change default name and default spellcheck

my first mac, yay! but so many things i'm not sure how to do...

for example: when installing software, i dont like the default name it thinks i have. i dont recall EVER, on this machine, using the long form of my last name. i usually use the short form. but by default, when installing software or even in ichat, it uses my super long last name. grrrr. where to change my default display name?

another default that is frustrating - i wish the mac would stop underlining things it thinks i've misspelled. i write in several languages, so i'm always getting that red underline thing, across multiple apps. is this a global preference? where to change? i don't want spellcheck e-v-e-r.

thanks so much for your help,
aya.

 

you know, the multilingual setting seems to work across native mac apps. i changed to multilingual in textedit, then when i went to do the same in stickies, multilingual was already selected. thanks!

but anyone have any idea how to change my default display name?

best,
aya (recent switcher from ugly ibm t42 thinkpad)

 

hmmm. i AM running as admin, the Admin User Name is: technekai.

but then whenever i register/install software, it has my huge long full name (two first names, middle name, three last names), and i just want Firstname Lastname.

oooooooooh wait i just found it. i have to edit my Address Book Card. hooray! you did point me on the right path, thanks.