To restrict functionality. If network administrators lock down client desktops, users can perform only certain operations. For example, they might be unable to install new applications. The term is also used to configure a computer or service to prevent unwanted intrusions such as viruses or spam. In such cases, the system may be said to be "locked down."
Prevent Unauthorized Viewing and Editing
Lock down may also refer to password protecting a document or other file type. For example, spreadsheets and word processors may allow attaching a password to the file, which must be entered before it can be opened for viewing or editing. See
file and record locking.
Lock Down vs. Lock Up
Lock down deals with restrictions, whereas "lock up" refers to a failure and something not working (see
abend).