If we set up a network (3 computers) at work, can I lock access to my computer?

All 3 computers use WinXP and access the internet through DSL Router (not wireless)

If we set up a network (3 computers) at work, can I lock access to my computer?noton

If by lock access you mean to prevent others from seeing your data, you would have to enable sharing for that to happen.

If you mean will they be able to see where you surf on the internet, probably so.

It all depends. If this is a company computer and they have Group Policies enforced, there are certain options you won't be able to restrict.

Group policies is a way that administrators prevent users from bypassing the security settings which the Administrators feel are import to keep the network safe and secure for the workplace.

Normally, the way things are today, e-mails and other communications in the work place are for the purpose of business and no thought of privacy should enter your head.

Not to say they will read all your e-mails but they have the right,it's their equipment.

Larger companies use proxy servers to log where people go and to prevent them from going to sites they shouldn't go to during business hours.

You may have an informal network which doesn't have all or any of this functionality.

WIthout knowing more details, it's hard to say.

Good luck.

If we set up a network (3 computers) at work, can I lock access to my computer?stinger

Yes. You will want a good firewall- one that is better than the built in Windows XP firewall. Take a look at ZoneAlarm.

Of course you may want to share some files with your coworkers, in which case you will want to setup your local subnet as a trusted Zone, enable file sharing, and then place those files in your Shared Docs folder. Your co-workers should not be able to see any files on your computer except for the ones you place in that folder.