Is there a way to passcode lock a a specific app (or applications) in Mac OS X?

[alexreich]

I have a notes application I do not want friends and family getting into while I am away from my computer, or just letting them play with it. Is there a way I could lock the application where you could only open it if you knew a password/passcode?

I am asking because normally I let friends/family use my computer, then I walk away for a minute and they dig up info they should not be looking at.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[GGJstudios]

No, you can't password protect a particular app. You can, however, set up a separate user account for your friends/family and use Parental Controls in System Preferences to restrict what they can do. You can also set a screen saver that requires a password to wake from screen saver.

 

[alexreich]

Thanks for the quick response, I knew about making a guest account, just didn't want to it unless I have to. I did just today turn "on wake enter passcode" or something like that. Will the guest account take up any HD space?

 

[GGJstudios]

Thanks for the quick response, I knew about making a guest account, just didn't want to it unless I have to. Will the guest account take up any HD space?

Very little, unless they download or create a lot of documents.

 

[alexreich]

Sorry for asking so many questions but, one more.
Is there a way I could make it where they couldn't download anything, but still browse in Safari?

 

[GGJstudios]

Sorry for asking so many questions but, one more.
Is there a way I could make it where they couldn't download anything, but still browse in Safari?

If they can browse, they can download. Can't stop one without stopping the other.

 

[alexreich]

Alright, thanks for the help!

 

[MisterMe]

Sorry for asking so many questions but, one more.
Is there a way I could make it where they couldn't download anything, but still browse in Safari?

You can't prevent downloading files, but you can prevent installation of applications. In the case of a guest account, downloaded files do not survive a logout.

 

[newdeal]

...

you can create a password protected DMG and have the app in there

 

[Reeser]

Or you could use AppDefender to lock specific applications etc with a password/usb flash drive. It's like iProtect on an iPhone.