[reemas]

i know in windows you can set a screen saver to lock the computer. is there any way i can lock my desktop while i'm away?

the only condition is i need background processes to run and stay online etc.

if anyone knows, please share. thank!

[wataru]

Uh, yeah. It's called a screensaver, just like in Windows. Look at the Security and Screensaver & Desktop Picture areas in System Preferences.

[mdc]

like wataru said you can set it like that, or the way i do it is that i turned on fast user switching (system preferences > accounts) and then you can click on your name in the menubar and choose login window.

i don't want to have to enter my password everytime the screensaver turns on, but there are times when i want the password there.

[plastiqueusa]

Try Deskshade--it has a lock desktop feature.

[reemas]

cool. i got it. i assumes the lock screen saver with password would be under the Screen Saver system preference.

it's actually under Security.

[JHromadka]

Launch Keychain Access, go into Preferences, then enable Show Status in Menu Bar. You can then Lock Screen and immediately turn on the Screen Saver and require your password to get back in.

I use this method so I don't have to always have the screensaver lock the screen.

[wataru]

Setting a sleep corner for the screensaver can get you the same instant-lock capability without taking up space in the menu bar.