Lock computer when leaving it unattended

An essential part of computer security is to always lock your computer whenever you leave it. It only takes a couple of minutes with your back turned for someone to access your personal information or change your Facebook status (frape).

Logging out can be a bit of a pain, so luckily there is a quick keyboard shortcut that allows you to lock your computer without logging out. Use the following key combinations to quickly lock you screen.

On Linux

Ctrl-Alt-L

On Windows:

Meta-L

The Meta Key is sometimes called the Windows key. It is a key which often has the Windows logo on and is normally between the Ctrl and Alt keys at the left hand side of the keyboard.

Some keyboards may use different symbols, particularly if they are available with other operating systems. On my EeePC the meta key has a picture of a house on it rather than the Windows logo (home key).