1) as for the remote access, get antivirus software (AVG is free), update it, and run it immediately.  get anti spyware software (Spybot SD and Lavasoft SE), update them, and run them.  all of these programs are free -- and should be easy to find with google.  goto control panel, click "classic view."  double click Windows Firewall and ensure that it is on.  Look at the exceptions tab.  Ensure that everything with a check by it is a program that you know and trust -- if not, uncheck it.  That's about all I can sugget offhand.  If you happen to know her IP address, we can do more.

*update: also, please make sure that you have installed all critical windows updates.  please also post what version of windows you are running :)

2) cover your tracks.  the anti spyware programs above have settings to delete usage tracking -- enable those settings to delete the history files of your programs.  delete your browser cache in IE.

3) increase your windows security.  if you don't have a windows password, create one (control panel, USERS).  if you have one, change it -- and make it a good password (numbers, letters, caps and lower case and preferably not a word or something that's easy to guess).  If you have windows XP, right click on sensitive files and directorys and encypt them.  If you have XP and your file system is FAT32, convert it to NTFS.  Never let her use your account.  If she wants to use your computer then let her use the guest account -- or at the very least make her use a limited one.  Do not give her admin rights.  It's critical that you have an NTFS file system for this.

I know a lot of this isn't in depth about instructions -- mainly because it would take ages to write and I have no clue how capable you are of doing the above on your own.  Try to research some stuff for yourself using the guidelines above (because the best way to truely be safe is to have a better understanding of the situation!), but also feel free to post any questions (specific if possible) that you may have.

Lastly, remember that if your computer has been compromised, she can't see what you're doing (or have been doing) unless you're actively connected to the internet.  Download the above programs then disconnect yourself and do your scans.

Really did you ever hear the word NO. Just turn the notebook off take the battery out and hide the battery and the AC adapter. Problem solved.

What is this person your mother or your MASTER and just how long have you lived out on your own. Time to take control of your property.

---

@LaurCrawfo4 wrote:

Could someone please help me ... quickly! I have someone coming to stay with me tomorrow and I know that she will attempt to view my files, and also snoop to see where I have been on my PC etc. She is much more savvy than I - I am the Administrator, but she seems to get around me all the time. Also, I believe that she may have installed a Remote Access device or something to my PC from where she has been staying. How can I check and what is the best way to protect myself?

 

The best way to protect yourself is to not allow her to use your computer.  Boot to BIOS, F2 on startup, and set a power on password.