how to hide files in the computer?

Question

I want to know what's the easiest way to hide a file in the computer mainly for pictures, because i share a computer and won't like others seeing my files, is there any way i can hide them and them not being able to find them or putting a password to access them...any help is appreciated
Thank you.

Answer 1

It depends on how determined your attacker is in finding the files, there are many trivial tricks you can do depending on the size of the data you want to hide, but a determined attacker will easily find them.

The best way to hide something that is almost 100% undetectable is by Steganography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steganography , but most of the computer techniques I know are not suitable for large files.

If you have many large files, perhaps the easily way is to use something like Truecrypt http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TrueCrypt to encrypt a volume or container.

Truecrypt allows you to create "hidden volumes" where you create the hidden volume in an existing truecrypt volume. The attacker will not be able to tell whether there is really a hidden volume or not in the first container.

Why is this good? Because it provides "Plausible deniability". if you just simply password protect a folder, your opponent will know you have something to hide, he just can't get to it, so he will redouble his efforts (maybe try to crack the password). But with the possibility of a hidden volume, your opponent will never be able to figure out if there is a second hidden volume or not! Maybe there is, maybe there isn't. :)

Answer 2

Go to Control Panel - Folder Options. Click on 2d Tab that says View. In Advanced settings segment, scroll down till you spot Hidden records and folders Will have 2 choices beneath. Click on Show hidden records and folders. Then click on OK Then you will have to be ready to discover the records with none difficulty. If you understand a reputation of a dossier you'll be able to then do only a consistent seek.

Answer 3

download TrueCrypt and install it.

It creates a virtual drive that is encrypted and invisible to others.

Answer 4

I just used this link in another post:

http://www.truecrypt.org/

Completely private and encrypted for your pron.