need help to keep out nosy roomate...

[adlianb]

ok, here's the deal. i usually leave my computer running cos i'm a heavy downloader. i usually just switch off my monitor when i'm away from the computer thus leaving the computer to download away.
here's the problem, i have a roomate who like to snoop using my computer and reading my documents, all sort of things!!! he of course do this when i'm away and since all i did is switch off the monitor, he can easily switch on the monitor to access my comp.
my question is, is there anyway to stop him!?!? any hardware or device that can lock the computer or monitor?? perhaps some sort of software where u need to enter password to use the comp. i tried the window stand by mode but that shut off watever program i'm running and kill my internet connection.
i'm sure some of u have such a problem and i seriously need your help!! i'm going crazy!!!

 

[Heisenberg]

Hit "Windows key + l".

 

[NuclearFusi0n]

What version of windows?

 

[Reliant]

Have the screen saver come on after a few minutes and password it.

 

[Corporate Thug]

ummm, you just described my roomate. use a screensaver with a password

 

[m2kewl]

set up screen saver password

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: m2kewl
set up screen saver password

Can't they just reboot after that?

 

[Supermercado]

Just lock it with Windows, if you can. It's not hard and will do exactly what you need to do. Or do like others have suggested and set it so a password-protected screensaver comes on shortly after you leave.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: m2kewl
set up screen saver password

Can't they just reboot after that?

Set a login password and maybe even a BIOS password.

 

[Viper GTS]

Require a logon ID + password to use the PC & lock the box when you walk away from it.

Simple.

Oh, and get a new roommate.

Viper GTS

 

[Corporate Thug]

also, i saw this thing at compgeeks where it makes u plug in a key to some device that goes in the 5.25 bay to start windows

 

[OldSpooky]

Follow the advice that the others have said (lock your workstation when you are away, set passwords), and also tell your roommate that you don't appreciate him using your computer without your permission.

He sounds like a pretty rude person to me.

 

[rgwalt]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: m2kewl
set up screen saver password

Can't they just reboot after that?

Screen saver password combined with a BIOS password. On boot (or reboot) you have to enter a password before the computer will load windows. He can get around that by opening the computer and resetting the CMOS, but that is a lot of trouble to go through just to snoop on someone's machine.

Personally, I would just kick his ass and tell him to stay out of my stuff, but that is just me. Or, find a new roommate. Why do you put up with that kind of behavior?!?

Ryan

 

[fumbduck]

he watching your porn?

 

[adlianb]

whoaaa....thanks so much for the load of suggestion guys!!!
i'm using window 2000 at the moment with ECS K7S5A motherboard. but how do i set up Screen saver password and a BIOS password??

 

[bonk102]

and to be sure to be a total d*ck, leave a word document on your desktop that is a fake email/letter to your mom or friend or whatever that explains how much of a loser jackass your roomate is and how he always snoops in your stuff. That should piss him off, then start using the passwords

 

[Kev]

st@b him.

 

[adlianb]

bump!!

 

[SociallyChallenged]

adlianb, If you're using Windows 2000, hit ctrl+alt+delete and the menu thing will open, click on lock computer. Then all you have to do to get back on is type your password in...Simple as that

BTW, you can also just hit ctrl+alt+delete and after the menu pops up, just hit enter, then it will lock. I do it all the time =) Its the quick way.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: maladroit
st@b him.

I wonder why you had to circumvent the word filter to post that?

 

[blakeatwork]

Ctrl+alt+del -> lock Workstation -> problem solved... as long as he doesn't know your passwords of course..

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: adlianb
whoaaa....thanks so much for the load of suggestion guys!!!
i'm using window 2000 at the moment with ECS K7S5A motherboard. but how do i set up Screen saver password and a BIOS password??

Win2K is secure enough that all you need is a screen saver password(although I personally would reccomend an upgrade to WinXP; you can do a "fast user switch", which totally locks out the account by bringing it to the login screen, but keeps your programs running). Anyhow, all you need to do is select a screensaver(I reccomend blank), and then hit the checkbox for "password protect." Then enter a password, and you're set. Activation is a bit tricky(when you want to leave, the easiest thing to do is set the timer to 1 minute, and wait for it to kick in), but it should do the trick none the less.

Edit: Or you could use the lock-workstation method. Hey I don't use Win2K much, alright?

 

[HonkeyDonk]

have you first tried telling him to not use your computer?