Easy Steps to Secure your Computer

Configuring/Securing Administrator Accounts

With the growing threat of malicious software and identity theft (someone trying to steal your personal information so as to make purchases and do other things while pretending to be you), it is important to secure your computer with a password, and to "lock" your computer with that password when you step away from it. This will help protect you against hacker attempts to access your system, and from someone accessing your files when you are away from your computer or in the event it is stolen. Of course, you should also secure your computer with a cable lock and be wary of where you leave it!

Set a Log-on Password (for off-campus/standalone PCs)

1. Open the Control Panel (click Start -> Control Panel).
   
2. If the Control Panel screen has a colored background and says "Pick a category" at the top, click Switch to classic view on the left.
   
3. Double-click User Accounts.
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5. Click Change an account.
   
6. Click the picture next to your user name.
   
7. Click Create a password.
   
8. Type a password in the first field, then retype it again in the second field. Click Create Password..
   
   
9. Click Yes, Make Private. This will make your computer more secure by allowing only someone logged in as yourself or another administrator to access your files.
   

Setting Screen Saver Settings

You have set a password for your "account" on your computer. Now configure your computer to require that password in order to gain entry to your computer after the screensaver has come on.

Right-click on the desktop of your computer. Click Properties.

Click the Screen Saver tab at the top.

Select the screen saver you would like to use from the drop down menu. Then select the wait time. We recommend 20 minutes. That is, after 20 minutes of inactivity, your computer’s screensaver will start, and to use your computer again, you will have to enter your password. Select On resume, password protect. Click OK.

Setting a Password for the Administrator Account

Windows XP (both Home and Professional versions) have a "hidden" administrator account. By default, it does not have a password set. In order to avoid serious security problems, it is best to set a password for this account on your computer.

1. Turn your computer off completely. Wait 15 seconds, then restart it. When your computer manufacturer's logo appears on the screen (Dell, Compaq, HP, etc.), start pressing the F8 key on your keyboard. If you've done this correctly, a text menu should appear. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to select "Safe Mode," then hit Enter.
   
   
   
   
2. The next text menu will present you with an operating system selection. In most cases, you will only see "Microsoft Windows XP." Make sure this is highlighted, then hit Enter.
   
   
   
   
3. When Safe Mode has loaded, you should be presented with the Welcome screen. Select "Administrator."
   
   
   
   
4. When the Adminstrator account is loaded, you will be presented with a warning message. Click the OK button.
   
   
   
   
5. Open the Start menu, then click on Control Panel.
   
   
   
   
6. In the Control Panel, open the User Accounts icon.
   
   
   
   
7. The User Accounts screen will list several accounts that are present on your machine. Take note that you will likely have one for Administrator, and another one (that you named when setting up your computer initially). Select the Administrator account.
   
   
   
   
8. In the Administrator account settings screen, click on the link for "Create a password."
   
   
   
   
9. In the password creation window, fill out the requested blanks When you're finished, hit the Create Password button. You may be asked if you wish to make this account's files private. Click either Yes or No (depending on your preference), then click Finish. You should be returned to the User Accounts window. Close this window, then restart your computer normally.