BoxCryptor comes in three versions: one that's free, an Unlimited Personal version that costs $40 and an Unlimited Business version that costs $100. Free Android and iPhone apps are also available.

The free version should work just fine for many people. It lets you operate a single virtual hard disk for encrypting/decrypting files (more on how to do that later). Upgrading to the Unlimited Personal version enables multiple virtual drives that allow you to access several encrypted folders simultaneously; it also lets you encrypt file names, not just file contents. The Business license is the same as the Unlimited Personal license, but includes a legal clause that allows you to use it in the workplace.

The first step in setting up BoxCryptor is simply figuring out how to download the right program from the . The row of gray icons at the top of the download page looks like a simple informative image, but you'll actually need to click on the icon of your operating system to snag the installation file.