Locking up the computer
 

Recently, I've had an issue where a family member has been accessing my comp without permission. Obviously, when visiting the TFP i tend to collect some "sensitive material." Anyone have any recommendations on how to lock up the computer completely?

What OS are you using?

If it's Windows NT/2000/XP, Linux, or Mac OSX, set up user accounts so you're forced to log in first.

You could also put a password on boot (located in the BIOS), but that would probably be a bit much.

ctrl alt delete with windows nt/2k/xp

Also to be sure to lock your "my documents" folder (which I assume is where you're "sensitive material" is so that only you (or administrators) can access it. Even if you have a guest account and you don't lock your mydocs folder, you can simply open windows explorer to c:\documents and settings\yourusername\my documents.

This is assuming you have 2k/XP.

Set a screen saver to turn on after a few minutes, and check the box that makes it require a password upon waking up. I do this (one of my pet peeves is other people using my computer)... My screen saver comes on after 10 minutes, and you have to enter a password to turn it off.

You can also just ctrl-alt-delete>>lock computer or hit windows+L to lock it.

Well, i'm using 98 so the user thing isn't possible. I downloaded some freeware which supposedly is foolproof...i set it to lock the computer automatically at startup. I'll report if it works later.