How can I see if my dad is monitoring my new laptop?

[Marly]

My dad bought me a laptop for Christmas, but he told me not to do anything weird with it. (i think we know what that means) and so I was wondering how i can tell whether or not he is monitoring it? Like watching it? He's pretty good with technology seeing as to he owns a business and has the authority to look over everyone else's computer screen from his own one computer. Confusing, but I'm not going to look up weird stuff or download virus' so can someone tell me how to tell?

I'm only wanting to disable this because even if I want to chat my friend on Facebook, i'd rather not have my dad reading all my messages.
Thank you!

[Spac3nerd]

If he is connected to the same network as you are (most likely) then he can view all unencrypted data that is transmitted and sent to and from your computer. Not much you can do except having everything you do online encrypted.

Facebook uses HTML with SSL (aka HTTPS), so all data is encrypted.

[Lukas]

As far as there being a way to tell, Lifehacker says you should look for certain third-party software..."usually referred to as remote control software or virtual network computing (VNC) software. First, the easy thing to do is to simply check in your Start Menu All Programs and check whether or not something like VNC, RealVNC, TightVNC, UltraVNC, LogMeIn, GoToMyPC, etc is installed. ...If any of those programs are installed, then someone can connect to your computer without you knowing it as long as the program is running in the background as a Windows service."

[broadhose999]

1. Download Parted Magic, Use Gparted to create a new parition table and primary parition, thus erasing everything from your computer
2. Re-install your Operating System (Windows 7 or 8, i'm guessing) Maek sure to use a different user name than before.
3. Install a good firewall and configure it to prevent incoming network connecitons except to specified applications or by manual prompt acceptance.

Your computer is now secure, however the network you connect to (for internet) he may still be able to monitor...so consider using a VPN, there are some free ones.