Chapter 12. Keeping Your Computer Safe

Table of Contents

Passwords
Give A Separate User Account To Each Person
Keep your software up to date
Lock Your Screen While Away
Set Up a Firewall
Avoid Internet Nuisances and Crime
Make Backup Copies of Your Files

This section describes how to keep your computer safe from security threats.

Passwords

Keep your password safe. If you want to change it, you can by opening Users and Groups (ApplicationsSystemUsers and Groups) and performing the following actions:

  1. Click on your username.

  2. Click Change... next to the Password field.

  3. You will be prompted for your current password.

  4. Then you can choose to enter your own newly created password or you can select the Generate random password option and then press the Generate button to generate a new random password.

  5. If you choose to enter your own new password, first enter your current password in the Current Password field, then enter new password in the new password and enter the new password again in the Confirmation field.

  6. Click OK.

It is possible to automatically login to Xubuntu.

[Warning]

Automatic login is highly discouraged because it provides less security for your system. Also take care when using the Login Screen application as there are options which may prevent Xubuntu from logging in or starting properly.

  1. Open ApplicationsSystemLogin Screen.

  2. Press the Unlock button.

  3. You will be prompted for your password.

  4. Select the Log in as option.

  5. Choose a Username from the drop down list to login as.

  6. Press Close.

  7. Changes will be applied on re-boot.