Setting a password or some type of lock.

[Guest]

Hi,

I'm having a problem with one of family members of mine accessing my
computer. He will get access to my computer, and everytime he touches it, it
becomes filled with Spyware and Viruses to the point that some programs will
not even open correctly or will not open at all. I've asked him to leave the
computer alone and he'll get on behind my back when i'm at school or with
friends.

I was wondering if there was a way to set a password when you press on the
power button or if there was a way to lock the computer down untill I was
able to come back to the computer to use it myself or one of the other family
members came to use it.

At the moment i'm using Service Pack 1, because I cannot download Service
Pack 2 without my internet disconnecting me every four hours.

Thank you for your time.

 

[Nepatsfan]

(e-mail address removed),

Hi,

I'm having a problem with one of family members of mine
accessing my computer. He will get access to my computer,
and everytime he touches it, it becomes filled with Spyware
and Viruses to the point that some programs will not even
open correctly or will not open at all. I've asked him to
leave the computer alone and he'll get on behind my back
when i'm at school or with friends.

I was wondering if there was a way to set a password when
you press on the power button or if there was a way to lock
the computer down untill I was able to come back to the
computer to use it myself or one of the other family members
came to use it.

At the moment i'm using Service Pack 1, because I cannot
download Service Pack 2 without my internet disconnecting me
every four hours.

Thank you for your time.

Next, most computers have a feature within the systems BIOS to
require a password before the computer will boot. Check the
manual that came with your computer for information detailing
how to enter the Setup program and how to create a password. If
you can't find the manual, check the manufacturer's web site.
Keep in mind that if the person whose access you're trying to
restrict has a reasonable amount of technical ability, this
password can easily be defeated. Also, this can backfire on you
if the person decides to change the password.

The bottom line is that if someone has physical access to your
computer, it only takes a little knowledge and the right tools
to quickly bypass any security you put in place. For that
reason I advise people who are concerned about the security of
their systems to consider purchasing removable hard drive trays
that will allow them to store the drives in a secure location.

Here's an example of the type of product:
IDE Ultra DMA 66/100/133 Hard Disk Enclosure
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=309704&pfp=BROWSE

As for SP2, it can be ordered on CD from this web site:

Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

Good luck

Nepatsfan

 

[Malke]

Hi,

I'm having a problem with one of family members of mine accessing my
computer. He will get access to my computer, and everytime he touches
it, it becomes filled with Spyware and Viruses to the point that some
programs will not even open correctly or will not open at all. I've
asked him to leave the computer alone and he'll get on behind my back
when i'm at school or with friends.

I was wondering if there was a way to set a password when you press on
the power button or if there was a way to lock the computer down
untill I was able to come back to the computer to use it myself or one
of the other family members came to use it.

At the moment i'm using Service Pack 1, because I cannot download
Service Pack 2 without my internet disconnecting me every four hours.

Thank you for your time.

Any computer running any operating system can be accessed by someone
with 1) physical access; 2) time; 3) skill; 4) tools. There are a few
things you can do to make it a bit harder though:

1. Set a password in the BIOS that must be entered before booting the
operating system. Also set the Supervisor password in the BIOS so BIOS
Setup can't be entered without it.
2. From the BIOS, change the boot order to hard drive first.
3. Set strong passwords on all accounts, including the built-in
Administrator account.
4. If you leave your own account logged in, use the Windows Key + L to
lock the computer (and/or set the screensaver/power saving) when you
step away from the computer and require a password to resume.
5. Make other users Limited accounts.

Please understand that these are technical responses to what is
basically a non-technical problem. This is a family/interpersonal issue
that can't be solved by technical means.

Malke

 

[Vanguard]

Hi,

I'm having a problem with one of family members of mine accessing my
computer. He will get access to my computer, and everytime he touches it,
it
becomes filled with Spyware and Viruses to the point that some programs
will
not even open correctly or will not open at all. I've asked him to leave
the
computer alone and he'll get on behind my back when i'm at school or with
friends.

I was wondering if there was a way to set a password when you press on the
power button or if there was a way to lock the computer down untill I was
able to come back to the computer to use it myself or one of the other
family
members came to use it.

At the moment i'm using Service Pack 1, because I cannot download Service
Pack 2 without my internet disconnecting me every four hours.

Thank you for your time.

Define a startup password in the BIOS. The system won't start unless the
password is entered. The user can't even try to boot from a CD or floppy
until they enter the password.

Then get a lock kit for the case to keep the a-hole from opening it up and
using the jumper to clear the CMOS table which resets to defaults (and does
not include a password). Some cases have a tab on the back through which
you can place a small padlock. This prevents the side panel from being
removed and thus prevents entry. If not, get a lock kit that glues onto the
case and lets you lock it (it is very permanent glue).

You could also move the computer into your own room and lock the door when
you leave.