How do I make my computer secure? Password-protecting Windows doesn't do much--all someone has to do to get on my PC is press Esc.

Muhammad Hadiaziam Mamat Dungun Terengganu, Malaysia

Windows' log-on password doesn't actually secure your system, although in Windows 2000 it can secure files and folders. In other versions of Windows, it merely prevents people from logging on with your name. This is useful in business environments because it prevents a coworker from masquerading as you over a network, for example. But otherwise it's really not much different from having no system security at all.

To keep people off your system entirely, you need a boot-up password. Most PCs let you create one through their setup menu. Setup varies from one computer to another, so I can't give you exact instructions. Typically, pressing Delete soon after you turn on the computer--before it starts loading Windows--brings up the setup menu. If Delete doesn't work, try Insert or Esc. Then search the various submenus of the setup menu until you find the password options.

Boot-up passwords aren't perfect, however. Someone could still get on your computer while you're logged on but away from your desk. To protect against this, password-protect either your screen saver or your system's standby mode. If you use a screen saver, right-click the desktop, select Properties, and click the Screen Saver tab. Check Password protected and click OK. For standby or hibernate mode, right-click the desktop, select Properties, click the Screen Saver tab, and choose the Settings button in the Energy Star box. In the Power Options Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab and then check Prompt for password when computer goes off standby or hibernate.

Now whenever your PC awakens from the screen saver or from standby or hibernate mode, you'll have to re-enter your Windows password.

You can also encrypt files or folders. I've discussed this before, most recently last October in "Password-Protect Folders" and last February in "Free Folder Encryption."

PC Guardian's Encryption Plus Folders is a very good file-and-folder encryption program, the freeware version of which you can download at PCWorld.com's Downloads library or directly from the vendor. The $50 retail version has a few tricks that you won't find in the free one, such as 192-bit Blowfish encryption (the free version offers only 64-bit) and the ability to encrypt the subfolders of an encrypted folder.

Finally, let's look at that Windows 2000 exception. To encrypt a file or folder on a drive in the NT File System format, right-click it and select Properties. Click the Advanced button on the General tab (yes, it should be on the Security tab). Then check Encrypt contents to secure data, click OK twice, and answer any resulting questions. Items that you encrypt will be accessible only when you type in your password at the Windows log-on screen.

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