PC Doctor June 13, 2012

Have your computer questions answered here! Search the PC Doctor archive or submit a question of your own at info@athollibrary.org

Dear PC Doctor,

My computer falls asleep way too fast. If I am away from my computer for less than five minutes, my screensaver turns on and the computer gets locked. I want my computer to get locked when I am away for a while but it just annoys me to study for a bit, not touching the computer and then having to log in again.
            
                Jared

Dear Jared,

While frustrating, it is a fair precaution, since you do not want just anyone accessing your information if you happen to accidentally leave your session logged in.

However, on your personal computer it makes sense to be able to change settings so your computer functions the way you want it to. Click the Start Orb and go to Control Panel. From there, let's click on the System and Security selection. Next click on the text that says, “Change when the computer sleeps” under the heading of Power Options. You'll come across two options. Decide when you want the display to turn off and when the actual computer goes to sleep. When you're sure of your selections, click on “Save changes” and close out any windows that are left open.

If that does not fix your problem, be sure your screensaver isn't triggering the login screen. Right click anywhere on your desktop. From the menu that appears click on “Personalize”. In the right bottom side of the screen click on “Screen Saver”. There's a little tick box next to the text “On resume, display logon screen”. If it's currently checked, be sure to uncheck it. Click Apply and close out the window and any other windows open.

Tip: If you're ever leaving your computer unoccupied for even just a few minutes take a second to employ this great keyboard shortcut. Hold down the Windows logo button (right next to either ALT key at the bottom of your keyboard) and press the letter “L” at the same time. Locked! Now only someone who knows your password will be able to log into your computer.

                   PC Doctor
Until next time… happy computing!