Program Suggestions

[Kennedy 0]

OK, so I need a desktop security program.

Requirements:

(A) FREE
(B) It doesn't fuck up everything else when it's "off"
(C) It has an option to automatically run on startup (so as not to be defeated by just turning the tower off)

Suggestions?

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[PhillyKev 0]

Define security?

Do you have high speed connection? If so you should have a NATing router, that's step one. Then I'd say ZoneAlarm for a personal firewall. Any of the good antivirus products. Make sure to update your anti-virus at least once a week. Run spybot, AdAware and a full virus scan once a month and you should be good.

Until the next generation of shit comes down the pike anyway.

[Kennedy 0]

Sorry, I wasn't clear.

I have all the external security I need.

What I need is a program that I can use to deny access to someone who sits in front of my machine. Just something that prompts for a password before allowing access to anything.

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[PhillyKev 0]

Oh....windows screen saver. Turn on password protect, and enable a password in the bios if they try to reboot to get around it.

[indyz 1]

What type of person are you trying to keep from getting into your machine?

The two extremes: If it's a determined, knowledgeable intruder with lots of uninterrupted time in front of the screen, the only real solution is to physically secure the machine, make sure it is behind a locked door when you aren't around . If it's just a nosey roommate who likes to surf for porn and read your email while you are at work, the built-in stuff that comes with Windows 2000 or better will probably suffice.

[Kennedy 0]

Unfortunately that doesn't do it.

You can get around the profile passwords entirely too easily. Hell, I know two ways, I and don't know shit about computers.

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[PhillyKev 0]

Really? I know of several ways but they all involve rebooting the machine. Once the screen saver is up, unless they have the password they can't access the OS without rebooting. That's where the bios password comes into play.

Other than that, see the last post under mine.

[ACMESkydiver 0]

Here you go, buddy.

NOTHING will get through that!!!

~Jaye
Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action.

[Kennedy 0]

yeah, the screensaver is good enough, but the profile thing doesn't accomplish a damned thing.

basically, I'm trying to find something like the below, without the price tag. (and without the trashy marketing and goofy claims aobut being the only one out there)

Quote

Desktop Lock is a powerful computer security protection and access control product, it locks your computer to prevent people from accessing your private documents or resources. After your computer was locked by Desktop Lock, people will not be able to access your documents, browse your computer, or use programs on your computer.
Desktop Lock fully supports all Windows system, includes Windows 2000/XP/NT and Windows98/ME, it is the only lock system software that supports Windows 2000/XP. Desktop Lock provides more features for your use. although it is so powerful, you still can get it with only $24.95!

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[Kennedy 0]

while that would seem to work, (A) it's not free, and (B) if I had a dog I'd be taking him out with me, not leaving him to gurad this POS computer

witty subliminal message
Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards.
1*

[indyz 1]

Quote

yeah, the screensaver is good enough, but the profile thing doesn't accomplish a damned thing.

So I take it you're running Windows 95, 98, or ME? Upgrade. If you can run 98/ME acceptably, you can probably run Windows 2000. If you are using Windows 2000 or better already, I'm not sure what the big deal is. Just disable any Guest or other unused accounts and set good passwords for Admin and your personal account.

[mnealtx 0]

I'll agree with the others that a bios startup password and locking the machine (if you're using 2k/XP) would probably do what ya need...

....However, if you're using 98, you might want to give this a try: Bootlocker

It does startup security and also can lock the computer down when you leave it.

Edit: Ah crud...it's not free anymore! Sorry, Kennedy - I'll look around some more and see if I can find something similar that's free.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[yoink 321]

remember whichever one you get to disable the floppy drive in boot options and to require a password to re enable it.
There are loads of good, free and easy to get hold of password crackers out there that do pretty much everything for a user - of course, they're screwed if they can't boot the thing up!

[nacmacfeegle 0]

There is another way of thinking about this, have you considered a removable drive bay?
Pretty cheap, and dead easy to install.
Pull the drive when you are not using the pooter.
Of course its not much use if you want to secure the PC whilst its running.

http://www.mycableshop.com/3rd_Level/Drawers_IDE.htm
for example.

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