file security software question

does anyone know of a program that can be used to set a password on a program or folder in order to access it. I have private data that i frequently access. Now the problem that i seem to run into is that the software that i did find actually compresses the files everytime you lock and unlock it. I dont want that, i just want access to the folder to be restricted by a password. So if you wanna access it you would have to put in a password first. I am looking for a free software that is capable of doing this.

Thank you for the help in advance!!!!

Why dont you create a secure password protected disk image through Disk Utility
How to create a password-protected (encrypted) disk image in Mac OS X 10.3 or later link from Apple support

Or if you want to spend $ there is Hide Folders ......There is a free dl but from memory, they will ask you to pay to get it working properly

Hope it helps and welcome

To the OP ....
A short description of your machine an operating system would not hurt, so specific feedback can be provided.
Are you talking about data stored on an internal drive or on a network drive ?

If you are talking about data on the internal disk, then create separate user accounts and the problem is solved.

Cheers ... McBie

McBie said:

If you are talking about data on the internal disk, then create separate user accounts and the problem is solved.

Cheers ... McBie

Click to expand...

Yep thanks McBie .... Seem to always over look the obvious

TM

or google 'Truecrypt' for excellent open-source encryption software.