[Morgeruat]

For passwords, the longer the better, use an odd number of characters, do not place numbers at the beginning or end (ASCII characters are great and not often factored in for password crackers; you can find them and the code to use them in the character map under accessories in the start menu) .

I'm asuming it's a workgroup or standalone computer? (if it were on a domain passwords would automatically be enabled, and fast user switching would be disabled) go to the control panel, open up user accounts, go to the advanced tab and click the check box for secure log on. now every time the computer starts it will start at the screen where you enter your user name and password.


what version of office?

for 2k3:

Open the file.
On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click Security.
Do one of the following:
Create a password to open

In the Password to open box, type a password, and then click OK.
In the Reenter password to open box, type the password again, and then click OK.
Create a password to modify

In the Password to modify box, type a password, and then click OK.
In the Reenter password to modify box, type the password again, and then click OK.