BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

That's what I would do. Recently took pictures of a friend's son. Gave him the files then deleted from my computer.

Bud

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

As you have read there are a number of ways to protect a file. The easiest is simply put a password on your computer and that locks everyone out. Even you if you forget the password. I also use Folder Lock software that protects individual files. That gives me the option of locking files or encrypting files. Good luck on your decision.

montzenger Loc: Idaho

Google Protrectorion and download the free program. http://en.protectorion.com/download-protectorion-pc-free/ Real simple and you have one master passwored. All pictures are incripted.

JoeBiker Loc: homebase: Houston, TX

One other thing, make sure the password is long and complex (upper and lower case letters, numbers, special characters). Also, don't use dictionary word, common names, and don't capitalize just the first letter (it turns out that they expect that).

There are brute force password crackers for all of the common file formats (pkzip, 7zip, pdf, MS office, etc). Computers keep getting faster and techniques keep getting better, so I can't give you specific up-to-date numbers, but a password that is 9-10 characters long can probably be cracked in several days (if they have direct access to the file). If you need to record the password somewhere, keep it separate from the encrypted file and secure (like in a safe deposit box).

Also, the login password of the computer is easily bypassed if someone gets direct access to the computer (just google it for details). This applies to windows and linux computer. It probably applies to Apple PCs too, but I don't have specific experience with them.

davidk2020 Loc: San Diego

Be aware that even if you delete the photo files, they might leave thumbnails behind which are normally hidden. You'd probably be best off running a disk cleanup to get rid of them.

Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA

There are a few ways, but the password protected zip file is probably easiest. There are also encryption programs that can do this. I often use Sophos free encryption software, which you can download at http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Encrypting/Sophos-Free-Encryption.shtml. Sophos is a top of the heap manufacturer of "virus"/malware protection. Until recently they were focused only on busness systems, but the recent proliferation of malware for the Mac environment has led them to provide free and low-cost products for personal computers.

I do a lot of nude photography, but mine is public on my website. You also might take a look at boudoir photography information. Your images are probably more similar to boudoir than to other types of nude work.

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

I know that your just trying to keep the photos away from prying eyes, not determined hackers, so the WinZip choice is a good one. Win 7 Pro offers built in encryption for folders and there are several free encryption programs, an old one is called TrueCrypt. Some of the other suggestions about hiding or moving the folder will probably meet your needs also. Let us know what you decide on,

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Times 3

Don

MCHUGH Loc: Jacksonville, Texas

Thanks again to everyone for all the help. I did a lot of checking both on my computer and on the internet of every suggestion given. I could never get anything to allow me to password protect or encrypt on my Windows 7 Home computer. I decided to use the 7Zip suggested and it works great and will do what I need and want. I am not concerned about being hacked; just someone opening a file while looking for something else. My friends privacy is important to me more than it probably is to them. Thanks again to everyone. UHH always comes to my rescue.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

I too like the idea of using Thumb/Zip Drives for this type of saved photography. Gets the pics off your computer but readily accessible. Not really expensive and if you purchase the right model you can get password protected units. See the following:

http://www.costco.com/Lexar-JumpDrive-S75-128GB-USB-3.0-Flash-Drive.product.100248822.html?catalogId=10701&keyword=Lexar+JumpDrive+S75+128GB+USB+3.0+Flash+Drive+&langId=-1&storeId=10301&refine=