When you are not at your desk using your computer, anybody else could be using it instead. This gives a person the ability to install a virus, steal files, or perform actions while appearing to be you. Locking your work station or requiring a password when returning from a screen saver are excellent ways of preventing this.
To require a password to return from a screen saver in Windows:
1. Right click on a blank part of the Windows Desktop and click Properties
2. Click on the Screen Saver tab
3. Choose a screen saver that you would like to use
4. In the Wait box, type the amount of time that you want till the screen saver activates. 5-15 minutes is typically a very usable time.
5. Check the box next to On resume, password protect.Y
To require a password to return from a screen save in a Mac:
1. Click on the Apple menu and select System Preferences
2. Select Security and place a check next to Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver
3. Click on Show All and click on Desktop & Screen Saver
4. Choose a screen saver from the right column
5. Set the Start screen saver: slider bar to somewhere between 5 and 15 minutes.
Windows also gives you the option to lock the workstation at any given time. To do this, press CTRL+ALT+DEL and click the Lock Workstation button.
Need more help? Please contact the Help Desk by email or by phone at 651-523.2220
