Hello Helot, welcome to TechTalk!

What you're describing is the password function embedded in the computer's BIOS. Although makes and versions of BIOSes vary, every PC has one, and they almost invariably have a password-protection option.

To enable the password protection you need to enter the BIOS setup program. This is done by pressing a certain key as the computer boots up (but before Windows starts booting). The exact key you need to press varies between BIOSes, but DEL, F1, and F2 are three very comon ones. Watch your screen when the computer starts to boot; many BIOSes will display a "Press some key to enter setup" message, and if you press the specified key at that point you'll be put into the BIOS seup program. From there it isn't very difficult to find and set the security/password options.

As long as the password you specify isn't easily guessed, about the only way your son could get into your computer after you set the BIOS password is to physically open the computer's case and clear the BIOS settings by removing the BIOS back-up battery or by using the BIOS-reset jumpers on the motherboard.

Repost if you have any more questions on this and we'll get you sorted.

Windows XP also supports user accounts, so that each member of the family can login to Windows with their own username and password. Each user can be granted different permissions. i.e. an administrative user can install programs while a regular user only has the ability to use them.

But, yes, if you want to prohibit computer usage entirely to those who don't know a password, the BIOS option is best.

...Of course, if your son is knowledgable about computers, he may already know how to reset a BIOS password jumper.

My Advice: Have a BIOS password. Have a Windows password. Lock the keyboard in a gun safe when it's not being used, and lock the door of the room containing the keyboard.

Just kidding about the gun safe... But a locked door never hurts!

WOW! Thanks for the welcome, and for the information! You know, when my son was younger I tried putting the keyboard under my bed at night. Guess what he did? He had a friend buy a cheap keyboard for him, and late at night he would plug his in and do computer while I was sleeping! (until I caught him, of course). That BIOS password thing sounds perfect. I want to keep him from using and installing junk on ours. If the day ever comes that he screws around with ours and the BIOS stuff, that will be the day he gets booted out of the house. BOOTED. I made a computer funny! :-)

Now I just need to get out and get a new computer. Say, are there any brands that you guys suggest I NOT purchase? Any brands that are more reliable than others that don't require a second mortgage on my house to buy?

Without opening a can of worms:

Dell's cheap. If you just need a "Meat and Potatoes" system, where all you'll be doing is web, email, etc, a 2400 would be nice. If you want a bit more performance, there's the 4600, which is still relatively inexpensive, but is more expandable than the 2400.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

I was going to say...if he knows anything at all he'll be able to trip that jumper without an issue. :cheesy:

Hello,

If I had to get a Windows system, I would go with Dell too. I would not go with HP/Compaq for a PC or an inkjet printer (prefer Epson inkjets). I would not be seen alive with a Gateway.

Christian

Agreed


Absolutely.


Hey there- watch it Christian! :mrgreen:

I've got 2 GW boxen, and they've been very nice to me, thank you. Granted, they're rather old (from back in the day when GW was good), but one of them is still quite happily running 6 operating systems (Win 98/2k/XP and RH 7.3/Mandy 8/RH 9.0)

Dell, huh? Goodness....... we have Dells at work. The entire office is filled with Dells - 26 of them to be exact. Lately three machines have had trouble and needed to have ghosting done. Seems like someone is always having a problem with one.

Perhaps it is the operator and not the machine, huh? ;-)

I've seen a lot of ads locally for e-machines. Sounds like a lot of stuff for the money, and nice rebates as well. Anybody have opinions on those?