Computers have provided modern society with many different luxuries that were never available before. Users are able to download new files in a matter of minutes, access the Internet, and store many different files on their computers. With this ability to store information, however, comes the responsibility of guarding it. As computers are widely accessible to anyone who sits down in front of one, the primary user of that computer may need to protect certain information that he/she does not want others to see. This article will list a number of programs that allow users to place a password on a specific folder so that no one else is able to access the files within that folder.

Folder Lock
Folder Lock is a powerful software that is able to encrypt and password-protect files and folders. Folder Lock can be used to protect confidential or other private information by encrypting the information within files or folders and only allowing access to that information when a correct password is provided. Folder Lock uses plug-and-play technology so no installation is required and there are over twenty different privacy features that users can use to protect their information. The software can log hack attempts, shred documents, clear the user's browsing history, and can run in stealth mode so that no one but the user even knows that Folder Lock is running.

Lock Folder XP
Lock Folder XP is a software provided by EverStrike that is able to protect the user's personal and private information by placing a password on a file, folder, or hard drive. By protecting the user's information with a password, files are also protected from viruses, trojans, and other malicious software. Lock Folder XP also makes password-protected files invisible from the rest of the computer so that any user who does not know where to look will never be able to delete, move, or manipulate the file in any way. Lock Folder XP is available for a free trial download and can be purchased for $24.95.Folder Locker

My LockBox
My LockBox allows users to create a password-protected folder on their computer in order to hide personal files or confidential information. The software doesn't stop there, though, as users are also able to use the My LockBox interface to browse for other folders on the computer and lock them as well. My LockBox comes in both a Free Edition as well as a Pro Edition that can be purchased for $19.95.

Folder Guard
Folder Guard is a powerful folder protection software that is able to password-protect files and folders on the user's computer. Folder Guard is also able to restrict access to the Control Panel, Start Menu, and removable drives. Likewise, Folder Guard can permanently affect the user's system files so that they can never be altered, deleted, or modified in any other way by malicious software. Folder Guard can also make specific files and folders invisible and make them visible again only when a correct password is provided. Folder Guard can be downloaded on a free trial basis and can be purchased for $29.95.

Secrets Protector
Secrets Protector is a free software that includes a folder locker, secure eraser, and privacy manager all in one easy to use program. Secrets Protector is able to protect files and folders with a password, make folders invisible to all computer applications, and erase files and folders without leaving any traces of information behind. Secrets Protector can run in the background and can be integrated with Windows so that all of these features are only a click away. Secrets Protector is available for free download at http://www.shareup.com/Secrets_Protector-download-22719.html .