If you have friends and family that frequently use your computer, you may want to take steps to protect your personal files and data. Even the most innocent of snoops can accidentally damage or delete irreplaceable information.
One of the simplest things you can do is to activate the guest account on your Windows machine The guest account doesn’t ask for a password when your guests use it; but it does restrict access to the computer. Guests can use programs but they can’t access your
personal files. Also, the guest account doesn’t allow any changes to your system, such as downloading and installing software.
In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel. Double-click User Accounts. Click the guest account and select Turn On the Guest Account.
In Windows Vista, click Start > Control Panel. In Classic View, double-click User Accounts. Select “Manage another account.” Click on the Guest account, then click the Turn On button.
For Windows 7, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove User Accounts. Click on Guest and choose Turn On if the account is currently not active.
One last piece of advice. If you simply walk away from your computer, you remain logged in and the guest account won’t do any good.
Simply hold down the Windows key (located between CTRL and ALT) and press L. That key combination locks the computer while leaving you logged on. When you return, simply enter your password to resume where you left off. Guests can use the computer without interfering with your account.
Taking these two simple measures will help protect you while at the same time allowing your guests to use your computer. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.