Bits'n'Bytes

As heard on CJCD

Episode 49

Everybody complains about passwords. You need passwords for your bank, for your computer, for your email, for just about everything. So, you're probably not gonna like what I have to say today.

Passwords are the keys that keep your stuff locked up. You lock up your house and your car so some stranger can't help themselves to your stuff. You should lock your computer up the same way. Even more, actually. The stuff on your computer is yours, personal. No one should be able to gain access to it.

Now, I get some people who say they aren't worried about it, 'cause they don't keep anything of value on their systems. Okay, so no one can steal your banking information because you don't bank online. There are lots of good reasons to password protect yourself anyway. Do other people have access to your computer? Do you want them snooping around your system when you're not there? If you're not protecting yourself, they could install any number of programs on your computer - including programs that can read all your emails, see where you're surfing and who you're talking to on instant messaging programs. Do you really want that?

At the very least, have a logon password on your system. That will keep out most casual attempts to look at your stuff. I'd also recommend putting a BIOS password - that's a password that's required even before your logon screen comes up and makes it even harder to get into your system.

And do yourself a favour - one of the dumbest things I've ever seen Microsoft do is add the ability for your computer to remember all of your passwords for you - including banking, web sites and whatever - don't ever use it - especially if you bank online. That's like getting a new high tech lock for your new Ferrari and leaving the keys in the door. When Windows asks if you'd like it to remember a password for the next time you log into your bank, or wherever, quick as you can say "No!". Remember it for yourself. It's safer for you, and it's even good for your brain.

Stay tuned next week when I talk about your computers BIOS or Basic Input/Output System.

I’m Computer Dave, thanks for your time.