Over the past few years, the focus of computer security has increased. Microsoft is no exception as is evident with the security enhancements in Vista and the upcoming Windows 7. However, in some cases, some of the security options may be overkill, especially if you are the only one who uses the computer.

In many case people do not use passwords, however for many scheduled tasks to run, passwords are required. In an effort to meet in the middle (not needing to enter a password everytime you logon or boot and scheduling tasks) you can change one setting and be on your merry way.

If you do not share your computer with any other users and no one else has access to it, you can configure Vista to log you on automatically just like in XP. If you share your PC with multiple users (like your kids) then I would NOT suggest using this tip.

To have a password yet bypass the need to enter it every time you log on or after your computer goes to sleep, click on the Start logo (bottom left corner).

Next you will type “netplwiz” (without the quotes) in the Start Search field and then press Enter.

Click “Continue” when the User Account Control window appears.

From the User Accounts window that appears, verify that your own user account is selected.

Uncheck the box marked “Users must enter a username and password to use this computer” option and click “OK” at the bottom of the window.

Provide the password for your user account when prompted and restart your computer. Vista will automatically log on with your user account.

If you decide you need to enter the password or need to share with multiple users, simply go back and re select the “Users must enter a username and password to use this computer” option and click “OK”. You will be back to requiring a password for logon.

Well until we meet again, have a virus free week (the Swine flu too!)