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Locking Your MAC Station

In MAC systems you can lock your workstation without logging off by using your screen saver.

Method 1 Turn Off Automatic Login

When you choose automatic login, you get to skip entering your password when you start up your Mac. But automatic login also allows anyone to start up your Mac and access your files. If you have it turned on, go to OSX’s Accounts preference pane, click on Login Options, and deselect Automatically Log In As user name.

 

Method 2 Require a Password for Waking your Mac from Sleep or a Screen Saver

Your screen saver looks has the ability to hide your work, but anyone can press a key to deactivate it and get total access to your Mac. The same is true when your Mac is asleep. Protect against this by going to OSX’s Security preference pane and selecting Require Password To Wake This Computer From Sleep Or Screen Saver.

 

  1. Click on the apple icon at the top of your screen, then Click on System Preferences.
  1. This will open the Preferences panel.
  1. Click on the Screen Effects icon.
  1. The Screen Effects panel will open.

  1. Click on the Screen Effect you want to use.

    Note: When you select a screen effect, a demo will run in the Preview window.

  1. Click on the Activation tab.

  1. Use the Slider to select how long your computer has to be inactive before your screen saver starts (about 10 minutes is a good choice).
  1. Click on Use my user account password (a black dot should appear beside it).
  1. Click on the Screen Effects tab, then click on the Open Energy Saver button.

 

  1. This will open the Energy Saver panel.

  1. Under Put system to sleep whenever it is inactive for, use the Slider to select a time that's longer than the one you set for your screen saver.
  1. Click on Click the lock to prevent further changes. The lock should change from open to closed  . Then close the panel.

Your screen saver is now set; it will come on before your computer enters sleep mode and you will have to use your password to turn it off.

 

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