“Someone Else Is Using My Computer”
The warning that “someone else is logged on” or “someone else is using your computer” can have a simple explanation behind it. Typically, more than one user account has been opened up on the computer or an application has not been closed and it is still running. Make sure that you have closed out all of your applications before attempting to shut down your computer.
User Accounts
Three typical types of user accounts can be set up on a computer: administrator, limited, and guest. If you click on the Start button, you should see the option “log off.” If you click on this option, a box pops up that offers you two options: “switch users” or “log off.” Clicking on “switch users” takes you to a box that shows you which user is logged on along with the option to click on your account in order to switch accounts. Doing so will allow your current programs to continue to run in the background while allowing the new user to open and run programs on the computer.
Go through these steps to see if you have more than one user account set up on your computer. Perhaps you have been opening more than one account to use the computer. You can always edit the number of users by going into the control panel and selecting user accounts.
Scanning for Trojans, Dialers, Viruses and Spyware
I am going to take the time here to address your concern that you don’t want someone else to have access to your computer. I have two tips for you. The first one involves scanning your computer on a regular basis for intruders including spyware, Trojans, dialers, and viruses. Get yourself a reliable, up-to-date anti-spyware/anti-virus application and run it on a regular basis. If you already have one, take advantage of its ability to help keep your computer free from intruders and run it every time that you visit suspicious websites, receive questionable emails, or surf the web frequently.
A few free applications are available including AVG from AVG Technologies or Ad-Aware from Lavasoft. I can also recommend the following application that is designed for maximum security: Anti-Virus Plus. In addition, Filetonic recently reviewed a bunch of the latest anti-virus applications, many of which blend virus and spyware protection in one. You can read our reviews here.
Setting up a Password on Internet Access
If you are concerned that someone will tap into your Internet access, you can contact the provider to get more information on how to create a password. Typically, the password must be given the first time that a new computer accesses your connection if you have a password in place.
Susan Keenan | November 18th, 2008
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