Computer passwords...

[*bratcat*]

 

[Kymberley]

jesssss there is. My kids do it all the time. They shut the computer down and wait for it to reboot. They just push the button, it shuts down and gives them the scan disk message.

They sit there to make sure the computer is not idle more than a minute and go to screensaver properties and turn it off.


just thought I would let ya' know.

 

[*bratcat*]

 

[Willing and Unsure]

i've been working with mine this weekend to set a password on it.. i've also noticed that running win2k keeps everyone out that doesnt know the password, it doesnt matter what you do with it. it has a feature on it where you can lock the computer, and by locking it, you keep everyone out until they get the right password on it... so unless they know it, there is no getting into it


there is also the option of setting the BIOS password... but a word to the wise.. DO NOT DO THIS unless you know what you're doing. you can really screw up your computer and that means a trip to get either a new one, a new motherboard, or figuring out which jumper on it will clear the password. it prompts the user for a password before they can enter the computer, there is no way to enter it then unless you have the password.. so at that point, all you can do is restart the computer or shut it down.

 

[Unclebill]

What you can do is create a profile for each user. The default profile, if used by no one, doesn't accumulate any of their data. Each can customize their Start menu, Desktop, etc and work separately from others sharing the computer. They CAN access the files since there's no security or access controls on Win 95, 98, Me.

Likewise, you can set up separate user accounts for your browser (at least with Netscape Navigator) so the each user's bookmarks, preferences, mail, etc remain segregated.

With a little initial management, you can set up most applications where each user stores their files in their own directories which further simplifies each person's search for a particular file of their own making.

 

[Paradyce]

there is also the option of setting the BIOS password... but a word to the wise.. DO NOT DO THIS unless you know what you're doing. you can really screw up your computer and that means a trip to get either a new one, a new motherboard, or figuring out which jumper on it will clear the password. it prompts the user for a password before they can enter the computer, there is no way to enter it then unless you have the password.. so at that point, all you can do is restart the computer or shut it down. [/B]

Nope... even if you forget the password you set on the system BIOS, all you need to do is open up the case, take the battery off the motherboard (remembering to put it back after you take it off!!), and your original startup will be restored... POOF... no more password...
Jumpers have nothing to do with a BIOS password... Jumpers control drives as to whether or not to be positioned as "master" or "slave"... (I feel a new thread coming after THAT comment!!)

 

[Gilly Bean]

We have always had a password on startup. The only way to by-pass it is to type it in correctly. That is one that you put into dos. It won't boot past dos without it. Plus, one on windows startup. Then, we also have one that needs to be entered into after the cpu is in standby mode. Also, the one for screen savers.

Why do we have so many? Kids reallly like pounding away at buttons, and programs, and don't care what it does.

 

[Willing and Unsure]

Nope... even if you forget the password you set on the system BIOS, all you need to do is open up the case, take the battery off the motherboard (remembering to put it back after you take it off!!), and your original startup will be restored... POOF... no more password...
Jumpers have nothing to do with a BIOS password... Jumpers control drives as to whether or not to be positioned as "master" or "slave"... (I feel a new thread coming after THAT comment!!)

actually... there is one jumper on the motherboard that will reset the bios password... it will also reset the entire bios to its original configuration, so its not just controlling the drives and so on

 

[Paradyce]

actually... there is one jumper on the motherboard that will reset the bios password... it will also reset the entire bios to its original configuration, so its not just controlling the drives and so on

No kidding?? And here I have been lied to the whole time... Sheesh, now I feel stupid once again!!

Thanks for that info, though!! I had NO idea... I was always told there are jumpers on the drives (which there are) but never told there is a jumper on the motherboard itself!! The things we can learn from an adult BB...

 

[april-wine]

Looking around this thread

Ever feel like you are floating out in space....connected but not really sure what the hell these people are talking about