CmpFreak88 Posted October 16, 2007 Posted October 16, 2007 Alright guys, so I'm in college and I want some protection on my computer. Most of all I've got a roommate who insists on trying to use my computer while I'm not here. So pretty much I want to put on a Bios password similar to a PC but I'm not sure where to find it on a Macbook Pro or if there is this option. I found this website with instructions on how to do what I want it looks like, but the other thing I'm not sure about is if this will work with refIt because I'm using it to triple boot. Thanks guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crow47 Posted October 16, 2007 Posted October 16, 2007 That looks like it would work fine as that happens before any OS starts to boot. Personally I would just put some good passwords onto the user accounts and call it a day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makaveli Posted October 16, 2007 Posted October 16, 2007 Personally I would just put some good passwords onto the user accounts and call it a day. Yeah, I agree. Would this be an option? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
capthowdy575 Posted October 16, 2007 Posted October 16, 2007 you should tell your room mate that your mac book is the gate way to hell and if he touches it he will find him self on a first class ticket to hell. or you could set up some passwords so he cant get in. how smart is this room mate? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CmpFreak88 Posted October 16, 2007 Posted October 16, 2007 Eh, well I don't think he's going to try anything to break in, I put in some account passwords so I think I'm good, plus I couldn't get the other prompt to come up with the Apple-Option-o-f to bring up a prompt. I just wanted a bit of extra security if I could, but this'll work for now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kash Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Macs don't have a BIOS, at least not in the sense we're used to with PCs. Macs use something called EFI, and it is essentially closed off to the user. So like others have said, just put on an account password and you're pretty much set. And set a password when the machine comes back from standby or screensaver so you don't have to worry about somebody using it if you forget to log out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigred Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 another "idea" to throw out there... saw one of these the other day in an order from iogear... it looks like a thumb drive, but it's nothing more than a reciever which works with an RF proximity tag. logs off the moment the other part of the unit leaves a 10 foot radius. you CAN get around it with an admin password... but at least it logs off the moment you get up to even take a dump. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waco Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Macs don't have a BIOS, at least not in the sense we're used to with PCs. Macs use something called EFI, and it is essentially closed off to the user. So like others have said, just put on an account password and you're pretty much set. And set a password when the machine comes back from standby or screensaver so you don't have to worry about somebody using it if you forget to log out. Wouldn't this leave it open to someone booting up off of a CD? I run a boot password on my laptop to avoid this, I wish more motherboards had that option. My desktop lacks it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
neddamttocs Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 ^ yes you can boot from cd but theres a key combo you need to hold wile booting (usually) to get to choose what you want to boot from Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waco Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 ^ yes you can boot from cd but theres a key combo you need to hold wile booting (usually) to get to choose what you want to boot from Which I assume anyone trying to break into the system would know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ir_cow Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 the only bios setting macs really have to for installing the OS. i had this problem when i was putting a new HDD in a iBook and let me tell you if you forget the root password. the only other option is removing the battier and its not your friend. also any Admin password on mac os can be changed if you become the Root admin by i think holding apple+shift at startup? (google it i'm close) i'v seen it done a few times in person. of course you have to know a little bit of unix (not linux but its close) just a heads up, dont use macs to keep people out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kash Posted October 17, 2007 Posted October 17, 2007 Wouldn't this leave it open to someone booting up off of a CD? I run a boot password on my laptop to avoid this, I wish more motherboards had that option. My desktop lacks it. You're right, you can pop in a disc and boot from it by just holding down the "c" key. So yes, that would present a bit of a problem with securing the machine. Though I guess the average Mac user doesn't have to worry about anybody around him/her being smart enough to know this fact Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now