PC help: Running an old program

Q Some years ago I was given a copy of Steganos Security Suite 4, but I have never used it. Could this software still be used on my computer or should I forget about it and buy something more up to date? Is there any part of the software that could still be used, such as the file shredder?
Tony Lloyd

A With software, as long as it was designed for the operating system your computer is currently using, it should work normally. Steganos Security Suite 4 was written to work with Windows XP, so if you’re using that (rather than Windows Vista) it should work fine.

Updates to your computer since the program was released may cause problems, but there’s nothing wrong with giving it a go. You should note that the technology has moved on a little since the program was released, and it’s not as good as newer programs when it comes to encrypting your files, which is its main feature. The file shredder, which doesn’t rely on this technology, ought to work fine, though.