Windows Tips- Hiding Your Files: Low Security

Everyone's got some files they don't want other people to see. Whether it's your "happy folder," your financial files, or your personal computerized diary, there's always going to be something to hide.

Please be aware that these tips here are for those who live with people not very computer-savvy. These tips are really easy to undo. I'm saving the more complicated bits for a later post, because they are, well, kind of complicated and will take a lot more time to explain than I have at the moment.

First off, the easiest thing to do is make a folder for your files somewhere that's not obvious. When looking for personal files, most people look directly in My Documents, since that's where most files go. DO NOT DO THIS. This is like putting a big sign on your file that says, "HEY! LOOK AT ME! I'M A FUN FILE!" Put it somewhere random, where they'd never think to look. For example, when it's the holidays and I don't want my coworkers/relatives/friends to find out what I'm getting them for Christmas/Eid/Hanukkah/Solstice/New Year, I put the files in a folder, and then send that folder to the recycle bin. Only problem with this is that you need to make sure you don't accidentally empty the recycle bin... so if you think that you might do this, hide it in Program Files. No one goes there except us tech support workers, because usually it's nothing but system files. And those aren't fun.

OK, so now you've put your folder somewhere in the deep, dark, murky recesses of your system. Now it's time to hide them. Right-click on the folder, and from the menu, select "Properties." Right there on the first tab is a checkbox that says "Hidden." Click it.

There. Now you have a rudimentary hidden file.

Now, if you want to unhide the file, you go to Windows Explorer, "Organize", "Folder and search options", "Show Hidden folders." And now your file is back to being visible.

Please be aware that this will only stop people who are not very adept with the computer. But in a lot of cases, it's enough.

Avast! Antivirus

If you're looking for virus protection, I strongly recommend against getting one of the expensive, paid antivirus programs like Norton and McAfee. They are not cheap, and really can cause a bit of a problem with slowing down your machine. I prefer to use Avast, a free program that gives your computer realtime virus protection. If you got an infected website, it will set off an alarm warning you that a virus has been detected. It will give you the option to continue (unless you really like viruses, I do not suggest this), or abort the connection. This will stop the virus from getting in to your system.

The Good Stuff: It's FREE! And it's especially easy to use- just install it and it does most of the work. There's also an Avast! Screensaver that comes with it, so when you're away from the computer the screensaver can run and scan your computer for viruses. And running a virus scan without the screensaver is really easy as well- just click the "scan" button, and you're ready to go!

The Downside: It updates itself and will announce in a very loud voice- "VIRUS DATABASE HAS BEEN UPDATED." If you're going to nap while leaving the computer on, I recommend disabling that feature. Seriously, there's nothing scarier than waking up to an evil computer that's updating the virus database. And when you want to run a scan, the memory test at startup takes forever. You can decide to skip it, but again, I don't recommend it.

Total Rating: 8.5/10

Final Word: Avast! is definitely one of the best antivirus programs I have ever used. Despite the few minor drawbacks, it is still one of the best programs out there on the market. And best of all, it doesn't cost you anything!