Windows/Mac/Linux: TrueCrypt 6.0, the latest and improved version of the powerful software encryption tool, has been released. New to this version are the additions of hidden volume tools—the ability to create virtual, encrypted drives only viewable by yourself—to the OS X and Linux versions, and to hide an entire operating system behind encryption in Windows. Systems with multi-core CPUs will see improved encrypt/decrypt performance boosted by 100% for each CPU (important when hibernating/suspending with encrypted drives), and "backup headers" which provide last-chance recovery for encrypted drives and files that get damaged. Want to put TrueCrypt to work on your rig? Check out Gina's guide to encrypting your data. TrueCrypt 6.0 is a free download for Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.

When you've got your Windows XP or Vista setup running perfectly, you don't want to lose all your painstaking customisations to a reckless tot, an experiment-minded friend or spouse, or a rogue system-lousing program. Windows SteadyState, as we mentioned earlier this week, helps you to create a kind of virtual rubber room those types can play around in and not really harm anything. SteadyState can also restrict web site access for innocent eyes, set timer limits on user access, and get better control of those other folks who use your computer—in other words, SteadyState makes you the Grand Master Sysadmin of your single-unit empire. Let's take a look at setting up SteadyState and get familiar with a few of its key features.

Windows only: Freeware application Click&Clean works in conjunction with previously mentioned favourite CCleaner to cover your browsing tracks with the click of a button. To use it, first make sure that you've already installed CCleaner and then download and install Click&Clean. Once installed, Click&Clean will add an entry to your quick launch bar. You can stop with that if you like, but Click&Clean also provides a Cleaner button for you Firefox and Internet Explorer toolbars—you just have to add them through the customise dialogs. Once there, clicking the toilet paper icon will automatically run CCleaner's browser cleanup tools to give your browsing session a deep clean. Click&Clean is freeware, Windows only.

All things Mac web site Macworld details how to set your instant message privacy status on a schedule to help you stay productive during your busy times. Unfortunately there are no IM clients that allow for privacy scheduling, so the article details how to adjust your privacy settings on a schedule using AppleScript. The script, which works with the popular Adium instant messaging client, focuses on the privacy settings, but you could just as easily tweak the script to change your status on a schedule as well. Whatever your preference, scheduling your visibility and status in your IM client could make a huge difference in your productivity and help cut down significantly on interruptions.

A recent survey of 300 IT professionals by security software firm Cyber-Ark revealed that one-third had used administrative passwords to access confidential information, and a whopping 47% had looked at information that wasn't relevant to their role. While you may be restricted in what you can do on a work PC, and the extent to which you can stop snooping, you aren't completely powerless. Gina's classic guide to surviving IT lockdown can help you get stuff done even when IT holds all the keys.

Remember that your work machine is just that -- a work machine -- so save really confidential stuff for when you get home. Check our security archive for more tips on protecting your personal data and possessions, and let us know of any other privacy-protecting tactics you've deployed at work in the comments.

Windows only: If you've got that paranoid feeling that something's monitoring what you type into your web browser—like a private email or online banking login—protect yourself from keyloggers with free browser plug-in KeyScrambler. Operating as a layer between your keyboard and your web browser, KeyScrambler encrypts your key strokes and decrypts them as they are placed into the browser, so that a keylogger would only intercept the encrypted stream, not the actual text—essentially gibberish instead of your personal information. KeyScrambler Personal (the free version) is available as a plug-in for Firefox and Internet Explorer; pay-for upgrades from US$30 to US$45 extend its key scrambling technology to other applicatons such as Outlook, Quicken, and more. For another free keylogger evasion app that works beyond the browser, check out Anti Keylogger Shield. Thanks for the tip, theNitwit!

Windows only: Freeware application xB Browser is a portable web browser that provides anonymous web surfing at startup. xB Browser anonymises traffic either through the free Tor network or through its distributor XeroBank's networks (the second comes with a price). Born from the ashes of previously mentioned and abandoned TorPark, xB Browser is really just Firefox with anonymous browsing baked in from the get-go. xB Browser is free, Windows only, though Mac and Linux versions are planned for August 08.

Windows only: Using a friend's system or a public computer and want to keep your activity private? CleanAfterMe, a free utility from the makers of similarly-useful utilities like WirelessKeyView, has you covered. The single-file application, which easily runs from a USB drive, provides an all-in-one interface for wiping out all the records of your work or play, including registry files, "Recent Documents" lists in the Start menu and elsewhere, clipboard memory, and much more. The only obvious issue with CleanAfterMe is that it only does full wipes, so your buddy might be irked when all his convenience links are missing—not a problem for public terminals, of course. CleanAfterMe is a free download for Windows systems only.

Windows only: Need to send an encrypted file to someone, but know they won't want to mess around with installing their own cryptography software? Freeware Flexcrypt packages your files in a standalone executable file ready to email to a cohort who's also using Windows. The recipient only needs to know the password to open it. To decrypt the package, just double-click the .EXE and enter the password at the prompt, as shown:

Windows only: Secure file deletion utility Wipe File is a one-purpose program that lets you choose how many times a file on your hard drive is erased, written over, then deleted over and over. The convenience comes in its ability to run from its own folder on a thumb drive, as well as the options you have for deletion cycles, with notations as to what various agencies (like the Department of Defence or NATO) use as their standards. The program is German native, but head to the Extras menu to switch it over to English. Wipe File is a free download for Windows systems only; check out Wipe Disc if you're looking for whole-sale erasure for a computer or drive transfer.