I'll be doing a reinstall soon. I never setup a Windows password during the last install. I'm the only user but friends occasionally will use my computer. I'm thinking I should let them use the Guest account instead of mine. I'm here (and watching) when they use the computer.
Would a Windows password be a good idea even if I'm the main user? Would this further protect me against any intrusions?
No password is asking for trouble anyone can get at your data locally or if they get into the network anyone in the world another account for friends is good so they don't see your data
Windows password is very weak. Any one can boot from a Linux disk and have access or even reset your password.
But as it's for your friends, I think it's an excellent idea to limit their access using a guest account.
I never used Windows password. Nonetheless I am the only user of my computer and I never let anyone touch it.
I also have laptop that is frequently borrowed by my friends. Although it has weak security, I still use Windows password as a light screen of defense. I added a separate user account for my friends. I also use built in security features (like BIOS password and drive encryption) in case anything bad happens.
I use a password because I back up to a server, and Windows 7 insists that if you want to back up to a network location, thou must have a password.
Otherwise, it's so easily broken, why bother?
Darn. . .didn't even know you could set Windows 7 with a password. . .sure hope folks don't find a way into my laptop. Guess I will have to get a chain and lock and attach it to my wrist. . .:)
Access to my network is the only reason for passwords on my system. You can set the password, hit Windows key +R type control userpasswords2 and uncheck users must enter a password if you don't want to login every time.
Many bios have the ability to install a password.
When installing Windows 7 you can also install a password during installation.
I don't use either. My cats short fingers don't allow her to type. No one else has access to my computers.
I can't imagine loaning a computer to anyone.
Jack
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