Here are some instructions on how to use the .htaccess method for protecting files and directories. It can be pretty simple to do.
The system requires two files -- the .htaccess file and .htpasswd file.
The .htaccess Code
AuthType Basic
AuthName "restricted area"
AuthUserFile /var/www/html/protect-me-dir/.htpasswd
require valid-user
The above code protects a directory called "protect-me-dir" inside of the html directory. Be sure to use the correct folder path for your account type.
The .htpasswd Code
admin:daWHfZrDLB88
bob:roFulYxC2.8ws
developer:csmnmq.M8T5ho
The .htpasswd file contains the usernames and passwords of allowed users. This example shows 3 different users. One per line. The passwords are MD5 encrypted for security purposes.
To generate encrypted passwords for your .htpasswd file, you can use this password generator. http://www.htpasswdgenerator.net/