I have too many prying eyes that like to look at my computer history, e-mail, My Documents, My Pictures, and anything else I might do or be stored on the computer. Does anyone know of any software that I could get to catch the spy and give me a list of any computer activity and lock it up so I can only use it to keep my privacy? This computer invasion is causing me a lot of problems. I want some way to put a stop to it. I have Windows XP. Any suggestions are welcome!

Part of the answer depends on just how computer-savvy the snoopers are, and where the computer is located. If it's a personal computer, then your options are greater. If it's a work computer, then likely you will need to check with your System Administrator to see what types of software you can install.

The simplest way to thwart snoopers is to enable a screensaver with a password, which means that if you walk away from your computer while its on, anyone who wants to snoop will have to know your password.

This doesn't stop someone from turning on the computer and disabling the screensaver, because there will be some time before it becomes active. There are a number of programs that will allow you to put a password on boot-up, so that the machine will not fully start until the password is entered. Some newer machines have this built in as a BIOS function, and you should check yours before you go hunting for software.

Be warned, though. Once you put a password in the BIOS area, if you forget it you'll be looking at a VERY expensive doorstop until you have the machine reset.

CLICK HERE for a list of utilities that may help you all are FREE and XP compatable.Scroll down the page to see Mnet Block 2.1
Description
From the developer: "The new Mnet Block@Home, this program allows two user levels (administrators and guest users for example) to have there own username, password and desktop icons. Block incorporates a security logon program giving a user the ability to 'Lock-Out' a computer until a user enters a valid username and password. Unlike the previous version of Block, Block@Home has a user friendly set-up wizard guiding you though each step to getting Block@Home customized."
Good Luck!