember an encryption section... I'm pretty sure there was something on blowfish in there...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by major_small

the sandisk cruzer memory sticks come with file/folder-enrcypting software... don't know how that will help you though...

there's also my freeware post in GD... I think I remember an encryption section... I'm pretty sure there was something on blowfish in there...

---

It could help quite a bit now that you mention it. Just keep sensetive files on the memory stick and there you go.
My first thought though would be if you don't trust your "friends" don't let them borrow your laptop. Besides, how can you get by as a CS or EE major and not have your own computer?

couldnt you just get a keylogger and see what your "friends" are doing on your computer and if they really arent your friends then just kick them off?

How secure does it need to be? Are you using 2000 or XP?

I realize Windows EFS can be defeated so why not combine that with something like PGP .