Mac OS X - Setting Passwords:

Password protecting your computer is always an essential step – no matter what operating system you're using. By setting a password, you're preventing random network and local users from accessing your machine and gaining control over all of the files on it. Set passwords for all of your accounts by following these steps.

1. Open the apple menu (left-click on the blue Apple icon in the upper left) and choose the System Preferences option.
   
   
2. Open the My Account icon in the View menu.
   
   
3. Click on the Change button that is to the right of My Password
   
   
4. By default, the current password for the Williams User account is blank. If you have changed your password previously, please enter your current password in the Current Password field. Enter your new password in the New Password text field, and then re-enter the new password in the Verify text field. Your password should be at least 4 characters long. It is strongly suggested that it should not be based on a dictionary word or on your name. For better security, the password should contain numbers in addition to letters.
   
   
5. Enter a hint for the password in the Password Hint text area. This step is optional, but could be helpful in case your forget the machine password. However, do not put your password in the Password Hint area, as anyone can access this hint.
   
   
6. Press the OK button.
   
   
7. Then press OK again in the Keychain Password window.
   
   
8. Finally, close the My Account window. Thanks for following this guide! If you had any problems along the way, please contact x3088 (for students) or x4090 (for faculty and staff).