Best method of encryption using php?

[rene_docherty]

Hi,
The details aren't really important but I have data I wish to encrypt, which I will decrypt and use at a later point. It would appear that the PHP setup I currently have does not include the mcrypt library. So given the range of options from using external encryption programs to adding new php modules, what its the quickest and easiest solution available to allow for an encrypt/decrypt system?

Thanks for all your help in advance.
Rene Docherty