Lock out my kids

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Guest

I have windows xp home edition. How can I lock out my teenager from using my
computer? The word 'No' doesn't seem to work!
Thanks!
 
frustrated said:
I have windows xp home edition. How can I lock out my teenager from using my
computer? The word 'No' doesn't seem to work!
Thanks!
Click to expand...

1. Set a password in the BIOS - this will prevent the computer form
starting up (it can be circumvented by opening the box, removing the
battery and shorting out a jumper switch - look at your manual.

2. set a strong password (a password that is NOT easily broken so not
the cats name) on your account.

3. Set a password on the default Administrator account. In XP Home this
is blank by default and can only be accessed by starting in Safe mode.

How ever if they are really determined all the above can be
circumvented.

If you are really desperate then steps such as removing the RAM, or the
video card, or the keyboard and mouse, or having the HDD mounted in a
removable cradle so you could physically remove it from the case and
lock it away in a secure place could be considered.
 
frustrated mom said:
I have windows xp home edition. How can I lock out my teenager from using
my
computer? The word 'No' doesn't seem to work!
Thanks!
Click to expand...


Well obviously just saying No won't work. If you don't follow up with
punishment, they know that your threats are vacuous. Look at the kids in
the grocery store. They taunt mommie no end because mommie does nothing
after repeating saying No. Dad makes a threat and they shut up because Dad
makes good on his threats. Stop being wimpy with your kids. You aren't
helping them.

Use a BIOS password (and lock the case so they cannot clear it).

Put your computer in a room with a lockable door.

Change all password and don't give them one. No password, no use.

Stop leaving your computer with you still logged in. Learn to put the
computer into Standby or Hibernate modes with password protect, or hit Win+L
to lock the computer requiring a password to get back in.

Stop using Fast User mode so they cannot leave their accounts logged in.
Or, as before, change their passwords so they cannot get in at all. Better
yet, delete their accounts and all their data and make them live without
your computer.

In the BIOS, change the boot drive sequence to NOT include the CD-ROM drive
so they cannot bypass login security by booting an OS from the CD-ROM drive.
Also disable the USB ports so they cannot use external devices. Disable the
floppy drive in the BIOS. Is the lockable door sounding good about now?
Even using a boot password specified in the BIOS is easier.

Take away all privileges as punishment (no car, no TV, no phone, no stereo,
no iPod, no gadgets). Stop letting your kids train YOU. Stop trying to use
technology to replace parenting responsibilities. Hmm, wonder what a taser
costs these days?
 
frustrated said:
I have windows xp home edition. How can I lock out my teenager from using my
computer? The word 'No' doesn't seem to work!
Thanks!
Click to expand...


HOW TO Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279783

HOW TO Set, View, Change, or Remove File and Folder Permissions
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q308418

HOW TO Use the Internet Explorer 6 Content Advisor to Control Access
to Web Sites in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310401

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

For some requirements, you may find it easier to invest in a
3rd-party solution, such as NetNanny or CyberPatrol.

You need to be aware, however, that *NO* technical or software
solution is fool-proof, and _none_ can ever adequately take the place of
live adult supervision. If you cannot trust your children to
safely/properly use the computer without supervision, you may have to
consider limiting their access to it.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having
both at once. - RAH
 
Go into BIOS and put a passord on both user and superuser
(user is for just using the machine, superuser is for accessing BIOS)


--
=================================
Most learned on these newsgroups
Tumppi, Helsinki, FINLAND
(translations from/to fi not always accurate
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