I won't repeat the content of the other replies to your post, but I would
consider the other possibilities before using a password to secure your
laptop. It has been my experience that passwords, multiple identities and
multiple user accounts cause more problems than they prevent. These
newsgroups are stuffed with posts from people who have forgotten their
passwords, had serious system issues with multiple user accounts and in
general got mucked up, big time.
I have been using computers for some years now and I never set up any of my
machines with a Windows Logon Password, screensaver password or any multiple
accounts or identities. This includes machines in an office environment.
If you can't trust your coworkers to leave your personal belongings alone,
then you need to look for new coworkers. An office mate who will peek into
your computer will peek into your desk drawers, file cabinet, coat pockets,
or your briefcase.
Let your comrades know that you will not accept this type of behavior and
that you expect them to conduct themselves in a civil and professional
manner at all times. Then lie to them and tell them that you have spoken to
management and they have installed micro-cameras to protect the entire
workspace. Further this lie by adding that these cameras are no larger than
a shirt button and are undetectable to the untrained eye, yet have
resolution capable of identifying persons at a distance of thirty feet.
You may well laugh, but I happen to know of a very large, and very well
known internet technology company that is using this very ruse to save
millions of dollars in security management costs every year. They are
famous for their inter-office emails and instant messaging. I used to work
with one of their systems engineers and he told me about this over a few
beers and pizza a couple of years ago. He said it has been working so well
that people leave their laptops open and running on their desks. This is
social engineering at its best.