11-25-2008, 09:15 AM

Hi everyone!

I`m using the program `Ghost` to hide some folders on my computer. (It`s a new-model Macbook that I use both at home and at work). Ghost works fine, but there`s a problem: a Spotlight search reveals these folders, even though they don`t show in the finder.

Is there a free and simple program that hides folders and avoids this issue?

I`m generally happy with Ghost (it`s small, free and simple to use) and currently only need to hide certain file types, so I just opened system preferences and told spotlight not to search for those file types.

But then I realised that you can open and change quite a few system preferences without entering a password. Immediately coming to mind are Spotlight`s search preferences and the password lock on my screensaver.

So it got me wondering if there`s a simple way to prevent someone from opening system preferences at all without a password.

I guess many people`s instant reaction will be that I should get a more comprehensive security solution, but I`m really just trying to cover the angles so the non-computer-experts at work can play around on my Macbook without me having to worry about inappropriate items showing up.

11-25-2008, 09:36 AM

Just stick your sensitive content in a encrypted disk image. When you need to access it you can just mount the image and enter your password.

11-25-2008, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by Aptmunich

Just stick your sensitive content in a encrypted disk image. When you need to access it you can just mount the image and enter your password.

Thanks for the quick reply! Maybe I`m trying to think of overly-complicated solutions.

So if I make an encrypted disk image then want to edit the content, do I have to make a whole new image, or can I just modify it as I want?

11-25-2008, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by Ridge

So if I make an encrypted disk image then want to edit the content, do I have to make a whole new image, or can I just modify it as I want?

You can make the disk image any size you want and write to it until it is full...Disk Utility pretty much walks you through the process.

Good Luck!

11-25-2008, 10:18 PM

It seems like you're going to a lot of effort to avoid using the user account passwords built into OS X.

Your user account password:
1. Sets up with one click
2. Protects everything

This is a much better deal than running around and trying to lock people out of each and every thing that they could possibly mess up. It is both the easiest and safest way. That's why Apple includes it.