With fast-access computers and interlinking networks that connect many different devices together, many users worry about other people stumbling upon their personal information. With the dangers of the Internet aside, users still have to be concerned about their friends, relatives, and co-workers accessing their computer and seeing things that they would rather keep private. Because of this, there are dozens of programs available that are able to protect users' files and folders with a password and various encryption methods. This article will explain what encryption software is and list a number of encryption programs that are able to safeguard the user's personal information.

What is Encryption Software
Encryption software refers to a type of program that is able to scramble information and/or protect it with a password in order to prevent unauthorized users from accessing files and folders. Encryption software can be used to protect a wide variety of information including files, folders, emails, wireless Internet packets, removable devices, hard drives, user accounts, and more. Different encryption programs may include different features but all encryption software is able to scramble and unscramble information when a correct encryption key is provided.Password-Protect Folders

TrueCrypt
TrueCrypt is a free, open source encryption software that is available for Windows 7, XP, Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux. TrueCrypt is able to encrypt entire hard drives and partitions, create and mount virtual encrypted disks within files, and create hidden volumes and operating systems. The software also includes features that allow encrypted files and folders to be read and modified as quickly as unencrypted files. TrueCrypt integrates itself with the host computer and provides automatic, real-time encryption for any file, folder, or drive that is selected. The software can be downloaded for free at http://www.truecrypt.org/ .

CryptoForge
CryptoForge can be used to encrypt files, folders, and emails by using up to four different encryption algorithms. Once a file has been encrypted using CryptoForge, it is safe to transfer the file via the Internet, removable drive, or disk. When the file is moved to a computer that has CryptoForge installed, the encryption key can be entered and the information within the file can be accessed. CryptoForge is available on a free trial basis and can be purchased for $29.95.

WinEncrypt CryptArchiver
WinEncrypt is a free encryption software made for Windows that is able to encrypt files, folders, emails, partitions, drives, and removable devices in a matter of seconds. WinEncrypt can create encrypted virtual drives up to 20 GB in size that act like security boxes for any information placed inside of it. WinEncrypt can be used for USB flash drives and works with virtually any file format. The software is extremely easy to use as files only need to be dragged and dropped into the WinEncrypt interface in order to be encrypted. WinEncrypt CryptArchiver is available for free download at http://www.winencrypt.com/ .

AxCrypt
AxCrypt is another free encryption software made for Windows that is able to fully integrate itself with the Windows Operating System. AxCrypt allows users to simply right-click on files or folders and choose from a number of options that include encryption, decryption, and shredding. Users also have the ability to encrypt a copy of the file in question or encrypt the file as an executable document. Users are able to set individual passwords for files or create a master password that applies to all encrypted documents. AxCrypt is available for free download at http://www.axantum.com/axcrypt/ .