The word on passwords

Turn on your computer, and you are asked to enter a password; then you need another one to access your Internet service; and yet another to look up information on your favorite Web site. These days, it’s easy to be inundated with passwords. Unlike computers where you can add as much memory as you like, ours is limited and often overtaxed.

The key is knowing when using a password is really necessary. To help simplify things, here is a quick explanation of commonly used passwords in Windows Me, so you can make educated decisions.

Your pass to personalization
When several people in a home use the same computer, Windows Me allows you to create a separate profile for each user, so you can maintain individual settings for things like screen savers, wallpaper, sound effects, and Web favorites. Each time the computer is turned on, a password box asks for a name and password, so Windows Me can apply the correct settings and log you into your personal identity in Outlook Express. You can change your Windows Me password at any time.

Here's how:

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Click the Passwords icon.
3. In Password Properties, click the Change Windows Password button. If you would like to change any other passwords, select them (or leave the check boxes blank), and then click OK.
4. Type your old password.
5. Type your new password, and then type it again in the Confirm new password box. Click OK.
6. When the "password has been changed successfully" message appears, click OK again, and then click Close.

Note   If you are using Windows Me on a network, you need to be logged on to the network to change your Windows password.

Streamline your logon
If you are the only person using your computer, or if your family does not use profiles, you may find you're still prompted for your name and password each time you log on to Windows Me. If this is the case, entering a password to start Windows each time you turn on your computer may be an unnecessary step.

To simplify your logon procedure, you can eliminate the Windows password. Here’s how to prevent Windows Me from prompting you for a password at startup:

1. In Control Panel, click Passwords.
2. Click the Change Passwords tab, click the Change Windows Password button, and then click OK.
3. In the Change Windows Password dialog box, type your current Windows password in the Old Password box. Leave the New Password and Confirm New Password boxes blank, and then click OK.
4. When the "password has been changed successfully" message appears, click OK.
5. Click the User Profiles tab and verify that the All users of this computer use the same preferences and desktop settings option is selected. Click Close.
6. Restart Windows Me.

Increase security with a screen saver password
Even if you don't use a Windows password, you may want to keep your computer secure when you take a break and walk away from it. Windows Me allows you to assign a password that is activated with your screen saver to prevent anyone else from seeing what is on your computer or using it while you are away.

Normally, when you touch a key or move your mouse, the screen saver will disappear. However, when password protection is turned on, you are asked to enter a password before you can access the computer. If the wrong password is entered, the screen saver will continue to cover the screen, and the keyboard can be used only to enter the correct password.

Here's how to set up a screen saver password:

1. In Control Panel, click the Display icon.
2. In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Screen Saver tab.
3. Select the Password protected box, and then click the Change button.
4. Type your password, and then confirm the password by typing it again.
5. Click OK.

Be sure to check the setting for the amount of time before the screen saver activates. The length of time should be short enough to protect your computer when you are away, but not so short that it turns on every time you pause to look at your notes or take a sip of coffee.

Passwords are very important any time security is an issue, but if you are the only person in your house using your computer, you can simplify your passwords and remember only those that you really need.