The theft of a computer can be inconvenient enough, but when the machine contains sensitive personal or work data, the loss can have greater consequences. KeyDrive II from the Secure Technology Group can alleviate this concern by rendering such files invisible with a combination of encryption and a USB key.

It works by creating a virtual encrypted volume - up to 10GB in size - on the largest partition to act as a secure container for important files. Without the USB key, it's doubtful whether a casual thief would be aware of the drive's presence and there's even less chance of them cracking the encryption.

Setup is straightforward and requires the insertion of the key into a free USB port together with a password which acts as a failsafe procedure in the event of a lost key. A four-digit PIN is then assigned which should be changed right away.

The virtual drive remains completely invisible until the key is inserted and the PIN entered. Remove the key and the drive disappears. It's completely integrated into the Windows shell and there's no noticeable encryption lag when accessing files.

The key also provides 4KB of onboard memory for the safe storage of passwords and there's a secure logon and screen lock facility under Windows XP and 2000.

KeyDrive may not be as polished overall as the rival Deslock system but it is less expensive and just as effective at keeping data secure.

System Requirements: Windows 98 or higher (Windows XP or 2000 for authenticated logon) ? Pentium processor equivalent ? 12MB ram ? 30MB hard disk space ? USB port.

PROS: Seamless operation; lost key safeguards built in.

CONS: Virtual disk limited to 10GB

VERDICT: Effective and easy to use data security which could prove invaluable for mobile users transporting sensitive data.