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How to lock OS X with password?

P

Passive101

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 5, 2008
128
0
I have a password set up to log into the computer. However when I'm away from the computer I would like the display to sleep and a password required to get back into the system.

How do I do this?

I have it set up so when I move my mouse to a corner the display sleeps. I'm 1/2 way there.
 
Passive101 said:
I have a password set up to log into the computer. However when I'm away from the computer I would like the display to sleep and a password required to get back into the system.

How do I do this?

I have it set up so when I move my mouse to a corner the display sleeps. I'm 1/2 way there.
Click to expand...

System Preferences > Security > General > Require Password to wake from sleep or screen saver
 
Is there a way to do it without the screen saver or sleep mode? I just make the display go black while I'm away.
 
Passive101 said:
Is there a way to do it without the screen saver or sleep mode? I just make the display go black while I'm away.
Click to expand...

You can set a hot corner to make the screen turn off in System Preferences/Expose and Spaces then what you can do in Utilities go to Keychain Access and set in the preferences for it to show status in the menu bar.

Then all you would have to do in theory that is is, click on the lock icon on the menu bar and select lock screen. Then move the mouse to whatever hot corner you chose to turn off the monitor.
 
Cant you just lock the screen saver and set a hot corner for the screen saver? Then when you come back to get rid of the screensaver it asks for your password.
 
I have always hated there's no way to lock like Windows. I mean seriously wouldit be that hard to add a menu item to lock or make it a key combo like Apple + L to lock?
 
entropy1980 said:
I have always hated there's no way to lock like Windows. I mean seriously wouldit be that hard to add a menu item to lock or make it a key combo like Apple + L to lock?
Click to expand...

Keychain Access > preferences > show status in menu bar

From the menu bar > Lock screen
 
entropy1980 said:
I have always hated there's no way to lock like Windows. I mean seriously wouldit be that hard to add a menu item to lock or make it a key combo like Apple + L to lock?
Click to expand...

I think there is a way to do that in System Preferences, give me a little bit and I can tell you. I know I did it for my Dads Mac once but that was 10.3 but it should still be possible.

-iGrant
 
Sky Blue said:
Keychain Access > preferences > show status in menu bar

From the menu bar > Lock screen
Click to expand...

I did this and it works, but it starts my screen saver. Though at least I can't accidentally just move my mouse and have to enter a password because of it. I am still hoping for just a blank screen, but if I can't get that I guess I can do the Computer name and the apple logo thing.

This will work if I can't find anything else though.
 
Passive101 said:
I did this and it works, but it starts my screen saver. Though at least I can't accidentally just move my mouse and have to enter a password because of it. I am still hoping for just a blank screen, but if I can't get that I guess I can do the Computer name and the apple logo thing.
Click to expand...

Create a black image the same size as your screen res. 1680x1050 for example. Then put that in a folder somewhere. Tell your screensaver to use the image within that folder (Choose folder...) and your screensaver will now become a black screen.
 
iGrant said:
I think there is a way to do that in System Preferences, give me a little bit and I can tell you. I know I did it for my Dads Mac once but that was 10.3 but it should still be possible.

-iGrant
Click to expand...

HAHAH I found it, here is the link:

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050706194219822

*EDIT*

MacBoobsPro said:
Create a black image the same size as your screen res. 1680x1050 for example. Then put that in a folder somewhere. Tell your screensaver to use the images within that folder and your screensaver will now become a black screen screen.
Click to expand...

You beat me just by seconds!!!!

*EDIT*

If you want a black screen, make an image that is complete black that is your exaclt screen resolution and put it in a folder. Then in Screen Saver in System Preferences select that folder to use for you screen saver!!!



-iGrant
 
MacBoobsPro said:
Create a black image the same size as your screen res. 1680x1050 for example. Then put that in a folder somewhere. Tell your screensaver to use the image within that folder (Choose folder...) and your screensaver will now become a black screen.
Click to expand...
Along the same lines, but for a different purpose, you can make a splash screen when you log in by doing the same. Make your desired image the same size as your screen. Then save it as "Aqua Blue.jpg" in the Library under Desktop pictures.
 
They have an app for Windows that locks the computer based on the proximity of bluetooth devices. Maybe they have one for OS X or maybe just a few lines of code and run it from console?
 
I've decided the keychain to lock the computer with the screen saver will work out perfect in the menu bar on the top.

Thanks for all the help everyone :)
 
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