A storage area can be accessed by a computer. Files are stored in the storage area, in which application-related files are stored. Each of the files stored in the storage area is alternatively stored as protected or unprotected file. In at least one embodiment, as a function of commands, which are prespecified by a user to the computer within the scope of running an application, the protected files and/or the unprotected files are read out of the storage area by the computer. Furthermore, in at least one embodiment, as a function of commands which are prespecified by the user to the computer within the scope of running the application, the unprotected files stored in the storage area are changed, deleted and/or converted into protected files and/or new files are determined on the basis of files stored in the storage area and are stored as unprotected files in the storage area. Irrespective of the command prespecified by the user to the computer within the scope of running the application, the computer does not cause the files stored in the storage area to be changed, deleted or converted into unprotected files.