scubajesus
12-07-2009, 07:18 PM
So here's my secrets. This is for Windows, I can't speak for other OS's.
First, hidden files/folders. Keep your stash in a folder with a common name in a normal location. i.e. C:\Users\Jesus\savedata
Right click the folder, and under the general tab, the bottom option in the group Attributes is a check box for Hidden. Check this, and select 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files". I believe this was a feature implemented to help prevent inexperienced people from messing up important system files.
To view/unview hidden items; while in a folder, go to the 'Tools' drop down (windows 7 can tap Alt then T) and select 'Folder options'. Change to the 'View' tab. There will be a folder about 6 boxes down called 'Hidden files and folders', select the 'Don't show' or 'Show' button to toggle it, and hit apply/OK.
This will stop the simplest of stumbling upon. Now we need to make sure no one finds it through history. Right click your task bar and go to properties. In the start menu tab, there is a 'Store and display recently opened items in the Start menu and the taskbar" check box, uncheck it.
Lastly, searching. For Vista and 7, you can disable windows search as the easiest option. If you use search, then the alternative choice would be to make the files not indexed. Right click the folder, general tab, under attributes go to Advanced, and uncheck index these files. Then make sure your computer only searches indexed locations. In a folder, tools, folder options, go to the Search tab, and [What to search] set to 'In indexed locations...' I believe Windows XP is out of luck on this, if such is the case avoid having explicit names in your files.
Your stash is now pretty hard to find. For increased hiding, you can also use a flash drive (assuming you have a big enough drive.) So what about browsing? You could go through the continued erasing of cookies, history, temp files, etc. every time you go searching, but there's an easier way that I do.
What about program history, such as Windows Media Player's "Recently opened files" and its tendency to keep the last file open? I personally recommend using VLC Media player, it covers a lot of different file types, and you can turn off the list of recently played items in preferences.
I recommend using a portable version of a browser. You can find some here. (http://portableapps.com/apps/internet) I personally use Firefox Portable because of the addons. It will run much faster on your computer, my suggestion is to install it to 'C:\Firefox Portable'. Once it finishes installing, make it hidden and disable indexing. You can use this browser safely, since most people won't try to find a hidden browser if there's a normal one on desktop/taskbar/start menu.
So you now have your own private browser and stash that is hidden and excluded from searches, along with no history of browsing.
First, hidden files/folders. Keep your stash in a folder with a common name in a normal location. i.e. C:\Users\Jesus\savedata
Right click the folder, and under the general tab, the bottom option in the group Attributes is a check box for Hidden. Check this, and select 'Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files". I believe this was a feature implemented to help prevent inexperienced people from messing up important system files.
To view/unview hidden items; while in a folder, go to the 'Tools' drop down (windows 7 can tap Alt then T) and select 'Folder options'. Change to the 'View' tab. There will be a folder about 6 boxes down called 'Hidden files and folders', select the 'Don't show' or 'Show' button to toggle it, and hit apply/OK.
This will stop the simplest of stumbling upon. Now we need to make sure no one finds it through history. Right click your task bar and go to properties. In the start menu tab, there is a 'Store and display recently opened items in the Start menu and the taskbar" check box, uncheck it.
Lastly, searching. For Vista and 7, you can disable windows search as the easiest option. If you use search, then the alternative choice would be to make the files not indexed. Right click the folder, general tab, under attributes go to Advanced, and uncheck index these files. Then make sure your computer only searches indexed locations. In a folder, tools, folder options, go to the Search tab, and [What to search] set to 'In indexed locations...' I believe Windows XP is out of luck on this, if such is the case avoid having explicit names in your files.
Your stash is now pretty hard to find. For increased hiding, you can also use a flash drive (assuming you have a big enough drive.) So what about browsing? You could go through the continued erasing of cookies, history, temp files, etc. every time you go searching, but there's an easier way that I do.
What about program history, such as Windows Media Player's "Recently opened files" and its tendency to keep the last file open? I personally recommend using VLC Media player, it covers a lot of different file types, and you can turn off the list of recently played items in preferences.
I recommend using a portable version of a browser. You can find some here. (http://portableapps.com/apps/internet) I personally use Firefox Portable because of the addons. It will run much faster on your computer, my suggestion is to install it to 'C:\Firefox Portable'. Once it finishes installing, make it hidden and disable indexing. You can use this browser safely, since most people won't try to find a hidden browser if there's a normal one on desktop/taskbar/start menu.
So you now have your own private browser and stash that is hidden and excluded from searches, along with no history of browsing.