If you've got company coming over that might need to access the Internet while they're there (because they just can be away from their web-based e-mail for example), create a Guest account on your computer.

For Windows XP, go to Start Menu -> Control Panel -> User Accounts. To quickly switch between users, use the Windows key+L combination.

For Mac OS, go to System Preferences -> Users. While you're in the Users panel, turn on Fast User Switching, so you can switch between users and keep their applications running.

With a guest using their own account, it will allow them to use your computer without having access to your files.

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