Logging in and Multiple Accounts in Mac OS X v. 10.3

Contents

1. Why should I log into my computer?	5. How do I change my password?
2. How do I log into my computer?	6. Where do all my files save to?
3. Can other people use my computer?	7. How is my OS X account different from my domain account?
4. How do I set up multiple accounts?	8. How do I delete an account on my computer?
	9. How do I log out of my computer?

1. Why should I log into my computer?

When Apple upgraded from Macintosh OS 9 to OS X v.10.3, they introduced an operating system that added new security features. Logging into an OS X v.10.3 computer will protect your data from being viewed or altered, as well as protect your system from other people installing unwanted software. We highly recommend logging into your computer each time you turn your computer on and logging out of your computer if you are going to be away from it.

2. How do I log into my computer?

3. Can other people use my computer?

If you would like other people to be able to use your computer, you should create accounts for them. Only people you create accounts for will be able to access your computer. See How do I set up multiple accounts for step by step instructions.

Please note: if you do not log out of your computer, anyone will be able to gain access to your personal files.

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4. How do I set up multiple accounts?

You may allow any number of people to use your computer with their own accounts.

1. Go to the Apple Menu and select System Preferences
2. In the System Preferences window, click on Accounts
3. Click on the Add button. A new account will appear listed under Other Accounts.
   
   
   
4. Enter the user's FirstClass username Name
5. Enter the user's FirstClass username under Short Name
6. Enter a password for the user under Password
7. Enter the same password under Verify
8. If you like, you can enter a Password Hint.
9. Click on the Picture button if you would like to select a picture to associate with that user.
10. If you would like the account to have administrator privileges, click on the Security button.
    1. Administrator accounts are able to install applications, virus updates, and software updates and modify preferences.
    2. It is less secure to give additional accounts administrative privileges so do so only if required.
       
       Note: The Set Master Password option is a computer-wide password used to safegaurd documents encrypted using FileVault--a way of encrypting files in a user's home folder so only that user can access them--, in case a FileVault user forgets his or her password. Because there is no way to access these files if both the user's login password and the Master Password is lost, it is inadvisable to use either option.
       
       
       
11. If you want to give the account only certain privileges, click on the Limitations button. You can limit and addition account's abilities to it's password, modify the Dock, burn CDs and use certain applications. The image below shows exactly what limitations you can set for the new account.
    
    
    

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5. How do I change my password?

To maintain the security of your computer, you should change your password whenever you have reason to suspect another person has learned your password.

To change your password:

1. Go to the Apple Menu and select System Preferences
2. In the System Preferences window, click on Accounts
3. Select the user you want to change a password for and click on your account.
4. Click on the Password button.
5. Click in the Password box. A window will pop up asking you to authenticate before you are allowed to change your password. Enter your old password.
6. Enter the new password in the Password field. Press the TAB key.
7. Enter the same password in the Verify field.
8. You may see a window informing you the Keychain password will also be changed to the new password. Click OK.

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6. Where do all my files save to?

By default, your files will be saved in folders in your Home folder (also called the Home directory). The type of file you are working on will determine which folder in the home folder the file will save to by default. For example, a word document will be saved in the Documents folder in the home directory, a music file you listen to in iTunes will be saved in the Music folder in the home directory. Every user account on your computer will have its own home folder with the information secured from other users on your computer unless they are administrators. To get to your home folder, click on the Finder icon on your dock, click on the Go menu, and select Home.

7. How is my OS X v.10.3 account different from my domain account?

Your Windows Domain account is completely different from your OS X v.10.3 account. Your OS X v.10.3 account works only on your OS X v.10.3 computer. You will still need your Windows Domain account to access file servers like NTM or to work on any of the Windows XP computers on campus.

8. How do I delete an account on my computer?

There is no way to undo a delete. You will need to create a new user account to recreate a user and manually change any settings you made.

Do not delete the Emergency Access (emaccess) account. This account is an emergency account that will allow Information Services to fix your computer in case something does go wrong with your system.

9. How do I log out of my computer?

Whenever you are going to be away from your computer, you should log out to keep your computer secure. If you do not log out from your computer, anyone will be able to gain access to your personal files while you are away.

To log out:

1. Go to the Apple Menu and select Log Out username....
2. A window will appear confirming you want to log out. Click Log Out. If you do nothing, OS X v.10.3 will log you out automatically after two minutes.