Access Lock

Access Lock, a simple security tool, aims to protect your privacy by letting you password protect access to your PC. Since you’re the only one who knows the password, no one but you can access the PC when it’s locked down. The interesting thing is that Access Lock lets you choose between blacking out the screen or letting others see what’s on your screen. Another interesting thing is that people who want to access your PC while you’re not there and cannot access it because it's locked, can leave you a message.

You will have no problems installing Access Lock on a PC powered by Windows 7, Windows Vista, and all other versions down to Windows 9x. Just download an 803KB archive, extract and run the executable inside, and a few clicks later you will have the application up and running.

At the top on Access Lock’s interface you will find buttons for Activating and Deactivating the application, a button for accessing the Options menu, as well as a button for choosing the password to protect access to the application and to your PC when it is locked down. Below there’s a pane that lists all the messages left by others.

Access Lock features two lock modes: Lock Screen and Watch.

When you select Lock Screen (easily do that by using the Ctrl+Alt+L hotkey) the screen will turn black and an LED clock will be displayed (this is by default; you can disable the clock if you want to). When someone clicks on the screen, he will be presented with a prompt that asks for the password to unlock the screen – that is so you can easily unlock the screen. The same prompt also invites the person who wants to use your computer to leave a message. You will be told that you have a message when you unlock your PC.

To select Watch, you must use the Ctrl+Alt+W hotkey. Watch works the same way as Lock Screen. The difference is that instead of turning black, the monitor continues to display your desktop. If someone wants to use your computer, he will be able to see what applications and windows are open on your desktop – but he won’t get to use the PC because it’s locked down.

Access Lock ensures that you and you alone can access your PC. If someone else wants to do so while you’re away, he won’t be able to. The only thing he’ll be able to do is leave you a message.