Computer security Questions

[Cronus]

Sup guys.

Im concerned about my computer files and projects on my pc, with a new roomate thats been using my pc sometimes with permission, and sometimes without. I have some really private files and whatnot. And i fear his lack of computer skills, will overall give a negitive effect on my pc. (ie. He doesn't know jack about viruses and adware crap). And since i have a job and the need to attend my classes, im not home and he is lurking around freely on my pc.

2 Questions:

1. Q: My roomate knows about hidden files, that i hide on my pc. He can use the search program to find them out. Is there any other program avail. to further hide my folders and files?

2. Q: I use passwords on my Win xp pro login. But i over heard him talking to a "computer expert" over the phone, about how to bypass these login passwords. I over heard him also saying that he wants the "expert" to partition and keep seperate accounts. Is there any way i can further protect my pc? Ive added a password to the bios and a complex password for the win longin. Is this enough? i changed my bootup drive from floppy to the Cd-Rom. Again is this enough to stop a so called "expert"? Is there a way to Disable bootup drives and setting the option to none?

Im sorry, im not sure were to ask these questions. I figured since i visit these forums the most i'd thought i'd ask here first.
Thanks all for reading.

[j7wild]

maybe this will help:

http://www.laracroftonline.com/cgi-b...num=1111421451

[Granite]

Sounds like you need a new roommate!

[the_Web_Slinger]

I would have to agree with Granite on this issue. If this guy is going out of his way and doing all kinds of stuff on your computer when your not around you have to probably have to get rid of him. I know how you feel I have some really private files and whatnot on my computer as well and my life and also my job revolves around my computer and I don't let anyone touch it with out direct super vision. But like I said if this guy is doing this stuff and trying to get someone to bypass your passwords that is a blatant invasion of privacy, its no different then someone trying to pick the lock on the front door of your house/apartment. you also said he is lurking around on it when your not home so who knows what he could be doing he could be trying to steal someones Identity or even using yours or he might be doing other things like downloading child porn you never know what he could be up to until the cops are knocking on your door. So my best bet is to do what Granite says and get a new roommate. also I don't know what your computer is like but mine has an extra feature that could be used for security the power cord can detachs/unplugs from the back of my computer in other words I can unplug it from the powerbar and then unplug it other end from the computer itself and take the cord and hide it somewere or take it with me, and well the thing can't run with out the cord but I don't know if yours can do that as well. But anyway I think your best bet is to get a new roommate if they are doing stuff like that behind your back.

[radstar]

Is it a laptop? You can keep it in your car, your trunk not the backseat!

If not, then yes- move out or kick him out. That is an invasion of your privacy. In the meantime, you should save all your private and hidden files on an USB or CD. USB is more handy and always keep it with you. They have USB's with keychains or pens. And they're not too expensive. I keep all of my files on USB in case my computer crashes down... I don't want to lose anything important. So you should cut all your files and paste them on USB. Delete everything that you don't want to be seen. Your roommate would have to find a new hobby.

Good luck!

[j7wild]

I agree with everyones answer, confront him and if he doesn't respect your privacy, get rid of him.

I don't let anyone use my computer.

[Cronus]

Much thanks j7wild, I got all my folders and files hidden now and passworded.

After reading the_Web_Slinger comments, i do suppose his actions are somewhat crossing the line. Im going to have much more serious talk with him now (ie. "What your doing is illegal" lol). And now i am beginning to feel that i should go with a new roomate. But if this dude is doing some real stupid illegal crap; im going to break his legs.

Here are my desktop specifics:
2.6c HT
512ddr
SB audigy 2ZS
80 gig HD
R8500le (aye very shitty indeed)
P4P800 mobo
Antech lanboy

And thanks all for the comments and help guys!
<3

[nourri]

You can indeed overcross the first password in xp like in any windows Os,.

About your hidden files I would make a open dvd or a cd-rom with all my stuffs in it which I ll block with another password.
Then to c if my roomate still snuffing in my babe ( computer) I will open a document like a trailer that allways been shown in my recent documents, like this anytime he ll try to open st in my computer and then erase My recent documents, I would know he s doing st nasty on my babe and like any man should do I would kick his a***s and throw him and all his stuffs by the window.

[enkydu]

sounds pretty bad. I hope it all goes well. I like Radstar's USB jump drive solution. That's a good way to go until you get a roommate that respects you.

[trailergod]

if you are using WinXP Pro.. you can always encypt the files.... or

Passwording Folders in XP
Go to start/run, and type "control folders", click the View Tab
and uncheck the checkbox for "Use simple file sharing"
Rightclick any folder, and look on the "Sharing" tab for the settings you prefer.
Regulate who has access to specific folders.

[Cronus]

Ok i applied a lock on my chasis for my pc and now i have purchased a USB drive to keep all my stuff saved. (Damn, these things are life savers!). Had a talk with him, and now we got it all figured out!

Thanks guys for the help!

P.S. TrailerGod, ive always wanted to say this everytime i red one of your posts, 'Your sig is soo ****ing awsome!'

[radstar]

I'm so glad it all worked out! Bravo!