This article explains how to lock your computer to prevent unauthorized access when your computer is not in use. By locking your computer when you're away from you desk, your data is protected from unauthorized access or tampering. Any time you're away from your computer, it should be locked. For more information on CCA's Staff Computer Policy, please visit the Educational Technology Services web site at http://technology.cca.edu/about/policies/securityandshutdown.php.
Locking your Windows Based Computer If you have questions about how to lock your computer, please contact the Helpdesk at 510.594.5010.
1. Save all open unsaved work before proceeding. (Note: because you won't actually log out of your Window session, it is not necessary to first save your open work before following the steps below. It is, however, prudent.)
2. Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete buttons simultaneously.
3. In the window that appears, click on the button marked "Lock Computer."
4. Your computer is now locked! It should display a box similar to the one to the right.
5. To unlock your computer and continue working, press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete buttons simultaneously.
6. Enter your Windows password and click "OK."
7. If you entered your password correctly, you'll be returned to your active Windows session.
Locking your Mac computer Unlike Windows Based computers, Mac machines have no ready-made locking feature. These directions describe how to activate your screen saver, program the screen saver to start when you move the mouse to a specific corner of the screen, and require a password to exit the screen saver. After completing these instructions, you'll be able to move the mouse cursor to a corner of the screen to "lock" your computer (and start the screen saver), and then unlock your computer by entering your password.
If you have questions about how to lock your computer, please contact the Helpdesk at 510.594.5010.
1. Save all open unsaved work before proceeding. (Note: because you won't actually log out of your user session, it is not necessary to first save your open work before following the steps below. It is, however, prudent.)
2. Click on the Apple in the upper left hand corner and choose System Preferences.
3. From the Personal row, click on Desktop & Screen Saver.
4. Ensure the Screen Saver tab is selected.
5. Choose a screen saver from the list on the left.
6. Click the "Hot Corners..." button in the lower left corner.
7. Choose a corner to use as a "Hot Corner." This image shows the upper-left corner selected. Once you've selected a corner, click on the drop down menu in that corner and select "Start Screen Saver."
8. Click "OK" to return to the Desktop & Screen Saver menu.
9. Click "Show All" to return to the System Preference menu.
10. From the System Preferences menu, select Security.
11. Put a check mark in the box next to "Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver".
12. Click "Show All" to return to the System Preference page.
13. Click on the "System Preferences" menu and select Quit System Preferences.
14. Try it out! Move the mouse cursor to the corner you chose and wait for the screen saver to start. Once it starts, you can press any key or move the mouse to make the Authenticate window appear. At the Authenticate window, enter your password to return to the operating system.
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