What is it with the complete lack of internal security?

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 17:21

Windows, Mac... What's the difference?

Why has there never been the functionality to password folders within either OS? It is impossible to keep anything secure without setting up users or buying a 3rd party programme? Do Microsoft and Apple have absolutely no respect for privacy?

There are plenty of documents people like to hid (not including porn

) such as password lists, financial records etc etc

/rant

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 17:36

The majority of Windows users are not IT experts though.

You should be able to right click on a folder and click "set password"

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 18:23

Why the hell should I need to set up accounts when I'm the only user of my personal computer? The fact is though, people still muck around on it when I'm not there. If I took a laptop to school/uni, people will still play about on it without asking. I don't understand why Microsoft/Apple won't just implement this feature.

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 22:20

OK can people stop being pedantic.

I know fully well how to add a Bios password and a username password, but some of you are missing the point. Not all of us are the sole users of our PC which never leaves the bedroom. There are loads of scenarios, especially with a laptop, where other people are playing about with them. The point is there are still ways people accidentally bump into personal information.

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 22:21

alangelluk said:
just add files to be kept secret into a zip file and encrypt it????

It becomes a pain when you have to constantly read and update the file, or alternatively if the file is large.

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 22:51

No you don't get it.

I don't mind people using my PC and I let them when I'm not around and when I'm there with them. HOWEVER, I'd still like to hide specific documents without having to create separate user accounts. Jesus what is so damn hard about understanding this?

Why would I want a screensaver when you can press Winkey+L?

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 23:15

Dano said:
The fact that it would take you about 20 seconds to create another user account and why you fail to see this as a reasonable option that already exists is what I'm having issues with, don't know about anybody else...

No because I want them to have access to most of my files and applications. It's too much of a hassle. I still don't understand why everyone has been so aggressive towards me for simply wondering why Microsoft won't let you password folders to make their contents more secure.

My PC has hundreds of files on it which other members of the family need access to. Namely my mum who is doing a degree in art and my computer has all her photographs. My brothers also use it to play games when I'm not there. I have absolutely no problem with people using my PC, but there are certain files I wish to keep secure. I don't really see the need for all these passwords as it becomes a pain when you use your computer on a daily basis, and the only thing you don't want people to have access to is one folder!

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 23:20

Final8y said:
Any we have given you loads of scenarios to why it could be a very bad idea.

Except the one flaw. Obviously you would need to set an admin password and to issue a password onto any folder you would first need to type this in. I seriously doubt Microsoft wouldn't have such a scheme to prevent anyone from setting passwords on folders.

Tommy B · 13 Jun 2007 at 23:30

Apart from cases where multiple accounts aren't ideal as outlined in the example above???

I don't completely ban people from going in my bedroom by having a lock on the door, but perhaps I like to put my wallet and bank statements in a safe.

It's the same thing yet some people just don't seem to understand.