locking favorites

[justme]

I am running XP and internet explorer 7. Is there a way to lock my
"favorites" or "bookmarks" so if my kids get on the computer they cannot view
them?

 

[Gurpreet Singh]

Create a different user for your kids, you can specify what they can view and
what they cannot or even if they should be able to use the net.

 

[justme]

This is on my work computer and my kids are always trying to get on it if I
step away. I understand how to go on standby or hibernate etc. I understand
about how to set up different user accounts for our home computer.

 

[Malke]

This is on my work computer and my kids are always trying to get on it if
I
step away. I understand how to go on standby or hibernate etc. I
understand about how to set up different user accounts for our home
computer.

Who is the parent here? I know what would happen if my kids disobeyed me
about touching my work computer.

Set a strong password and when you step away from the computer, lock it
(Windows Key + L). See below for more general security information along
these lines.

Any computer running any operating system can be accessed by someone with 1)
physical access; 2) time; 3) skill; 4) tools. There are a few things you
can do to make it a bit harder though:

1. Set a password in the BIOS that must be entered before booting the
operating system. Also set the Supervisor password in the BIOS so BIOS
Setup can't be entered without it.

2. From the BIOS, change the boot order to hard drive first.

3. Set strong passwords on all accounts, including the built-in
Administrator account in XP (it is disabled by default in Vista).

4. If you leave your own account logged in, use the Windows Key + L to lock
the computer (and/or set the screensaver/power saving) when you step away
from the computer and require a password to resume.

5. Make other users Limited accounts in XP Home, regular user accounts in XP
Pro. All users should be on a Standard account in Vista with an
Administrator account only used for elevation purposes.

6. Set user permissions/restrictions:

If you have XP/Vista Home, you don't have the built-in ability to create
fine-grained limitations, so use either MVP Doug Knox's Security Console or
the MS SteadyState program to set the restrictions the way you want.
SteadyState supports Vista now.

http://www.dougknox.com
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sharedaccess/default.mspx
More on SteadyState: http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=27570
SteadyState support -
http://forums.microsoft.com/WindowsToolsandUtilities/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1660&SiteID=69

If you have XP Pro, Media Center, Vista Business or Vista Ultimate, you can
use Group Policy to set restrictions (gpedit.msc). Be very careful using
the Group Policy editor; it is completely possible to lock yourself out.
Questions about group policy should be posted here:

microsoft.public.windows.group_policy

Please understand that these are technical responses to what is basically a
non-technical problem and there are ways around all of these precautions.
This is a family/interpersonal issue that can't be solved by technical
means.

Malke

 

[justme]

Holy crap Malke,
Settle down. This isn't some international security crisiis nor is it a
parenting crisis. I was simply curious.

 

[Malke]

Holy crap Malke,
Settle down. This isn't some international security crisiis nor is it a
parenting crisis. I was simply curious.

I don't need to "settle down". I'm not the one with the disobedient
children. I gave you my standard answer to this very frequently asked
question. Take it or leave it.

EOT for me.

Malke

 

[Twayne]

I don't need to "settle down". I'm not the one with the disobedient
children. I gave you my standard answer to this very frequently asked
question. Take it or leave it.

EOT for me.

Malke

Takes all kinds to make the worl whirl round.

You should actually settle down and concentrate on answering the
questions that are asked. Or go become a rent-a-cop; you might be a lot
happier there.
Twayne