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General discussion

locking computer and keyboard

by dzdon Jul 23, 2007 8:35AM PDT

I just got a new desk top computer--had a laptop, and was wondering if there is a way to lock the keyboard.

I know you can lock the computer/workstation and use a password to unlock.

I used to have a laptop so I could just shut it and not have my kids tapping the keys and come to find funky things popping up and happening on the computer...

Now I'm just looking to keep the new computer "safe" from little fingers. If I do lock it or log out, would miscellaneous attempts/typing on the keyboard make the password invalid (too many wrong tries) and it won't unlock at all even with the correct password?


I looked in previous posts but didn't find this addressed...if it is already, please send me that link. Thanks much!

Danielle

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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As to locking the computer...
by John.Wilkinson Jul 23, 2007 8:51AM PDT

I've never searched for programs to specifically lock the keyboard so I can't make any suggestions on that front. However, locking the computer would be my suggestion, preventing them from using the mouse and accidentally moving a file to the recycle bin or shutting down before you save. You can enable security settings to deactivate a password after XX number of incorrect tries, but it is not enabled by default, so you're good to go. The worst they could do is press the Sleep button, if your keyboard has one, enabling Sleep/Hibernation/Shut down, depending on which you've set it to do. Just press Windows + L before you walk away and you're all set.

Hope this helps,
John

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(NT) Or set a password on the screensaver.
by Coryphaeus Jul 23, 2007 9:51AM PDT
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How is that done?
by dzdon Jul 23, 2007 10:41AM PDT

How is that different than locking the workstation? and is one way better for busy fingers and random mouse clicking? Just wondering. Thanks!

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The difference is...
by John.Wilkinson Jul 23, 2007 11:43AM PDT

The screensaver would initiate the 'lock' automatically after a user-defined length of time of inactivity. The screensaver would be displayed instead of the logon screen until the mouse is moved or key pressed, at which point you would be shown the logon screen. It's nice if you walk away and forget to lock the computer, but doesn't do it 'on demand,' so it's best to utilize both. To activate the screensaver password, right-click the desktop, select Properties, and on the Screensaver tab check the box to show the logon screen upon resuming the session.

Hope this helps,
John

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That's great!
by dzdon Jul 23, 2007 12:48PM PDT

Thanks! Guess there's always something new to learn! I haven't played around too much to find out all the things the computer does!

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Thanks!
by dzdon Jul 23, 2007 10:38AM PDT

I guess I'm fine with just locking it as long as they couldn't deactivate the password by misc. typing which you mentioned would be set in the security settings. There are a couple things my eldest could click on with the mouse, but those seem more 'fixable'! I know it's just time before I really have to get my parental controls all set on the computer!
I appreciate your reply!

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