Winlock Pro

Privacy is always an issue if other people have unrestricted access to your computer. Rather than hiding and encrypting specific bits of data, you could just lock your computer and deny access to everyone. Winlock Pro was built specifically for this purpose. It can lock your computer's screen at a moment's notice and it will keep it that way until you type in your password. The application will display a background image of your choice and a clock, during lockdown, as well as a few basic options.

When you hear the word "Pro" in a program's name, you might think that it's a paid version, but this is not the case with Winlock Pro. The software is absolutely free and you can have it up and running on your computer in no time. It works on Windows 7, Vista and XP, without overusing your computer's resources.

Winlock Pro's general appearance is based on Windows 8. It was originally designed as a plain and simple screen locking application, but it has received numerous updates, which made it a modern and reliable solution. When launched, the application will display a computer-shaped desktop gadget. Clicking its screen will lock the computer immediately.

A high-res image and a clock will be displayed on your screen, while the computer is locked. A few options are available on this screen, for changing the volume or typing notes. Although unauthorized users can't access your files or make any settings on your computer, they can still change the volume if it's too high or leave you messages if they can't find you.

Pressing the Space key or double clicking anywhere on the lockdown screen will take you to a login screen. This is where you must type in your password to unlock the computer. You can bring up a few options, on the login screen, for enabling the Windows narrator, magnifier and virtual keyboard features. The software can log the number of failed logins and it can send an email to an address of your choice or shut down the computer, if it counts too many failed login attempts.

Winlock Pro's general settings panel can be accessed by clicking a small icon, on its desktop gadget. You can change the username and portrait, which are displayed on the login screen, set up a new password, choose a color scheme and select a background image for the lockdown screen. The application comes with its own high quality wallpapers and you can download new ones from the developer's website or use your own images.