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Saturday October 11th, 2008 » Fall Quarter, Week 2

Safe Computing > Securing Your Computer > Screen Saver Passwords

How To Set Screen Saver Passwords

When you are away from your computer, lock the screen or set a screen saver password. This will prevent someone from using your computer when you are away from your desk.

Windows XP and 2000

  1. Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
  2. In the Control Panel window, double-click on the Display icon.
  3. In the Display Properties window, choose a screen saver from the Screen Saver pull-down menu.
  4. Click the On resume, password protect checkbox.
  5. Click OK.

When your computer screen saver is activated, you will need to type in your Windows username and password to unlock the screen.

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Macintosh

Macintosh OS X (10.3 and later)

  1. Select System Preferences from the Apple Menu or from the Dock.
  2. Select Security from the Personal row.
  3. Click on the Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver checkbox.
  4. Close the System Preferences window.

When your computer screen saver is activated, you will need to type in your Macintosh username and password to unlock the screen.

Macintosh OS X (10.2 and earlier)

  1. Select System Preferences from the Apple Menu or from the Dock.
  2. Select Screen Effects.
  3. Click the Activation tab.
  4. Set the slider to 15 minutes. Your screen saver will automatically turn on after 15 minutes of inactivity.
  5. Click on the Use my user account password checkbox.
  6. Close the System Preferences window.

When your computer screen saver is activated, you will need to type in your Macintosh username and password to unlock the screen.

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Linux

Linux KDE

  1. Go to the KDE Control Center.
  2. Choose Appearance and Themes.
  3. Select Screen Saver.
  4. Check the Start Screen Saver Automatically box.
  5. Check the Require Password to Stop Screen Saver box.
  6. Click the Apply button.

Linux Gnome

  1. Select Desktop Preferences from the Applications menu on the top left side of the desktop screen.
  2. Select Screen Savers.
  3. Select the Display Modes tab.
  4. Check the box for Lock Screen After and set the time to 15 minutes. This will lock the screen after 15 minutes of inactivity.
  5. Close the panel to have the changes take effect.

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