How to Keep your PC to Yourself
8 Comments By Tal Siach on January 22nd, 2008 in Laptops and ComputersHas anyone used your desktop without your permission? Have you ever returned home to find that your computer is turned on, when you specifically remember turning it off when you left? Would you like to learn a cool little trick to have an invisible switch, so others would not be able to turn your PC on?
The video by hanzablast below explains how you can install a “safety” switch, so you would only be able to turn on your computer by using a magnet.
This cheap trick shows you how you can install such a method. Now, if my Dad attempts to use my computer without my consent, the on/off switch would not power up the computer. The computer would stay intact and ready for work, but would simply not turn on. It would only operate if I place a magnet by the power button, as I press it.
Since this hack involves opening the computer and wire cutting, use at your own discretion. It seems easy enough and really inexpensive (four dollars or so), but it would really suck if I misplace a magnet; then I wouldn’t be able to turn on my own desktop. I guess it would also not work, if my Dad saw the video as well…and has his own magnet…
Via: GadgetSoftware
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Related Tags: keep out of pc, keep people away from pc, pc magnet, pc magnet trick, pc security, pc security diy
January 23rd, 2008 at 12:05 am
Could also just a BIOS password to keep people off your computer >.>
January 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 am
Wouldn’t you think magnets and hard drives are a bad combination? Just a thought…
January 23rd, 2008 at 3:13 am
It take a really powerful magnet to kill a HDD so it shouldn’t really affect it.
January 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Yes, security for one’s computer is important today, since many of one’s activities are virtually oriented (banking, socializing, business, emails, etc). So, we need to use a really good password that we can still remember or like the first visitor noted, set up a password in the basic machine BIOS (basic input output system). That should take care of it!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:28 am
This is a really clever idea but it’s a lot of work. I would just buy a biometric device that scans your fingertips before you can even boot up the pc.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Hi everyone, thank you for your comments.
@Jordan: There are many different ways to secure your computer, this is another one that may be a little more creative. Some would actually find this to be a fun method, which is a bit intriguing.
@Jon B: A biometric device is definitely a viable solution and also more convenient. This method shown in the video is a creative one that would be a lot cheaper than purchasing a finger scanner.
February 3rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Wow, this is definitely a unique way to secure your computer. A very interesting idea.
February 12th, 2008 at 10:35 am
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