Chapter 1 - Log in
Table of Contents: Chapter 1 - Log in Chapter 2 - Desktop/Finder Chapter 3 - Windows Chapter 4 - Dock Chapter 5 - Preferences Chapter 6 - Home Chapter 7 - Virex Chapter 8 - Resources Chapter 9 - Dashboard Chapter 10 - Assessment	Most OS X computers should automatically log in when they start up. However, if you log out, or your computer is not set to automatically log in, you will see the screen above. Type in your user name in the Name: field. This can either be your full account name or the short abbreviated version of your account name. Please contact your School Technology Representative (STR) for your account information. Type in your password in the Password: field. If you forget your password, your STR will be able to reset it. Click the Log In button or press the Enter key on your keyboard to log in. If the window shakes back and forth, try entering your user name and password again. If you have successfully authenticated yourself to your computer, it will proceed. If you are the only one using this computer and it does not automatically log in, you might want to ask your STR to set up your computer so that it does automatically log in when you start your computer.

You may also see a list of accounts instead of a name and password window. In that case, click on the account you wish to use to log in, type in the password for the account, and then click the Log In button.

Fast User Switching

If the computer is set up for Fast User Switching (See Chapter 5 - Preferences), and someone is already logged in, you can switch to another user by clicking on the name of the logged in account in the upper right corner of the Finder Menu. From the drop down menu, you can select another user. If a password is required for this user, you will be prompted for the password. If not, the desktop will 'switch' to the new user. The image below shows that the computer is logged into an account called Administrator and can switch to any of three other accounts. While you are switched to another user, the previous account remains active, with applications and processes still running.

Example of a desktop 'switching' to another user.

Users can log out by using the Apple menu or the Account Name if Fast User Switching has been enabled. This will return the computer to the login window. Selecting the Login Window with 'switching' enabled leaves the current user active, but returns the computer to the login window. When shutting down with more than one user logged in, you will be prompted for an administrator level user name and password. This prevents users from losing unsaved work, unless you want them logged out without the opportunity to save first.