How To Password Lock a Computer

Level of difficulty: Easy

Computer users should provide protection to the contents of their computer from being accessed and used by unauthorized users. Confidential and private files must remain such and free from the scrupulous eyes of other users. The security and privacy of computer files can be protected and ensured in various ways and one of the most commonly practiced security tool is the use of passwords to lock and unlock the computer. Locking the computer allows a user to maintain open and running all the current applications on the computer and at the same time hidden from other parties. The computer can be locked in various ways such as the “CTRL-ALT-DEL” Lock, the “Screensaver Lock” and the “Quickstart Lock”. Computers may also have different modes of providing security locks depending on the Operating System installed in the computer such as computers using the Windows XP system which can be locked via a shortcut menu, command file, bat line, or the keyboard.

Materials Needed:
- Computer
Step 1
For first-time computer users, the user types in the preferred name and password during the initial and first Window start. It is recommended that the computer should be shut down when not attended to by the user. At every log-on, the user then re-enters the name and password previously entered.
Step 2
For a password-protect screensaver, the user can right click on the computer desktop and click on the 'Properties' option on the menu that appears. From the various options appearing on the screen, the user can choose the 'Screen Saver' option and tick on the box stating 'Password-protected'. The user then clicks on the 'Change' option after which enters the preferred password. Once the password had been entered, the user then clicks on the 'OK' button. Click on 'Apply' and then 'OK'. The user then enters the chosen password when prompted to return to the Windows Desktop.
Step 3
For computers that operate using the Window 98 Operating System, the user initially clicks on the Start key and the 'Settings' option. Go to Control Panel and open it. The user then Double-clicks on the 'Passwords' button and then clicks on 'Change Windows Password'. The user then enters the chosen password and confirms the password provided.
Step 4
When using the 'CTRL-ALT-DEL' Lock, the user simultaneously presses the CTRL, ALT and DEL keys in order that the network security box appears. By simply clocking the 'Lock Workstation' key, a Windows XP operating computer is already protected and can only be unlocked by the user’s password.


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