How to Lock Your Mac OS X Computer

Lock Computer Home

There are several ways to lock your computer, and the method you choose is a matter of personal preference.

• Verify Automatic Login is Disabled
   
• via the Top Menu Bar
• via the Keyboard
• via Hot Corners
• Is your screensaver enabled?

Verify Automatic Login is Disabled

Automatic Login MUST be disable...
Follow the steps below to verify that auto login is disabled.

Select <Apple><System Preferences...>

Personal Section: Click <Security>



Make sure the following required boxes are checked.
  - Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver
  - Disable automatic login

If so, close panel. If not, continue...

Note: Mac users should have the <Security> panel locked at all times.
Click the lock image to lock the panel if its open to prevent further changes.

To unlock the above panel, click the lock image to bring up the login box.
Insert your username & password, click <OK>.

You should now be able to make changes to the <Security> panel.

Make sure the following required boxes are checked.
  - Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver
  - Disable automatic login

Click the lock image to lock this panel and prevent further changes.
Verify Account settings, click the <Show All> button.

System Section: Click <Accounts>

Note: Mac users should have the <Accounts> preference panel locked at all times.

To unlock the above panel, click the lock image to bring up the login box.
Insert your username & password, click <OK>.

You should now be able to make changes to the <Accounts> preference panel.
  - Click the <Login Options> button

Make sure the following boxes are unchecked:
  - Automatically log in as...
  - Enable fast user switching

Make sure the following options are selected and checked:
  - Name and password
  - Show the Reset, Sleep and Shut Down buttons

Mac users should have the <Accounts> panel locked at all times.
Click the lock image to lock and prevent further changes.

Close window, that's it...

Computer Locking Options

via Top Menu Bar

Go to <Apple><Sleep>

via the Keyboard

<Command/Apple><Option>+<Eject> (hold for 2 seconds) - the top right keyboard key.

via Hot Corners

If you don't what to use the top menu bar, you can enable a shortcut to lock your computer.
Go to <Apple><System Preferences...>

Personal Section: Click <Desktop & Screen Saver>

Note: Start Screen Saver: must be set to automatically turn on after 15 minutes of inactivity or less
Click on the <Hot Corners...> button

Choose a Hot Corner...
Select <Start Screen Saver>
Click <OK>
Close window and test...

Is Your Screen Saver Enabled?
Make sure you have selected a screensaver and it is set to start within 15 minutes of inactivity.

• Go to <Apple><System Preferences...>
• Personal Section: Click <Desktop & Screen Saver>

If you experience problems, please contact the ITD Helpdesk, (631.344.5522, itdhelp@bnl.gov) for assistance.

Last Modified: January 31, 2008
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