Do you put a firmware password on your Mac?

[AppleFan360]

Just curious. With every iMac I've owned I immediately generate a firmware password. Seems to make sense as a safeguard in case it gets stolen.

Does anyone else do this? Is it even a good idea?

 

[MacDawg]

I have never used a firmware password
But then again, I don't use Filevault either
And I run my 2 Macs from an Administrator account as well

So prolly best not to model after my behavior as I am a reckless rebel

 

[Steve121178]

I encrypt the drive using FileVault. I don't need to do anything more.

 

[petsk]

I always do, for the same reason. You just have to remember to remove it when or if you sell your Mac

 

[fisherking]

i always had a firmware password on my macs (powerbooks, macbooks); but, 2 years ago, everything went to hell; i couldn't log in to my mac, the cursor would get stuck, or i'd finally drag it to the password window, type a key... which would then repeat forever.

i had to take it to the apple store with my purchase receipt, and got it back a day later. so (for me), no more firmware password.

just my experience, of course..!

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Essential - if you are a former KGB assassin or such. For the rest of us not really necessary and can cause problems,

 

[Fishrrman]

A firmware password "sounds great" -- until you forget it, or something goes wrong and you find yourself locked out of your own Mac (sometimes with no way to "get back inside").

Then... it ain't so great...

 

[macduke]

I have never used a firmware password
But then again, I don't use Filevault either
And I run my 2 Macs from an Administrator account as well

So prolly best not to model after my behavior as I am a reckless rebel

Same, lol. Though I do use FileVault on my work MBP since it's easier to lose/get stolen, but not on my iMac which is pretty well locked down in my house behind my security system/cameras.

Anyone know if there is much of a performance difference with FileVault on nowadays? If not then I might turn it on.

 

[chrfr]

I always use both a firmware password and Filevault. I've never had an issue.

 

[xgman]

This is not a good idea. I sold an imac to someone who lost their password and it was a nightmare getting apple to step in.

 

[glenthompson]

No but I do use FileVault since the drive on my 2011 MBP is easily removable.