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How can I lock my computer (like windows)

I

iBunny

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Apr 15, 2004
1,254
0
I need a feature that seems like only windows can provide. When I step away from my computer for a few I want to lock my workstation so no one else can access it.

I have tried to enable Fast user switching, but as soon as I go to the login screen my internet cuts off. Wtf?

I need my computer locked but the internet still to function in the background.

What can I do?
 
Set a password to wake from sleep/screensaver, set a hot corner to activate the screensaver, move curser to hot corner, screen locks :)
 
sparky7 said:
Set a password to wake from sleep/screensaver, set a hot corner to activate the screensaver, move curser to hot corner, screen locks :)
Click to expand...

I would say that would be the easiest thing to do. However, there is also iAlertu, which you can activate when you leave your computer. What it does is not allow anyone who doesn't know your password to touch your computer. If it detects any keystrokes, mouse movements, or computer movements, it emits a loud noise (which you can disable if you want to), takes a picture of whoever the offender is via the iSight camera, and emails it to you :p. It depends on what type of environment you are leaving your computer in because you may not need all of these features, although you can turn off everything and just require a typed password.
 
What I do is, in the account prefs, goto login options and enable fast user switching. Then you will see your name in the upper right (or just an icon if you set it like that), click that, then click on login window. Boom, computer is locked.
 
sparky7 said:
Set a password to wake from sleep/screensaver, set a hot corner to activate the screensaver, move curser to hot corner, screen locks :)
Click to expand...

I would agree, have you tried setting a password for it to wake from sleep/screensaver? If you wanted extra security and you're on a laptop, you could also turn the brightness all the way down if they don't know about those keys.
 
I use a widget called "locker" (http://bluecouch.com/locker/), which is just a button that locks the computer.

When locked, it does not disconnect the internet for me (I checked both airport and wired connections) but then again, I never used fast user switching and maybe that doesn't disconnect for me either...
 
MaskingTape said:
What I do is, in the account prefs, goto login options and enable fast user switching. Then you will see your name in the upper right (or just an icon if you set it like that), click that, then click on login window. Boom, computer is locked.
Click to expand...

This is what I want to try and avoid. When I do what you mentioned, the internet stops. All downloads stop, and iChat signs me off.

I just want my screen locked. Nothing else.
 
go to system pref. then security, go to general tab if ur not already there and click require password to wake this computer from sleep or screensaver, i dont think that stops ur download or anything like fast user switching
 
There's something I don't quite understand, in this thread it seems that everyone taken as a fact that the internet is switched off when locking the computer with fast user switching, is this really the case for all of you on osx (cause it doesn't happen to me...)?

if not, then maybe the solution for iBunny's problem is to solve whatever is turning its internet off
 
Internet doesn't shut off when I lock my screen with the method I posted. Works just fine on my Macbook and iMac.
 
iBunny said:
I have tried to enable Fast user switching, but as soon as I go to the login screen my internet cuts off. Wtf?
Click to expand...

Are you using a PPP connection? If so, go to:
System Preferences-->Network-->PPPoE Service Name-->Advanced-->PPP

and make sure the following items are NOT checked:
_ Disconnect if idle for ___ minutes
_ Disconnect wen user logs out
_ Disconnect when switching user accounts

That will prevent your internet from dropping out when you fast user switch or switch to the login screen.

While you're at it, check out this hint for a fast way to lock your Mac's screen without having to enable Fast User Switching or activate the screensaver:
Lock your Mac’s screen like in Windows

It even explains how to activate it with a keyboard shortcut.
 
Kilamite said:
I just use a hot corner for screensaver..
Click to expand...

All of my hot corners are used for other things.

I settled on this solution (originally posted to MR but I can't seem to find it):

1.) Keychain Access -> Preferences -> General
Enable - Show Status in Menu Bar

2.) System Preferences -> Security -> General
Enable - Require password to wake computer from sleep or screensaver

3.) System Preferences -> Keyboard & Mouse -> Keyboard Shortcuts
Enable All Applications. I changed my "move focus to status menu" to Ctrl+Option+1 and created a "Lock Screen" menu item shortcut and set it to Ctrl+Option+2. You have to reset the screen server afterwards.

Now only two keystrokes to lock the screen.
 
madgunde said:
While you're at it, check out this hint for a fast way to lock your Mac's screen without having to enable Fast User Switching or activate the screensaver:
Lock your Mac’s screen like in Windows

It even explains how to activate it with a keyboard shortcut.
Click to expand...

If you're running Snow Leopard, I've got the perfect solution for locking your Mac's screen by activating the Login Window without the need to install any third party software whatsoever:

Lock your Mac’s screen like in Windows, Snow Leopard edition

Step by step instructions at the link with screenshots. Enjoy!
 
Put keychain access in the toolbar/menu bar. Then click the padlock icon and select "lock screen" when you walk away.

done...
 
wrc fan said:
You can also open Keychain Access, and open the Preferences, and check the "Show Status in Menu Bar" option. Then in the menu bar a lock icon will appear with the first option being lock screen.
Click to expand...

This works great thanks for the tip.
 
I just wanna throw this in there since you said you know your internet is cutting off cuz iChat is signing out. Did you check your iChat preferences?

Screen shot 2009-09-08 at 10.30.15 PM.png
 
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