Go to https://www.grc.com/misc/truecrypt/truecrypt.htm, scroll to the

bottom and choose the appropriate download for your operating system

(Windows is the top one, Mac is the second one)

Once installed there will be an icon on your desktop, double click to open

it.

Click “Create Volume.”

Choose “Encrypt the system partition or entire system drive”

Choose “Normal”

Choose “Encrypt the whole drive.”

Choose “No” to Encryption of Host Protected Areas.

Choose “Single Boot.”

The defaults here are fine. Just choose “Next.”

Type in a password, the instructions that are there are good to follow. Just

remember, a password you have to write down is worthless, so do make it

something you can remember.

Follow the instructions and move your mouse around a lot. You’ll see the

numbers changing, keep going for at least 15 seconds before pressing next.

Click “yes” to allow the changes.

Click “next” when looking at the keys.

Now we need to make a recuse disk so that if you forget your password you

can still have a backup plan of how to decrypt your machine. The

instructions here are to burn a DVD. For this, use the default location for the

file it’s going to save.

Click “OK.”

Put in a blank DVD and click “Burn.”

When it’s done burning the DVD, click “Next.”

Click “Next” on the verified screen.

Here is a way to securely wipe your drive of non-encrypted data after the

encryption process is over. If you’re truly paranoid you can choose one of the

higher settings, but 3-pass will make due against all but the most advanced

tactics.

Click “yes” to confirm you want to do the pass.

Click “yes” to test the system.

Click “OK” to agree to the conditions presented.

Click “Yes” to restart.

After the machine has restarted it will ask you for the password you created

in step 10. Type it in here.

After the pretest has been complete click “Encrypt.”

Again, agree to the conditions.

Click “Yes” to allow the program to proceed.

The software will now encrypt the machine. This may take a long time, be

patient. You can continue to use your computer, but if you do the process

will take longer. I suggest setting the machine aside and going for a walk,

or read a book.

Once it’s done, click “Finish,” your computer is not fully encrypted. You will

have to use the password from step 10 every time you login now, but it’s

worth it.