encryption

Worth the time to spend learning operation

Though it suffers slightly from some odd operation steps, this program gives experienced users a powerful tool to restrict file and folder access. SecuInHand's tabbed interface logically separates functions and features, but the cramped window can't be resized.

Using a series of passwords and access controls, SecuInHand Professional helps users lock down their systems. Setting and updating all the major functions requires an odd set of clicks and passwords over the interface and the tray icon. Most users will need to follow the help manual closely at first, but the process can be memorized after a few tries.… Read more

No surprises here

This password display app is a little thin, and it's not entirely because of the partial transparency of the interface. Asterisks Password Viewer's simple dialog-sized interface is inexplicably semitransparent. There really isn't a need for the interface at all, but there is no reason to make it ghostly or to not let the user choose his or her preference.

In a common case of shareware name following function, Asterisks Password Viewer displays system passwords obscured by asterisks. Simply drag its magnifying glass icon over a protected password to reveal the true characters. Of course, the demo only … Read more

Spotty performance mars this security app

Though advertised as a virtual flash drive, this is another in a long line of encrypted hard-drive folder managers. Virtual Flash Drive's main interface is secondary to the application's drive creation window. That's where the action occurs.

Operating the app caused a bit of confusion for some testers. Some complained that after install, the app wouldn't load. Clicking the Start menu icon merely loaded a browser window. Others found that the app loaded correctly the first time, but crashed with an error on the second run. Most problems were solved by following the program's instructions … Read more

Run-of-the-mill security program

It's less an advanced security application than an odd grouping of tools: this utility suite simply bundles together a group of so-so functions. Advanced Security Tool's multitabbed check-box laden interface offers no Help manual or much in the way of onscreen instruction. Intermediate users will pick up the basic functions with a few minutes of click and watch. Advanced users have the option of a custom install, but then the program doesn't offer any customization. It doesn't get much better from there. The functions are not well-explained or very useful to experienced users.

The app places … Read more

Simple configuration for a robust security app

Short of an USB drive you keep on your person, a password-protected and encrypted folder is the easiest way to protect sensitive files. SafeHouse Professional Edition is easy to install and use, and quickly delivers a protected folder.

Installation is the most time-consuming aspect of this app, and it is a short process. Users merely answer a few questions with simple pull-downs and check boxes. You can create the safe folder in any size to fill the hard-drive free space. There are six folder encryption methods including the popular AES 128 and 256 bit, but the publisher recommends Twofish 256-bit. … Read more

Too limited to be useful

Designed to work in conjunction with the publisher's mobile phone data keeper, this desktop database creator offers little on its own. Mobile Secretary for Desktop's almost blank interface is designed to let the user handcraft all data fields and folders. Any user needing a Help manual will be sorely disappointed and quick to give up on this freeware app. Operation shouldn't vex experienced users, but they'll find the app too limiting compared with other common database programs.

Mobile Secretary for Desktop requires the Java Runtime Environment to operate, which means it doesn't actually install to … Read more

No encryption capabilities here

Oddly placed under the Encryption Software category, this app merely serves to restrict common resource settings. With an easily navigated file tree-style interface, Security Officer for Windows does make it easy to set the restrictions. The program's Help file may explain the program's functions to experienced users, but it does nothing to explain the consequences of the restrictions. This is use-at-your-own-risk software.

Each user set up on the system gets a tree of restriction categories, and you merely need to open the category to see a list of restriction check boxes. Users can scroll through shell restrictions, control … Read more

Files are protected, but it's missing some standard features

Despite a pretty interface, we weren't won over by this limited encryption tool. For some of our testers, KaKa File Encryption served up an error on first launch. The interface appeared after the message was cleared, but it wasn't a good first impression.

You don't need to install this executable; simply launch it when you want to use it. The interface is attractive and simple with a window for displaying selected files, a field to enter a password, and three command buttons: Add Files, Encrypt, and Close. The tiny Help file merely lists what the program offers, … Read more

A solid performer

With its tiny user interface, this powerful privacy program very quickly and securely shredded files and folders.

NShred opens with a very small (almost too small) user interface. It features minimal command buttons, which are all very straightforward. A Help menu is included, but most won't need it to get started; the process is as simple as clicking the Add Folder and File buttons. Using the Options button, we were able to choose from seven shred methods, including DoD and Gutmann. The program offers a brief explanation of each method, along with how many overwrite passes each performs. We … Read more

An exceptional tool for controlling your computer's accessibility

The options seem endless with this privacy tool, which lets users lock files, functions, and even Web access. Our only complaint is that its Internet options only work with Internet Explorer.

WinLock Professional's user interface is very easy to navigate. All of your protection options are listed under drop-down style command buttons. There are way too many options to list, but the program includes settings for hiding files and folders, and disabling system features such as Windows' Registry Editor and Task Manager. You can also manage your Start Menu display, block specific hot key combinations and even mouse functions. … Read more