Basic computer security

I have a 15 year old son who knows that if you reboot the
computer you can get past the security passwords on the
screen saver or standby and the user passwords. I have
Windows 98. Is there a way I can password my computer
before windows comes on?

In other words, can a password be set up in MS Dos before
Windows comes on?

Cheryl
Tue Aug 26 09:36:23 CDT 2003

Yes. It's called a "system" or "bios" password, and it is created in the
Setup for your computer. At the beginning of your computer's boot cycle,
you will usually see a message like: "Press F2 for Setup", or some other
key combination. You may also wish to consult the manual that came with
your computer for more information.


--
Cheryl Fischer
Law/Sys Associates
Houston, TX

"tudorjam" <tudorjam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:0c2901c36bdc$bb24bcb0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> I have a 15 year old son who knows that if you reboot the
> computer you can get past the security passwords on the
> screen saver or standby and the user passwords. I have
> Windows 98. Is there a way I can password my computer
> before windows comes on?
>
> In other words, can a password be set up in MS Dos before
> Windows comes on?
>

YoKenny
Tue Aug 26 09:37:17 CDT 2003

tudorjam wrote:
> I have a 15 year old son who knows that if you reboot the
> computer you can get past the security passwords on the
> screen saver or standby and the user passwords. I have
> Windows 98. Is there a way I can password my computer
> before windows comes on?
>
> In other words, can a password be set up in MS Dos before
> Windows comes on?

Reliably no.
To help you as this topic has been answered many many times before.
http://securityadmin.info/noframes/faqget.asp#stop
http://securityadmin.info/noframes/faqget.asp#password9x

Chris
Tue Aug 26 09:38:53 CDT 2003

Windows 98 is not a secure operating system. You can set up a BIOS password,
but make sure you remember what it is. Consult your system documentation for
details on how to do this. But, if you want to be able to limit access, you
should consider upgrading to a more secure operating system, such as Windows
2000 or Windows XP.

--
Chris Jackson
Software Engineer
Microsoft MVP - Windows XP
Windows XP Associate Expert
--
"tudorjam" <tudorjam@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:0c2901c36bdc$bb24bcb0$a501280a@phx.gbl...
> I have a 15 year old son who knows that if you reboot the
> computer you can get past the security passwords on the
> screen saver or standby and the user passwords. I have
> Windows 98. Is there a way I can password my computer
> before windows comes on?
>
> In other words, can a password be set up in MS Dos before
> Windows comes on?
>