[kevs]

Is there any software or OS method in which you would open a folder and it would ask you for a password to use that folder?

I found Puzzle Palace, but it only does files, and says you have to zip or archive folders.

And I'm also curious what possible damage or curruption could happen to the images and files inside a folder that is being continually compressed and uncompressed. thanks!

[BurpetheadX]

The closest thing to do that you speak of is to just creat a encrypted disk image in disk copy/utility and password protect it.

[Caesar2099]

i once tried the disk image method, wasn't as simple as i wanted, there are a few applications at Macupdate.com that'll hide a certain folder or file until you open the app and place a password in, they work well but there are obvious ways around it (like using tinkertool to show all hidden folders)

[kevs]

Thanks Ceaser: what apps? Let me know the names.

Anyone else have any other idea?

Well I think the disk image is about the same as using puzzle palace, but can anyone answer my second question:

what possible damage or curruption could happen to the images and files inside a folder that is being continually compressed and uncompressed. thanks!

[LaGow]

You could use Terminal as the solution to hiding the folder. Basically you would use the mv command to rename the folder with a period in front of the title. That's a standard Unix filename marker that tells the system to render the named object invisible.

Unfortunately, you can't do this in the Finder. Here's an example command for Terminal. Assuming your folder is on the desktop of your home directory, type this:

Code:
mv desktop/folder desktop/.folder

Then hit return. The folder will disappear.

If you want it to reappear again, simply type the following and hit return:

Code:
mv desktop/.folder desktop/folder

If you forget the name of your hidden folder, you can invoke the following command in Terminal:

Code:
ls -a

which will list all files, even hidden ones.

Obviously, this technique is to be used to hide stuff from casual users only, but when people don't know something exists, they tend not to go looking for it. I'm pretty sure if you were so inclined, you could write an AppleScript that would tell Terminal to do all that typing for you.

Andy

[pat++]

You can change the ownership/permission of the folder, and use fast user switching to access the folder.

[alphasubzero949]

Changing the ownership/permissions would be the best route to go in protecting a folder and its contents.

Get Info -> Ownerships and Permissions

[kevs]

Please no terminal! I'm trying to keep this simple -- as it may be used frequently.

I played around with the ownership/permissions thing, but can't that be broached quickly by someone if they stole your computer?

Or not? Let me know. The idea is this: if someone stole your computer, certain folders would be not accesible.

Still hoping for answer to second part of my question about compressing/uncompressing.

thanks for ideas so far.

[Sarc]

is it possible to make an applescript that prompts for a password, save it inside the affected folder, and attach it as a folder action ?

I think you could still be able to browse the internals of the folder from applications though.

[mishap]

make a separate user for the files you want to password protect

and fast-user-switch to it.

[Cadaver]

Originally posted by mishap:
make a separate user for the files you want to password protect

and fast-user-switch to it.

User name: pr0n

Hmmm... wonder what the OP will be sercuring?

[Gee4orce]

If it's theft protections you're concerned about, then just turn on FileVault. Otherwise, use the encrypted disk image approach. I use PGP, which lets you do something similar. I have my financial details on a very secure PGP disk image, which is 'ejected' when the computer sleeps.

[wg2499]

http://www.extraneous.us/software/LameSecure/About.html
That is really easy to use.. also has other options for hiding folders

[kevs]

Apple script is out of the question since I don't write them. Isn't there a developer who has made a shareware yet??

Separate user thing is good, but cumbersome about the same hassle as the disc image thing.

My idea is simple no? You click on a folder and a password dialogue box comes up.

Appreciate the ideas.

[chabig]

Encrypted disk images are extremely simple. Just make one, put your stuff in it, and you're done. Unmount it and everything is safely hidden. Double-click on it and it prompts for a password. What could be simpler?

Chris

[ginoledesma]

There is no "wear and tear" of compressing/uncompressing/compressing/uncompressing files. The only wear and tear experienced is by the processor and the disk. But the file by itself does not "damage over time." This is the digital world.

[weene27]

Encrypted disk image. Easy to create, easy to open.

[typoon]

Or you can go to http://intego.com/fileGuard/ and purchase this program.

FileGuard limits computer access to the users registered by the administrator who can prevent them, for example, from inserting disks, copying applications, accessing the log files, protecting files or folders, ... FileGuard also keeps a user log with information of the users' activity on the Macintosh.

Folder protection
FileGuard allows you to set access privileges to all your folders (including the System Folder). You can limit the access per User or/and per Group, create "write-protected" folders or set up a folder as a "drop folder", etc.

File protection
The file protection procedure is similar to saving and opening a normal document and does not in any way alter your work habits. Upon saving a new document, FileGuard gives you the option to password-protect it. The user can choose from a variety of industry-standard encryption formats such as D.E.S., Triple D.E.S., IDEA(TM), ...

Encryption is performed automatically when you quit your application. You can also encrypt a document manually using the Protect File command.

Opening protected documents is just as easy and automatic. When you double-click an encrypted document, FileGuard asks for your password, decrypts the file and automatically launches the appropriate application. The document is automatically reencrypted when you quit the application. For each protected file, FileGuard keeps a complete log of all operations performed, including creator & owner name, date/time of creation, total use time, attempts at unauthorized access, etc.

Hard disk protection
The hard disk protection of FileGuard prevents unauthorized access and/or intentional copying or erasure of a hard disk. No-one will be able to start your Mac from another System disk or with extensions disabled, without supplying the proper volume password.

Application protection
FileGuard offers both password and copy protection of all applications on your hard drive. If you choose password protection, the protected application can run on another disk with the right password even if FileGuard is not installed. If you choose copy protection, the protected application will run only on your hard drive.

File shredding
The file shredding option of FileGuard allows you to shred your files upon emptying the Trash. In this way, no one will be able to recover your confidential files, even when using utilities especially designed to recover deleted items.

[spookykids]

sheesh, and they say everything is easier on a mac....

isnt there a little app (shareware or whaever) that does this very simply and actually provides some protection???
and lamesecure sucks, just search the "protected" file and there you can access it. it just fakes protecting.

[LaGow]

Originally posted by kevs:
Please no terminal! I'm trying to keep this simple -- as it may be used frequently.

Then use PathFinder.

Don't be frightened, Grasshopper. Terminal is your friend. Once you get the hang of it it's actually faster for some operations.

But PathFinder pretty much rocks. And what could be simpler than putting a period in front of a file or folder name? Then you could use PathFinder's Show Hidden files command and see it that way. The casual Finder user will have no idea the folder exists at all. Thus security by obscurity.

[airmoe]

Hello,
I used Lamesecure to password protect a folder on my desktop and it seemed to work ok until it moved my home folder iwth all my data. I could see my home folder alone with a new one that contained no data. I then tried to tell Lamesecure not to give a password to my homefolder by selecting NONE in the password protect drop down window and then I selected revert file rather then save and not I can't find my home folder and all my data. I'm wondering if Lamesecure really deleated my whole folder and data or just hide it somewhere?? Any help you can give me would be very very very helpful.

Thank you very Much,

Will

Originally Posted by spookykids

sheesh, and they say everything is easier on a mac....

isnt there a little app (shareware or whaever) that does this very simply and actually provides some protection???
and lamesecure sucks, just search the "protected" file and there you can access it. it just fakes protecting.

[ismaelmo]

there is a Program that is easy to use. the name of the aplication is Secret Service 1.0 you can find the aplication in htt://macupdate.com or if you want i can sent to you the IMG.


i hope this help you.