Protecting Private Files & Really Deleting Files Permanently

luminated

I (like most folks) have private finance files on my Laptop and want to keep them away from prying eyes when I lend my Lappy to a friend or member of the family. Which I do ocassionally when they stay.

So two questions:-

What would be the easiest way to stop the files being seen without my usual cumbersome method which is to delete all files and then reinstall.

Then is there any sofware that really does permanently delete the files I choose.

Help would be good - thanks.

full-stop

Deleting files from your HD does not actually remove them. The o/s just marks the space as free that is all.

The files are still in the same place on the HD and are only deleted (so to speak) when those files are overwritten with new data.

So two questions:-

1. What would be the easiest way to stop the files being seen without my usual cumbersome method which is to delete all files and then reinstall.

2. Then is there any sofware that really does permanently delete the files I choose.

1. Encrypt then or perhaps change the file/folder attributes to hidden

2. Many to choose from which will securely erase files or folders eg File Shredder.

Good Luck

Ximian

Truecrypt http://www.truecrypt.org/ to encrypt the personal files on your laptop and then Eraser for file deletion: http://eraser.heidi.ie/ or Freeraser: http://www.freeraser.com/

There are other simpler methods without installing Truecrypt, for example using Winzip or Winrar and then saving the files as a zip or rar file with a password protecting the file with filenames encrypted as well, and saving the file with an obscure name. Since the data is on a laptop, I'd recommend Truecrypt.

googler

Buy a hard drive similar to the one currently in the laptop

Swap this one for the current one.

Install your current OS, and any program software you feel is appropriate.

When working on your finance files, insert the current HDD.

To lend the laptop to others, remove the current HDD and insert the new one (without any of your finance data)

Aldahbra

This is what the guest account is for. (Assuming you are using windows)

Setting up a guest account is simple just click on the start or windows button at the bottom left, click on the account icon top right then click on manage another account. Add a guest user or create them an account in their own name.

Ensure that your own account is password protected for the duration of the guests stay. Don't give your guest administrator privileges.

full-stop

Aldahbra wrote: »

This is what the guest account is for. (Assuming you are using windows)

Setting up a guest account is simple just click on the start or windows button at the bottom left, click on the account icon top right then click on manage another account. Add a guest user or create them an account in their own name.

Ensure that your own account is password protected for the duration of the guests stay. Don't give your guest administrator privileges.

The user's files can still be accessed on your HD if they are not encrypted and this very very easily by way of a Linux Live CD.

Good Luck

luminated

Thanks to each of you for taking the time to help me. I am most grateful.

Toxteth_OGrady

For individual sensitive files I use PortablePGP

Using it on a USB stick it has its own Java Runtime Environment and is truly portable for use with either Windows and Linux machines.