For security reasons, you should always lock your computer or log off from it when you're away from your desk. But occasionally you think you're just going to the copy machine three feet away, something distracts you, and half an hour later you finally make it back to your desk. Setting your computer to lock when the screen saver begins is an easy way to secure your computer in times like these. Read on for instructions.

Windows 7

1. Right-click on your desktop.
2. Select Personalize.
3. At the bottom of the window that opens, click Screen Saver.
4. In the Wait box, set the amount of time your computer can be inactive before the screen saver turns on. For security reasons, a short amount of time, like 5 minutes, is best.
5. Check the box that says On resume, display logon screen.
6. Click OK.

Windows XP

1. Right-click on the desktop.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click on the Screen Saver tab.
4. In the Screen Saver drop down box, select a screen saver, if you haven't already. If you do not want a screen saver, select Blank. You cannot select None if you want to lock your computer.
5. In the Wait box, set the amount of time your computer can be inactive before the screen saver turns on. For security reasons, a short amount of time, like 5 minutes, is best.
6. Check the box that says On resume, display logon screen.
7. Click OK.

Mac OS X

1. Click the Apple menu.
2. Click System Preferences.
3. Click Security.
4. Check the box that says Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver.

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