Why should you lock your computer screen when you're away? This helps prevent others from viewing or using your computer when you're not around. It is possible to set up your computer to lock, log you out or go to screensaver after a certain amount of inactivity. (Back to Minimum Requirements Main Page)

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What you should know:

UC Office of the President now requires all campuses to implement certain minimum network connectivity requirements. This means that most UCSC employees who, in the past, were able to access their computer without having to log in or enter a password will no longer be able to do so. A password should always be required to start up or wake up a computer.

These requirements also mean that computers that access restricted and/or essential information are required to lock or go to screensaver (or be turned off) when left unattended for an extended period of time. Again, a password must be required to resume activity.

What should you do?

• Shut down, lock, log off, start screensaver, or put your computer to sleep before leaving it unattended
  • <ctrl><alt><delete> or <Windows key ><L> on a Windows PC; Apple menu or power button on a Mac.
• Set up your computer to "lock," "sleep,""auto log-off", or go to screensaver when it is inactive for longer than 20 minutes.
• Make sure you have to enter a password to start up or wake-up your computer.
• Disable auto-login. If you can start up or wake up your computer without entering a password, auto-login may be on.

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GETTING HELP:

Contact the ITS Support Center if you would like your computer configured to meet these requirements. For fastest response, open a request. You can also email help@ucsc.edu or call 459-HELP (4357).

Contact the ITS Support Center or your ITS Divisional Liaison with questions or concerns about any of this information.

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(Back to Minimum Requirements Main Page)