Password log on for home desktop

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Hi,

I was told that requiring a password to bootup my home desktop computer helped to protect me from on-line hackers. Is this true? If it is, why?

Thank you.

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The bootup password prevents physical, direct access to your computer, like your car key prevents someone to use your car without your consent. On-line hackers are looking for software flaws in order to take control of your computer when it is running, so the use of a bootup password is irrelevant because when your machine is on and running, the viruses or malware residing on your hard disk are automatically activated. The best ways to protect your computer is to use a combination of three software: i) a firewall, ii) an anti-virus, iii) a Malware detection. For each category, there are several products, some of them are even free!

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The boot up password keeps you safe if you have visitors that you cannot monitor their activities all the time. Perhaps they are younger people that tend to explore the web and may go to sites that are always suspect! Perhaps they are someone interested in your business. Who knows. It does not hurt to have the password, but it will not protect you from web based attacks.

These passwords are highly recommended for laptops. If you ever acquire a laptop, always password protect it. This is another layer of protection if you “misplace” your laptop.

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Thank you very much Stephane and Ted.

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Thank you very much Stephane and Ted.

The best a bootup password will do is protect you from accidental access. If you lose posession of the laptop to an experienced, determined thief a bootup password won’t help much. Remember for security purposes that if you lose physical posession of a PC or any electronic gear you’ve lost the war.

Joe

--Joe

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