Answer:
a. password
Step-by-step explanation:
Requiring a password limits the computer users who can access files. Here's some information to explain why:
1. Access Control: Requiring a password is a common method of access control, which allows only authorized users to access specific files or resources. By setting up a password, the computer system prompts users to provide the correct credentials (username and password) before granting access to files or data.
2. User Authentication: Passwords serve as a means of user authentication, verifying the identity of the user trying to access the computer system. This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to sensitive information or files.
3. User Privileges: Passwords can also be used to assign different levels of access privileges to different users. For example, an administrator may have full access to all files and settings, while a regular user may have limited access. Passwords are used to differentiate between different user accounts and determine the level of access each user has.
4. Security: Requiring a password adds an extra layer of security to the computer system. Without a password, anyone could potentially access and modify files, compromising data integrity and confidentiality. Passwords help protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
While the other options listed (firewall, encryption, and antivirus) also play important roles in computer security, they do not directly limit the users who can access files. Firewalls monitor and control network traffic, encryption secures data by transforming it into unreadable form, and antivirus software protects against malicious software. However, they do not restrict access to files based on user authentication, as passwords do.