How in the Tech

Protect your files by blocking basic file operations

By Adam Myers ⋅ January 31, 2010 ⋅ Tags: File Management, Security

I’m rather protective of my computing environment and the files it contains. It’s not that I don’t trust family and friends using my computers, it’s just accidents can happen. Obviously, something drastic like your little brother blasting out your folder of music on accident is tragic and the basis for all your concerns. It actually doesn’t have to be so severe though – if a folder is organized in a particular manner, perhaps your photos folder, a few errant mouse clicks can scatter the contents all throughout the system. Why set yourself up for that potential? Thankfully there is a solution – and it’s not as blunt as not allowing others on your computer!

Prevent is a light-weight, free Windows utility that can prevent basic file operations from occurring. When running, specifically, Prevent blocks delete, cut, copy, paste, copy to, move to, send to, and renaming. Prevent can further protect itself by disabling the Task Manager‘s End Process button – which is generally enough to keep most of the savvy users at bay. Disabling of a running Prevent process is controlled by a user-defined hotkey.

While Prevent isn’t as secure as just locking your computer or otherwise disallowing shared user, it’s more than sufficient to allow safe access for friends and family.