How to secure my Windows 7 PC?

Hi I am going on vacation. I wanna secure my PC. Is there any way I can lock down my PC so that nobody can boot up it? Any BIOS level security?

BTW. I am running Windows 7 Ultimate.

The most secure: Take the hard drive out and put it somewhere safe.

Next best: Most BIOSes have security options for requiring passwords to boot up.

Physical access trumps most preventative measures you may put in place on your system, if the attacker knows what they're doing. There's a few options for preventing unauthorized boot-up of your system and access to your data. The following may be performed individually, or all together.

• Set a BIOS password.
  • Typically this requires a key to be pressed the minute the system boots, just before you see the Windows loading screen. Common keys used for this are: DEL, F2, F12, F10, ESC.
  • Consult your PC or motherboard manufacturers' websites for more detailed and thorough instructions. The BIOS is separate from the OS, and methods of access vary widely between hardware manufacturers.
  • This method will render the system unbootable, even from a boot CD or another hard drive, without the password.
  • However, this is in most cases easily bypassed by physical means such as shorting a jumper on the motherboard. If possible, you may wish to physically lock the PC case to prevent this - but physical locks can be broken.
• Encrypt the hard drive.
  • Download TrueCrypt (http://truecrypt.org/) and follow instructions on the website for Whole Disk Encryption on a System Disk.
  • This method will render the system unbootable from your hard drive, without the decryption key. It will also protect that drive's data from being read if it is stolen, or if the system is booted from a CD or separate hard drive.
• Take your hard drive with you.
  • If you choose this option, keep it wrapped in an anti-static bag, within a well-padded container. And of course, don't let it wander near any magnets.
  • Someone could still boot your system from a boot disk, or install a different hard drive, but they will not have access to your data.
  • If your drive is not encrypted, loss or theft of the drive while away from home will result in full compromise of any personal information stored within it.