Password Protect

Does anyone know how to password protect a computer so no one else con log in?

Is there a way to password protect a folder? I know you can do it for a spreadsheet but I would like to do the whole folder at once.

This just in case I were to lose my laptop.

Thanks!

The computer, yes. Your user account should always have a password. In the security section of System Preferences, check "Require Password to Unlock Screen". As far as a folder go, I don't know. You can use File Vault to encrypt your entire home folder, but your files will be locked with your master password and if you forget that, good luck!

You should make sure your account uses a secure password and that you have turned off automatic logging in. Additionally setting the login screen to Name and Password means a thief would have to guess your username and password to logon (in the Accounts prefs pane)

For extra security you can encrypt your home folder using File Vault (in the security prefs pane)

with that set-up a thief would find it impossible to get at your data

thanks guys!

Sure. No problem