How To Protect Your Computer From Snoops

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Keep private info from prying eyes and earn some peace of mind when you safeguard your PC or Mac against nosy intruders.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Several great passwords
Virtual desktop software
Snoopware blockers
A screen filter
A mirror
A healthy sense of paranoia
WPA encryption
An understanding IT specialist

Step 1: Password-protect your network

When you create a Wi-Fi network, use the instructions that came with your router to set up password-protected encryption. An unprotected network is an open invitation to wireless freeloaders and hackers.

Tip: Encrypt your network with Wi-Fi Protected Access — or WPA — and choose a long password that incorporates numbers and letters.

Step 2: Disable your auto-login

Consult your operating system's help feature to disable your auto-login. If your computer automatically logs you in at start up, you're giving spies a free pass — a would-be snoop can shut down your computer, reboot, and gain automatic access.

Tip: To disable auto-login on your work computer, you'll probably need to talk to the IT specialist first.

Step 3: Password protect your screensaver

Password-protect your screensaver, and shorten the amount of time it takes for it to pop up. A password-protected screen can give you some peace of mind; when you get up to grab a cup of coffee, your computer won't be at the mercy of anyone who wants to poke around your files.

Step 4: Jump between virtual desktops

Jump between virtual desktops, which are like extra screens for your monitor. Each virtual desktop can house different windows, & can disappear or return with a keystroke. Keep several desktops filled with files suited for public viewing while using one just for personal information (including IMs and games). Toggle between them as necessary.

Tip: Virtual desktops can be created on Macs operating with Leopard OS X 10.5 using the feature known as Spaces. A similar PC program for Windows Vista and XP can be downloaded online.

Step 5: Install a snoopware blocker

Install a snoopware blocker on your computer, which keeps outsiders from installing software on your computer that lets them track your every keystroke, peer through your webcam, and more.

Tip: Don't do this at work. Your employer has a right to keep tabs on your computer activity.

Step 6: Invest in a filter

A privacy filter fits directly over your screen, and blurs your data from peripheral angles. Your screen will be essentially unreadable unless seen head-on, making it that much harder for spies to get a glimpse.

Step 7: Mount a mirror

Mount a mirror on top of your monitor. Angle it so that you have a good view of what's going on behind you, and keep a discreet eye on potential busybodies. And if anybody asks, blame it on your need to look great at all times.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• computer
• hothowtos
• information
• internet
• mac
• pc
• privacy
• private
• protecting
• tech
• technology

[tdifan12322]

Step 1:Get a camera

Step 2:At the end of the day look at the tape at the time something was changed or looked at

Step 3:Beat the fuck out of them and tell them not to do it and then give em a wedgie

Step 4:You sir or mam are done

[TheRealKuroKun]

Snooping as usual I see!

[coolcatevan9]

"Don't do this at work. Your employer has a right to keep tabs on your computer activity."

Fuck that shit I do What I want. Anarchy!

[nerfdrifter22]

Step 1: Hide the wires

Step 2: keep it in a safe place

[mike125306]

Step 1 stop watching porn u pervert

[GreenTeaGoku]

WHAT IF A SNOOP IS WATCHING THIS VIDEO TOO?

[FantasyAwakened]

how did i get here?.... whatever im gone...

[KaylaLoveYaLucas]

@tdifan12322 dude....people can snoop from other locations...stupid

[TheShineySmiley]

Im suprized a puppet could know and do all that!

[MrsPsyfic]

I always typ with my mouth. xD