Password Prompt on Startup

[jesterps]

I do not know if this is in the write section, but oh well.

I pressed "option" to switch between drives but it came up that I needed to put in a password. I know the password anyways. Here is what I am getting at, is there any way when I boot my computer it can ask me for the password before getting to the desktop?

Thanks.

 

[xUKHCx]

I believe you want to disable automatic login to do this:

System Preferences - Accounts - Login Options - Automatic Login - Disabled


This will present you with a box where you have to enter your password before you computer will let you in to your account in OS X.

 

[jesterps]

this is what I am trying to get at when i start my computer. is there a way to configure it like this? this only happens when i switch between hard drives with different OS.

 

[ADent]

Apparently not with the Apple utility.

When turned on using an Intel-based Mac, Open Firmware Password Protection:

* Blocks the ability to use the "C" key to start up from an optical disc.
* Blocks the ability to use the "N" key to start up from a NetBoot server.
* Blocks the ability to use the "T" key to start up in Target Disk Mode (on computers that offer this feature).
* Blocks the ability to use the "D" key to start up from the Diagnostic volume of the Install DVD.
* Blocks the ability to start up a system in Single-user mode by pressing the Command-S key combination during startup.
* Blocks a reset of Parameter RAM (PRAM) by pressing the Command-Option-P-R key combination during startup.
* Blocks the ability to start up in Verbose mode by pressing the Command-V key combination during startup.
* Blocks the ability to start up in Safe Boot mode by pressing the Shift key during startup.
* Requires the password to use the Startup Manager, accessed by pressing the Option key during startup (see below).

From: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

I assume there are some third party utilities out there. Whole disk encryption software such as TruCrypt or PGP will require a password before booting.