Recently, I took some shots at Microsoft's Private Folder on BloggingStocks.com.

It was definitely an easy target. Basically, it looked like a poorly thought out concept. That is, a Private Folder allows Windows users to keep a password-protected file folder. OK, that is good news for those who want to hide deep secrets, right? But, what if you are a corporation and employees start using it?

Apparently, these are the kinds of questions some managers fail to ask at Microsoft.

Talking about "Microsoft security" often brings chuckles. Well, over the past few years, the company has been putting an enormous amount of resources into security. So you can expect to see a myriad of such products hit the market.

One such product is Private Folder 1.0.  Basically, you can create a completely secure file folder on your PC.

Interestingly enough, this may be an example of unintended consequences.  After all, what if your kid uses a Private Folder to hide less-than-approvable activities, such as by storing pictures and downloads?

Or, what if an employee is doing the same thing on corporate computers?  Suppose you have some things to hide from your spouse?

Something else: Private Folder has no documentation; there is no customer support provided.  Also, if you lose your password, you are out-of-luck.

But if you are good at remembering passwords – and have things you want to keep very secret – Private Folder is free at Microsoft.