Disable iSight Camera?

[' r i S e n]

Is there a way to do this? Currently I have electrical tape over mine but the concern is whether or not it is using any resources at all by being "enabled" without the usage of any programs that take advantage of it.

So, is there a way to disable it?

Sorry if this the bit on resource usage sounds stupid - just wanting to be sure.

Thank you.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

How to disable the built-in iSight Camera

via Scared Dad Must Disable iSight!

found via using MRoogle and the search terms "disable isight"
​

Macbook Pro and iSight makes me paranoid

 

[Gilj]

This one looks much more simple :
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/23346/isight-disabler-applescript
.

 

[' r i S e n]

Thanks guys.

Is the camera possibly using anything when not on but rather simply being enabled, though? That's my primary concern with disabling it.

 

[xxBURT0Nxx]

no, what would it be doing, and what resources is it using?

anytime i've ever come across a website that wants to use it it asks me it doesn't just turn on.

There's also a nice little light that comes on when it's in use.

 

[miles01110]

Is the camera possibly using anything when not on but rather simply being enabled, though? That's my primary concern with disabling it.

Yes it is possible, but unlikely.

If you really want to disable it, a cleverly applied screwdriver or awl will do the trick.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Thanks guys.

Is the camera possibly using anything when not on but rather simply being enabled, though? That's my primary concern with disabling it.

The camera is not in use when no application that needs access to it is accessing it, for instance iChat, Photo Booth, Skype, QT Player X, iMovie and some other. But as the iSight has a green LED besides it, you know, when it is running.
I have had iSight cameras since 2007 and I never got spied upon by any of them, thus there is not really a need to be paranoid.
Maybe have a look here to learn more about how to secure Mac OS X:

Mac Virus/Malware Info by GGJstudios
There are currently no viruses for Mac OS X in public circulation, only a handful of trojans and other malware, which have to be installed manually via entering the administrator password.
The only anti-virus you need to protect your Mac is education and common sense.​

 

[' r i S e n]

Right, I am aware of the indicator light - was just curious if simply having it enabled (not even "on") would use anything like resources and battery life, primarily. I know that sounds stupid because it's not on but I am making sure as I have never owned a laptop with a camera built in.

Thanks a lot for your help everyone, I have the answers I wanted. : )

 

[GGJstudios]

Right, I am aware of the indicator light - was just curious if simply having it enabled (not even "on") would use anything like resources and battery life, primarily. I know that sounds stupid because it's not on but I am making sure as I have never owned a laptop with a camera built in.

Thanks a lot for your help everyone, I have the answers I wanted. : )

If it's not on, it's not using any resources. It's only on if you launch an app that uses it. When it's on, there's always a light to indicate that it's on. If the light is off, the camera is off. There's no way for the cam to be on but the light off.

If you're concerned primarily about battery life, this should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

 

[' r i S e n]

If it's not on, it's not using any resources. It's only on if you launch an app that uses it. When it's on, there's always a light to indicate that it's on. If the light is off, the camera is off. There's no way for the cam to be on but the light off.

If you're concerned primarily about battery life, this should answer most, if not all, of your battery questions:

Apple Notebook Battery FAQ​

It doesn't get more definitive than that.

Thanks a lot, GGJstudios.