Keeping your data secure is critical. Allowing others access to your computer is unwise to say the least. Think of walking away with your computer “open” in the same way as walking away with your open purse or wallet unattended in a public place. Now I am fairly certain most people would never intend to leave their open purse or wallet unattended and your computer should be treated in the same manner.
It is very easy to “lock” your computer when you get up from your desk to walk away. For example, lets say you want to walk away from your desk, and deliver a hot cup of coffee to your IT Manager. Here are some easy directions to lock your PC while you deliver that much needed cup of coffee:
1. via the keyboard
The easiest way to lock Windows XP is by simply pressing the Windows logo key and the letter L (for Lock) on a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or any other compatible keyboard that includes the Window key. Doing so will pop up the Unlock Computer Password box.
2. via a Shortcut.
If you don't have a keyboard with a Window key or simply don't like the keyboard method, then here's how you can make a desktop shortcut to lock your computer.
Right click an empty area of your desktop, choose New/Shortcut and enter this line as the command line:
rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation Click. Next. Name the shortcut whatever you prefer and click Finish. That's it. Pretty simple wouldn't you say.
There are other ways to lock your workstation such as simply pressing the [ctrl] [alt] and [delete] keys and selecting "lock computer" so please do yourself a favor and lock your computer when you step away from your work area. The data you save may be your own!
Special Thank You to Staci for the spelling correction alert on this entry. You might think that this this bothers me but it does not as it at least proves somebody is reading. Note to all of my dedicated readers: Please feel free to send editorial comments.
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