Securing Your Device - Running Android: Using Your Phone and Tablet for Work and Play - page 21

You might want to make the pattern visible at first while you learn how to draw the recor-
ded pattern. The pattern is red if drawn incorrectly, and green when correct.
PIN
This option lets you set a numeric Personal Identification Number. To unlock the screen,
you have to enter the number correctly on the PIN pad and tap Enter. Never use an easily
guessed number such as your house number, birth date, or phone number. The best PIN is
a number that means something to you but that no one else will associate with you.
Password
This is the most secure option, because you can enter a long password containing a mix of
upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. For the best security, change
your password often and don't use a password that is easily guessed. Names of pets, chil-
dren, spouses, your home town or street are easily guessed. As with a PIN, the best pass-
word is a complicated word or phrase that means something to you but that others will not
associate with you.
Other Security Options
The Security settings screen has a number of options you can set to enhance the safety of
the personal information on your tablet or phone.
Automatically Lock
If you have Pattern, PIN, or Password screen lock set, you can choose the interval after the
screen goes to sleep before the screen locks. The default is five seconds. Set the interval to
the shortest period that lets you wake up the screen again without having to unlock it while
you are using your device.
Power Button Instantly Locks
This is especially useful if you have set a long Automatic Lock interval. If you need to
leave your device unattended momentarily in a place where others might have access to it,
you can press the power button to lock it instantly. This is also useful before putting the
device in a case or bag where accidental screen touches are possible.