Datasheet

Part I: Getting Started with Mac OS X 10.7 Lion

that was created when you first installed Mac OS X. Thus, whenever a user turns on the Mac,

he or she is taken directly to the desktop and can begin using the computer.

It is possible to disable the automatic login (Chapter 27 explains how to set up user accounts

and login options). If you disable automatic login, the Mac asks for your username and pass-

word before logging in to your user account and taking you to the desktop.

New Feature

The login window in Mac OS X Lion has been redesigned for a slicker look. But it works the same way as in

previous versions of Mac OS X.

You might disable automatic login for a Mac used at an office or other public space, so no one

but you can use your computer after it is shut down. If automatic login is disabled, you might

see one of two login windows when you start the Mac:

List of users: One login window option presents a list of users, where you click your

name or the icon representing you from the list of users (for Macs that have multiple

accounts set up, such as for a family computer), and then enter your password in the

field that appears. A check mark appears to the left of the currently logged-in user

name. (If you accidentally selected the wrong user from the list, you can click the ←

icon button to the left of the username to return to the list of users.)

Name and password: The other login window option presents a Name text field and

a Password text field, and you must type both to log in. This is meant to be more

secure, so a visitor must know or guess both the username and password.

The login window also appears after you log out of Mac OS X (a process explained later in this

chapter) or when you switch users by using Mac OS X’s Fast User Switching feature to let

people switch from one user account without restarting or logging out; Chapter 27 explains

how to set up and switch accounts.

Password entry

If you enter your username or password incorrectly, the login window shakes sideways. The

Password text field also clears so you can reenter the password. Note that the Name text field

does not automatically clear; for security reasons, Mac OS X does not inform users if they

have entered a wrong username. If you incorrectly entered the username, press the Tab key

to highlight the text in the Name text field, so you can reenter it.

Note

Passwords are case-sensitive, so capitalization must match that of the password as originally set up.

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