Locking a Computer

[JMJ_coder]

What is the best way to lock a computer when you will be away. Maybe your just taking a break, maybe going to a meeting - how can you prevent others from using your system.

- For the sake of this thread, let's assume that simply logging off isn't an option -

[J65nko]

How do you prevent others from entering your house?

-For the sake of this thread, let's assume that simply locking all doors and closing all windows isn't an option -

[18Googol2]

If you are paranoid, pull out the hard disk

[BSDfan666]

Log out? disable single user logins via /etc/ttys.. lock the door that leads to the room with the computer?

If it's in a public area, smack yourself for putting a computer in a public area...

(Oh, and encrypt your dirty secrets... we all have them.. don't deny it. )

[BSDKaffee]

If you're using X11, try something like xlockmore. You may want to have a look that this thread as well.

[corey_james]

when i cared about this i made a fluxbox shortcut

Mod4 L :ExecCommand xscreensaver-command -lock

[ephemera]

i used to use a nice tool called xtrlock.

[JMJ_coder]

Originally Posted by J65nko

How do you prevent others from entering your house?

-For the sake of this thread, let's assume that simply locking all doors and closing all windows isn't an option -

Well, what if you have several guests over and you need to run and get ice really quick. How do you keep them out of the house (let's overlook the fact of not trusting friends in this example).

The point I was getting at is what if you have an application running - maybe compiling, or downloading a large file, or being remotely connected to a server, etc. - you're going on break or you have a meeting - and you don't necessarily trust people to not help themselves. What would you do?

[TerryP]

(To butt in) I would probably change to vtty1 or another unused (and not logged in vtty), because none of my friends understand how to use MS-DOS ;-)

Maybe even use one of the console based matrix screensaver like programs in ports, and a dummy user with it as there login shell lol. Against smart people, you're basically screwed, because eventually someone will figure out a way in.


I would think though, for most practical reasons: kill escape from X (control+alt+backspace, changing vtty's, exit/logout/etc buttons in WM) as best you can, and locking your display/console should keep most people at bay for awhile (even if they try the obvious escapes, it buys you time to get back before they think of a useful way around).

Just my 2 cents U.S.