Logging in and Multiple Accounts in Mac OS X v. 10.4

Contents

1. Why should I log into my computer?	6. How is my local OS X account different from my domain account?
2. How do I log into my computer?	7. How do I log out of my computer?
3. How do I change my password?	8. Can other people use my computer?
4. How do I make a secure password?	9. How do I set up multiple accounts?
5. Where do all my files save to?	10. How do I delete an account on my computer?

1. Why should I log into my computer?

Logging into an OS X v.10.4 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. 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 tab.
5. Click on the Change Password button. A new window will pop up.
   
6. Enter the old password in the Old Password field.
7. Enter the new password in the New Password field. For help in creating a secure password see How do I make a secure password.
8. Enter the same password in the Verify field.
9. If you like, you can enter a Password Hint.
10. Click on the Change Password button.
11. You may see a window informing you the Keychain password will also be changed to the new password. Click OK.

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4. How do I make a secure password?

A secure password is an important tool in safeguarding your personal files. A good password has a mixed combination of numbers and letters. Do not share your password with anyone. OS X v. 10.4 has a new feature, password assistant, to help you create a secure password.

1. Go to the Apple Menu and select System Preferences
2. In the System Preferences window, click on Accounts
3. Select the user's account and click on the Password tab.
4. Click on the Key button next to the Password field.
5. In the new window that appears, use the Length scroll to set the number of characters in the password.
   
6. Use the Suggestions toggle to select a password from the options available.
   
7. Exit the window. Your password is already entered into the Password field.

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5. 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 all other users except administrators. To get to your home folder, click on the Finder icon in the dock, and click on the Home directory.

6. How is my local OS X v.10.4 account different from my domain account?

Your Local and Domain accounts are completely separate, and thus, changing the password for one account will not effect the other. For example, changing your Local account password will not affect your Domain account in any way. Use your Local account information (username/password) to log into your personal OS X v.10.4 computer. Your Domain account allows you to access file servers like NTM, and log into public computers on campus (instructor stations, computers in computing labs).

7. 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.10.4 will log you out automatically after two minutes.

8. 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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9. 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 lock.
   
4. Enter your password in the Password box and click OK.
   
5. Click on the Add button. A new window will appear.
   
   
   
6. Enter the user's FirstClass username Name.
7. Enter the user's FirstClass username under Short Name.
8. Enter a password for the user under Password. For help on creating secure password, see How do I make a secure password.
9. Enter the same password under Verify
10. If you like, you can enter a Password Hint.
11. If you would like the account to have administrator privileges, check the Allow user to administer this computer box.
    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.
       
       
       
12. Click the Create Account button.
13. If you want to select a picture to associate with that user, select the account and click on the Picture tab, and then click on a picture from the list of selections.
14. If you want to give the account only certain privileges, select the account and click on the Parental Controls tab. Check the Finder & System box, then click on the Configure button.
    
15. You can limit an account's abilities to change 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. Click OK when you're done.
    

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10. 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.