Anyone think of password locking the PortableApps executable?
As a quick measure of security (by no means computer-savvy user safe), I set all base directory files and folders (except the PortableApps executable) to hidden, and use PortableApps to access all my files through the "explore" button featured in the browser. This way, any nosy co-workers/neighbors who aren't aware of the "view hidden files" option won't be able to get into my apps and docs. It works fairly well as a quick fix. However, seeing as how the executable isn't password protected, all my apps are readily available to the snoop. I don't really need encryption on any of these non-sensitive files, just a lock on the executable. I looked through the forums, but couldn't find anything specific on the non-encryption/non-admin status locking of PortableApps. Also, sorry if this is in the wrong forum. 
So, I was thinking that adding a password lock to the PortableApps executable would be an excellent idea. Maybe a feature John (or someone else) could add to the next update of Portableapps?
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searched for this in the threads and haven't seen anything of this kind here in the
forums. That's not to say it doesn't exist, I just haven't found it. The only thing I've been able to find is to install Truecrypt and create an encrypted volume and if I understand correctly, install your PortableApps set up in the encrypted volume. I'm
just a novice, but maybe someone else can explain how this works. As for hiding your
folders, does that not disrupt the drive path from the menu to the folder, making
the folders hidden from the PortableApps menu as well? I tried this and it didn't
work for me. I had to unhide my folders to make the PA menu work.
Hidden files appear on the menu. (Unfortunatly) I tried this for extra EXE files.
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gmbudwrench: When I hid the folders, I only hid the most basic directory. When given to option to hide the internal folders and files, I selected "No". That way, when PortableApps is required to view the internal files (via "Documents", "Music", "Pictures", etc.), the files are technically still unhidden. But I haven't done a lot of testing with it, so I'm not totally sure why it shouldn't work.
Unfortunately, the problem with Truecrypt is that it requires admin privileges, which I do not have at work or school.
Oh well, I guess I'll just start password locking the entire drive then.
Thanks for the help!
I tried to hide everything except the start portableapp.exe and when I clicked to start my PA menu, it popped up "System files not found."
Did you make sure that all of the internal folders and files are set as visible?
Only the folders and files on the main directory should be hidden. Everything in the next level down (inside) should not be set to visible.
Either way, people can still get into your stuff by accessing the PortableApps browser and clicking on "Documents".