Logging in

Logging in
Mac Tip #198/01-June-2005

In Mac Security, Mac Tip #73/25-Sept-2002, I mentioned using a login password.

Having to enter a password and username when we log in allows us to have several users on a Mac, each with their own private working space.

A password also gives us extra security — imagine the worst case scenario where someone steals your Mac and then spends an afternoon riffling through all your files — e-mail addresses, credit card numbers, your password for the online Times crossword would all be there for the taking if it weren’t protected behind a password.

Skip the login screen

Still, though, you may decide that you don’t want to have to enter a password every time you start up or log in to the machine. If that’s the case then go to the blue Apple menu and get System Preferences. Click on Accounts. [Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version.]

Click on the Login Options at the bottom. If nothing happens then click on the locked padlock icon at bottom left and enter a valid Administrator name and password.

Now click on Automatically login as and choose a user. You may have to enter a password again at this point.

Now if you choose to Log Out, Shut Down or Restart (all available under the blue Apple menu) you won’t need a password before you can get to work.