In XP, I can hold "Ctrl-L" to lock my screen and still have whatever is going on in the background go on. But no one else can get into the computer but me because a password is asked for. I've not been able to figure out how to do this in OS X...Any help would be appreciated.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
How do I lock the screen instantaneously like in XP?
- Thread starter Vegeta-san
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Apple + Shift + Q then press enter to log out.
EDIT: Oh crap... that wont keep stuff running though. My bad.
Er... dunno
EDIT: Oh crap... that wont keep stuff running though. My bad.
Er... dunno
Quickest way to force a password is to use a hot corner to activate the screen saver. You can set this in the Dashboard & Exposé system preferences. You can use the Security system preference pane to make the screen saver ask for a password.
A second way to get a login prompt is to enable fast user switching, that will also add a Login Window... menu item.
A second way to get a login prompt is to enable fast user switching, that will also add a Login Window... menu item.
I prefer using my mouse, so what I did is: open Keychain Access and select the pref "Show status in menu bar". That puts a little lock up there which has "Lock Screen" as the first item.
I'm assuming you already know how to password-protect your screensaver?
I force my Mac to sleep (and ofcourse have the option ebabled: "Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver" in the Security pane in System Preferences).
Hit the <CTRL> and <EJECT> key, and at the next window, press <S>
Hit the <CTRL> and <EJECT> key, and at the next window, press <S>
I've never found it too onerous to just go to the users menu... but that dashboard widget looks interesting, thanks for the link.
Although it's hard to say that going into Dashboard and then double clicking a widget is in any way easier that just selecting "Login window..." from the User menu.
http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/macosxhints/2006/01/lockscreen/index.php
"Just navigate to System -> Library -> Frameworks -> Screensaver.framework -> Versions -> A -> Resources, and then drag ScreenSaverEngine.app onto your dock, sidebar, or toolbar. Now when you want the screensaver to activate, just click the convenient icon. The dock will prove the easiest spot to reach, since its visible in all applications. If you have a launcher program such as Peter Maurers Butler or Objective Developments LaunchBar, you could even create a keyboard shortcut that will open the program for you, no mousing around required."
I personally use Quicksilver and assign "Command-L" as the trigger. Works like a charm.
Hope this helps.
-Todd
"Just navigate to System -> Library -> Frameworks -> Screensaver.framework -> Versions -> A -> Resources, and then drag ScreenSaverEngine.app onto your dock, sidebar, or toolbar. Now when you want the screensaver to activate, just click the convenient icon. The dock will prove the easiest spot to reach, since its visible in all applications. If you have a launcher program such as Peter Maurers Butler or Objective Developments LaunchBar, you could even create a keyboard shortcut that will open the program for you, no mousing around required."
I personally use Quicksilver and assign "Command-L" as the trigger. Works like a charm.
Hope this helps.
-Todd