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Friday, May 30, 2014

Unlock Your Computer with a Physical Key


We generally use passwords to lock people out of our computers. But Instructables user Thomas_Kirkup found a way to use an actual, physical key—like the one on your door—to lock and unlock your PC.


You'll need a little electronics know-how to see this project through, and you'll need to invest in an Arduino Leonardo Board and a key-operated on/off switch that from which you can remove the key in either position. If you follow Thomas' instructions, you'll end up with a logic switch that emulates pressing Win+L to lock your computer in one position, and entering your password in the other.


It might not be the most secure locking system in the world—a password is not prone to lockpicks, and there is potential for tampering with the board itself—but in terms of coolness, it ranks pretty high. Of course, you could also use the switch for other things—the on position could be used to fire up a web browser, start a game, or perform a more complicated task, for example. Hit the link to read more.


How to Lock Windows with a Key | Instructables via Hack a Day


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