I have switched from Microsoft Word on my MacBook and iMac to using Apple's Pages document editing program. I like it a lot but can't figure out how to create password-protected files, which is important for the work I do as a therapist. I searched on Google and found a bunch of people saying it's not possible, but Apple wouldn't have created a program like Pages without including this feature, would they? How do I password protect or encrypt a Pages file, Dave?

I have a protected [secured] PDF document that my lawyer sent me and I want to save it on my iMac but I want to change the password from what she thought would be memorable to something I know I'll remember in six months. How can I easily do that?

I read your explanation of how to password protect individual files or folders on a Mac (see How to encrypt folders on your Mac), but is there a way to do that easily in Windows? Thanks!

Are you paranoid about the security of your data, and finding that the software-based solutions out there really aren't as seamless and transparent as you'd hope? Whether you're working for the Department of Homeland Security or lead programmer for a hot startup, there are good reasons for you to be aware of - and perhaps even paranoid - about your data security.

Add the complication of a laptop and now things get even more tricky, because if you are aware of the incidence of laptop theft at airports and on the road, now you have to think about all your email, all your documents, business memos, letters, spreadsheets, presentations, and related material all being delivered directly to your competitors, foreign nationals, or worse.

Fortunately, there are hardware-level encryption solutions available that, if you're ready to absolutely trust them with your digital life, can ensure that your system and/or laptop are completely secure and unbreakable.

A few weeks ago I had a chance to talk with some of the engineers at High Density Devices, makers of SecureD, a system that, as they describe, is characterized by "all data being encrypted in real-time: SecureD utilizes the strongest real-time encryption algorithms available and does not require user interaction or maintenance."

Please read on for our discussion...