Sharing a PC is never a good idea if you've got sensitive or confidential information that you don't want strangers, or even loved ones, to access.

My favourite way to protect myself is simply to create another profile for other users on my system but this is not always possible if Windows isn't working properly. In which case, one good option is to lock those files and folders that you don't want accessed by prying eyes. System Vault simply can't hide files and folders but it can require users to enter a password before accessing them. It also allows you to remove common files or folders that are accessed from your MRU files on your PC so that anyone using your machine, can't see what you've just been looking at.

One word of warning though - if you install the program, uninstall it and then reinstall it again, your protected files are completely reset. This means that anyone that really wants to access your files merely has to uninstall the program so it's a good idea to use some kind of system protection system in addition to this program. However, the developers advise that to avoid losing your directories and files when re-installing the application in future you should export your list of paths and import them again on reinstallation.

A simple way to protect your files but be warned that it's not very secure any anyone who uninstalls it will have access to your files.

Download System Vault 1.16 in Softonic

We've all had embarrassing moments where the boss walks by and we're looking at something we shouldn't be.

Magic Boss key immediately cleans your desktop, taskbar and any other program or folder that you may have open at any one time. You can do this without even touching your keyboard. By clicking with the two mouse buttons at the same time you can remove all open windows, including Magic Boss. There's no real noticeable difference in the performance of your PC whilst Magic Boss is working although if you're running a lot of applications at one time, you might find that Boss Key does not kick in as soon as you'd like it to. In which case, the boss will see both what you're looking at plus see that you've got Boss Key installed so you're running a bit of a risk. The one thing it does not do as well is remove icons in the system tray so make sure you've got nothing dodgy running that shows up there.

This is one easy way to beat the boss although don't rely on it if you've got lots of applications running at once.

Download Magic Boss Key 3.40 in Softonic

iPig creates a secure "tunnel" that protects your inbound and outbound communications (Email, Web, IM, VOIP, calls, FTP, etc.) at any Wi-Fi hotspot or wired network. iPig works with any kind of Internet connection (Wifi, WLAN, wired ethernet).

iPIG shields your data from even the most sophisticated methods of online spying and snooping like the "Evil twin attacks".

In addition, your sensitive information is not only protected between your computer and the wireless access point you're using, but all the way to iOpus' secure connection servers deep in the Internet. This ensures that your data can't be easily hijacked through the air and at the point it transitions to a "wired" Ethernet connection.

Download iPIG Secure Access VPN Server 1.02 in Softonic

BossKey is a simple virtual desktop program. Create hot-keys to switch between the desktops and have one set of windows/applications on one and a different set of windows/applications on another and flip between them instantly with a single keypress. Up to 10 virtual desktops can be defined and windows can be designated always visible.

Download BossKey 2.00 in Softonic

EfreeSoft Boss Key allows you to hide active program windows immediatlly using a hot key!You can hide the browser windows, folder windows, applications windows, all your desktop icons and taskbar when your boss or anyone else you don't want to see your screens comes in. It's speed is highly optimized to allow you react as quickly as possible to any threat that appears.

Download EfreeSoft Boss Key 3.30 in Softonic

This program is intended for those who want to hide from an another's eye that he does on the computer. Click a hot key - the active window is hidden. Click again - window is shown.

Shortcut keys:

• Ctrl. + Space: Hide active window
• Ctrl. + Alt. + Space: Show hidden window
• Ctrl. + Alt. + X: Close Koperfield program
• Ctrl. + Alt. + Z: Close active window

Download Koperfield 1.6 in Softonic