Two questions from a newbee! :)

[Reno404]

Good day ladies & gentlemen.

I'm writing on my new MacBook (yup, i'm a switcher), and it's all nice and cool. Two questions though for those of you who aren't such newbees.

1- Is there any way you can pass-word protect access to the computer, like when you wake it up from sleep or screensaver or something like that. Or after you've turned on some password protection using the Front Row remote? How do you make sure people don't use your computer when you're not around?

2- On of the keys of the MacBook keyboard is being a rebel. It's a Belgian keyboard, and the "5" key is being a bitch. I sometimes need to tap it several times before it actually works. Is there any way to solves this without having to send the thing back to China? Contact cleaner or some? Has anybody else the same problem?

Thanks for your time, people!

 

[yellow]

1) System Preferences -> Security -> The rest should be self evident. (including disabling autologin)

 

[SilentPanda]

1- Is there any way you can pass-word protect access to the computer, like when you wake it up from sleep or screensaver or something like that. Or after you've turned on some password protection using the Front Row remote? How do you make sure people don't use your computer when you're not around?

I believe this option is in System Preferences under "Users". Click on your user account and it's on one of the tabs I believe.

As for question 2 I don't know anything about Belgian keyboards unless they're made of waffles.

Edit: yellow wins again! Listen to him... He's pretty smart.

 

[WildCowboy]

Another way to lock your screen is to go to Applications --> Utilities --> Keychain Access. In the Preferences for Keychain Access, you can click an option to show the status in the menu bar. Checking that box make a little lock appear in the menu bar. You can click on that and go to "Lock Screen" when you leave your desk. You'll need to type in your password to get back to your desktop.

 

[blodwyn]

Good day ladies & gentlemen.

I'm writing on my new MacBook (yup, i'm a switcher), and it's all nice and cool. Two questions though for those of you who aren't such newbees.

1- Is there any way you can pass-word protect access to the computer, like when you wake it up from sleep or screensaver or something like that. Or after you've turned on some password protection using the Front Row remote? How do you make sure people don't use your computer when you're not around?

2- On of the keys of the MacBook keyboard is being a rebel. It's a Belgian keyboard, and the "5" key is being a bitch. I sometimes need to tap it several times before it actually works. Is there any way to solves this without having to send the thing back to China? Contact cleaner or some? Has anybody else the same problem?

Thanks for your time, people!

For Q1. Click on the 'Security' icon in System Preferences, and check the box 'Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver'

Edit: Darn, beaten to it

 

[yellow]

As for 2... well I'm not going to suggest you try and yank the keys off.. I've not had "private time" with any of the MacTel Lappys yet.

 

[mduser63]

Or after you've turned on some password protection using the Front Row remote?​

I actually saw a new utility that lets you do this just a few days ago. Can't remember what it was, but I'll look around.

EDIT: Here you go. It actually doesn't activate password protection, rather it makes it so that if anyone moves your MacBook or closes the lid, an alarm will sound.

 

[emptyCup]

Generally, sticking keys can be fixed by gently pulling them out of their sockets and then snapping them back into place. On a new machine you may want to have someone at a store do this for you. Call Apple about this. They will either talk you through it or tell you how to go about having the key fixed.

At least with the Macbook you don't have to worry about getting crumbs stuck under the keys. Best wishes.