CHAPTER 10: Protecting Your Computer

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Using startup and hard drive passwords

Tips & Tricks

Make sure that you use a password you can remember. The password feature is very secure, and you cannot bypass it. If you forget your password, you will have to return your computer to Gateway so

we can reset it.

Use a startup and hard drive password to keep other people from using your computer. You have to enter your password when you turn on your computer or access your files.

These passwords are set in your computer’s BIOS Setup utility. Use a password that you can remember but that would be hard for someone else to guess.

Using Windows XP user accounts

Help & Support

For more information about Windows XP user accounts, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the phrase user accounts in the Search box, then click the arrow.

Windows lets you set up a user account for each person who uses your computer. When you set up user accounts, Windows sets up a My Documents folder for each account. You can assign a password to each account so only the account owner can access files in the My Documents folder.

When you set up a user account, you can also limit the programs that a user can install or run.

Adding and modifying user accounts

You can create and customize a user account for each person who uses your computer. You can also change between user accounts without turning off your computer.

User account tips

■If you want to create an account for someone, but you do not want that user to have full access to your computer, be sure to make that account limited. Remember that limited accounts may not be able to install some older programs.

■If a program or peripheral device is installed in one account, it may not be available in other accounts. If this happens, install the program or device in the accounts that need it.

■Files created in one account are not accessible from other accounts unless the files are stored in the Shared Documents folder. The Shared Documents folder is accessible from all accounts on that computer and from other computers on the network.

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