How do I password protect a document for emailing?

No encryption is completely safe. But some is better than none. You are never going to totally be able to protect yourself from the crazy expert. Hopefully, if you are like me, there isn't much about you that would concern a crazy expert.

But sometimes you have to send information that does need some level of security. Certainly more security than an email can afford. An expectable option has long been the zip file. On Windows XP, adding a password is fairly simple. But what if you have a newer version of windows, or you need extra security? Well, I faced this problem recently. After hours of trial and frustration, I have a solution that will make it easy on you. 7-Zip gives the easiest interface...easy enough to even teach your dad to use....

In short, install the appropriate version for your computer. (Do I really need to walk you though it? ;) Now pay attention, there are many options, let me give you the easiest steps. Once it is installed, right click on the document that you want put a password on. A few options down will be 7-Zip, choose "Add to Archive" From the menu you need to make one change. Be sure you choose ZIP from the Archive format list. 

Now you can choose a password on the right hand side. Hit OK and you will find the appropriately named zip file in the same folder.

Easy as pie!