How do i deterr roomates from using my computer?

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

BCYL

Diamond Member
Jun 7, 2000
7,803
0
71
Well since u said he doesnt have his own computer, and he would be pissed if you tell him not to use yours, just create an account on your XP machine for him to use... but limit his priviliages as you see fit... I think that's your best solution...
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
Do what my co-worker did... make the password "f*ckoff". So when they ask you... you can tell them what it is, but they wouldn't think to try it. ;)
 

MichaelD

Lifer
Jan 16, 2001
31,528
3
76


<< or you can start using a dvorak keyboard. >>



Cruel, cruel, cruel. But freakin' hilarious! :D Anyone ever see one of these things? It's EEEEEEEVil.
 

spanky

Lifer
Jun 19, 2001
25,716
4
81
sneeze all over the monitor and keyboard and mouse. if they clean it up, they deserve to use it. :p
 

Lithium381

Lifer
May 12, 2001
12,452
2
0


<< or you can start using a dvorak keyboard. >>



hahaha that was my first thought as soon as i read the title
 

joe678

Platinum Member
Jun 12, 2001
2,407
0
71
just install some program that allows multiple desktops, that way they can do their thing without closing your stuff and everyone is happy...otherwise bonk him on the head the next time u see him...:D
 

Giscardo

Senior member
May 31, 2000
724
0
0
I had linux on here at one point, but it was a dual boot. I succeeded in my efforts by setting it up so that i could log in from work and from other computers and use emacs to program and stuff. I would tell them not to reboot it into windows because i would log in from work.

I installed XP to mess with XP and to play games. I removed linux cause i needed the extra HD space so here I am now. BTW, does anyone know how to set it up so that i can log into my home computer using a remote desktop?
 

Yo Ma Ma

Lifer
Jan 21, 2000
11,635
2
0
Before you leave, replace good keyboard with cheap or broken one, apply layer of superglue to some keys and see who gets stuck.

Sell bottle of acetone for best extortion amount it will bring.
 

Adul

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
32,999
44
91
danny.tangtam.com


<<

<< install xp and give them their own user accounts and enable fast user switching give them guest access and you'll be fine. >>

>>



i did that for one of my brothers and my friends. makes life a lot easier to deal with someone else using my pc.
 

ggavinmoss

Diamond Member
Apr 20, 2001
4,798
1
0
Take the rational, mature approach: set some boundaries for the roomie and set up a guest-type account. While it's fun to think of all the ways you could screw with him, you seem to want to keep on friendly terms.
 

yakko

Lifer
Apr 18, 2000
25,455
2
0


<< I have password protected windows logon but one roomate pestered me until i gave him the password >>

Stop doing sh!t like this.


I would just flat out say no or let them use the test machine.
 

Cruisin1

Golden Member
Oct 10, 1999
1,119
0
71


<< or you can start using a dvorak keyboard. >>



These keyboards rock I hear. Yeah it'll be a bitch for the first month you use it, but the benefits are supposedly quite good. It's like the best feeling, most ergonomic, and you supposedly will type faster. This is though the ones I've seen are kinda bulky hehe.... I was thinking of migrating to one, but the main things stopping me is the time it would take to get used to it.
 

GiGoLo

Senior member
Oct 1, 2001
453
0
0
try one of these 2... worked for me :p

1. if your motherboard supports it, go in the bios and turn the "Power On" option to "Hotkey only - ctrl-F1"... i think this might only be found on ABIT mobo's, but neways, no one else knows how to turn it on but me (and now you guys :p )

2. if your motherboard doesn't support it (like my old comp), i actually did something kind of drastic... i disconnected the "power sw" connector from the mobo and cut the connector off.... to turn the comp on, just touch the 2 exposed ends together and voila, comp turns on... they'll never figure that one out :p
 

Wolfsraider

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2002
8,305
0
76
change the password and pretend you can't figure it out and then create a guest pasword this works great and even better if it "takes you a few days to get it working"as they will be happy to play and will have their own space lol
 

johneetrash

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
3,791
0
0
everyone on here is mean

just teach him how to use the damn thing and tell him what/what not to do.

 

GiGoLo

Senior member
Oct 1, 2001
453
0
0


<< everyone on here is mean

just teach him how to use the damn thing and tell him what/what not to do.
>>



if it was just my roommates, then maybe i would... but being a college student and having 20 different people walking in and out of my apartment all day, i get kind of sick of having to scroll through 20 screennames on aim, finding 20 new aim download folders, a crapload of temp files, a bunch of crap in my ie history, etc etc.... u get sick of it
 

Skyclad1uhm1

Lifer
Aug 10, 2001
11,383
87
91
One very easy solution: Limit internet access to your own account.

They'll be able to logon, but not be able to internet.
 

Jugernot

Diamond Member
Oct 12, 1999
6,889
0
0
rub human feces all over the keyboard. Or you could just load Win2k or XP with a password... Either way would probably work. I'd go with the latter, as doesn't require an open flame to disinfect the area.
 

JSang

Senior member
Feb 3, 2002
641
0
0
voice activated logon...or use a thumbscan logger
cant bug you until you give them your finger or voice can they?
 

NuclearFusi0n

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2001
7,028
0
0
I dont care if my roomie uses my comp. I thought I would but I really dont...only thing he does is play my DivX movies, or play counterstrike...or change the movie if i fall asleep while watching one :D cool guy he is :)
I just lock the computer if there's ever a time when i need him to not touch it...
 

Derango

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2002
3,113
1
0
And if you use XP or 2k, you can also lock your computer and stop them from closing and opening programs...unless they reset it...but they still wouldn't be able to get in since they don't know the password :)