Sneaky housemate using my computer

[Supernick]

I'm sure that my housemate is using my computer when I'm not in, but how can I find out. He's more technologically savvy than me, and I can only go about as far as checking the internet history. Suggestions?

[Psychick]

If hes using it to access the internet then dont keep your password saved and change it so he cant connect.

[daffy654]

Check TEMP and Temporary Internet files.Also try setting up the PC so that you need a password to log on and use a password consisting of random letters and numbers so that it can't be guessed.

[Psychick]

legend I wouldve suggested that but Im computer illiterate! The internet connection password thing is as clever as I get! lol

[Buenchico]

Somebody who's 'computer savvy' will know how to delete most of the usual history. However, he can't delete all evidence of the fact that your PC has been used.

Go to Start > Search and run a search for *.*
(That will find every file on your PC).
Repeatedly click on the 'Modified' column heading, until the list is ordered with the most recent files at the top. Even simply switching your PC on or off creates or modifies files. If anyone has been using your PC while you weren't around, there will be loads of files displaying the relevant dates and times. (Your friend couldn't possibly delete all of them because he'd still have to log off which then modifies some more files. If he's been using your PC you'll soon spot it).

Chris

[weeal]

I recently noticed my PC had been used when a 'workman' had been in my flat whilst I was at work (letting agent gave him a key), I run a search when i got in as I just knew he had been using it (Im so tidy) and saw every file he had opened in the 21 minutes he was on.
I called the police as I was disgusted at his unprofessional behaviour and, after all, I didnt know where else he had been nosey in my property. I asked for them to just give him a warning. NOW I have a password to even use to PC.

[SlackAlice]

Set a password in the 'Bios' settings and Administrator password as well. The pc will not even 'boot' up then. I always set a password in the 'bios' before I go away.

[ACtheTROLL]

lookee here
if it's a problem ... you need to know how


http://support.microsoft.com/kb/279783

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentati on/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/app_reskit.ms px?mfr=true

Security and administration | Passwords and user accounts |

It's not difficult.
chose a password you won't forget ......

[meredith101]

A keylogger (google it) would let you know everything he was up to.
Others using your PC very dangerous, apart from leaving viruses for you, who knows what sites they've been visiting...
Lock it down