If your computer is in an area where other people may have physical access to it while it is up and running, you should consider setting up an automatic screen saver program with password protection. These programs operate on a timer, so that if you leave your workstation idle for a length of time, the screen saver will engage. If you password protect it, others will not have access to your desktop and open applications in your absence. Another other option is to use manual desktop locking, but of course you have to remember to use it!
Desktop locking is especially important if you leave applications running, and have access to sensitive or confidential information.

Manually locking a computer:

Below are some links to help set up locking on your computer:

• Mac
• Windows

To set up a Screen Saver with Password Protection on Windows:

1. Click Start, Settings, Control Panel
2. Click on Display to open the Display Properties window
3. Select the Screen Saver tab
4. In the Screen Saver section, select a screen saver from the selection list. Modify the settings as desired.
5. Check the “Password Protected” option.
6. Select a timer setting in the “Wait” option. A timer of 5 minutes is recommended.
7. Click on “Apply”, then “OK”
This will invoke your workstation screen saver when the timer expires. When you press a key to engage your desktop, you will be prompted to enter your workstation password in order to access your desktop. NOTE: If you use a Novell client, you will be prompted to enter control-alt-delete, and then your Novell password, to unlock your desktop.
Manually engaging the Desktop Lock:

If you use a Novell client for access to file and print services, you also have the option of manually engaging the desktop locking function.

1. Press the control-alt-delete keys at any time, and you’ll be presented with an option panel.
2. Select “Lock Workstation”

When you press a key, you will be prompted to enter the control-alt-delete sequence, and then your Novell password, to unlock your desktop.