Introduction:

Whether or not you're using a multi-user operating system, like Windows 2000/XP etc, there is still a way for someone to view,copy or modify some of your documents. PC security in a win9x based operating system is slim to none.

For those who have to share one computer amongst other people, for example in a family setting or maybe in a SOHO workspace, you might not have all the security you need to protect documents or other information from being accidently deleted or modified. Accidental deletion of files or folders is a main cause for concern for people who use their computer to do their office work or other important activities.

Functionality:

Folder Password Expert is quite a straightforward program. With a few simple clicks of the mouse, you can lock or unlock (protect or unprotect) folder(s). You enter a password and you even have th e option of entering a hint for the password if you're one of those people who don't remember the password you've entered. FPE will also allow you to rightclick on a folder and choose the Lock Folder option so you don't have to go through the wizard to use the lock feature.

This program claims that your folders are 100% secure from someone trying to access these documents and I have tested this claim by putting a few files into a folder and trying to open them with their specific program. Word and WMP could not find the folder that the files were stored in. I have also found that the command prompt also failed to find the folder on the harddrive.

When trying to open a locked folder, FPE will automatically load up and ask for your password. I do find this kind of slow since the process is not running in the background and also it loads the splash screen every time you want to unlock the folder. I would suggest as an improvement to create a process where it would always be loaded once the computer starts because who knows how many times the user will lock/unlock their folders.

Conclusion:

I was pretty amazed at how simple and easy it was to lock and unlock folders. Similar programs might not offer the ease and simple interface that Folder Password Expert does. I do like the feature of right clicking on a folder and choosing lock folder option; but I don't see why not have the unlock feature also available when rightclicking.

I do find the program to be a tad bit on the slow side because it does have to load the splash screen to unlock or lock everytime. Maybe creating a process and skipping the splash screen will increase loading time dramatically.

As far as security goes, the program is good. It does not offer any high bit encryption methods to my knowledge like Blowfish, DES etc. But it might be a good idea to have the option of encryption just in case someone cracks the password on the folder.