Comments on: Locking my Mac when I want to step away from it

By: Mark Norman Francis

Mark Norman Francis — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:53:20 +0000

If you need another option (and who doesn’t), I used to use the script that Steve’s is based upon, but these days I use Spark: http://www.shadowlab.org/Software/spark.php

I have the “Screen Saver” action within Spark bound to Cmd+Escape (as I don’t use Front Row).

By: Steve Webster

Steve Webster — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:03:54 +0000

I’ve got a custom AppleScript that I run using a QuickSilver HotKey trigger:

http://gist.github.com/153230

It locks the screen with ScreensaverEngine.app (you you’ll need to set a screensaver password), paused iTunes, sets me as away in both Adium and Colloquy. When logging back in, it returns Adium and Colloquy to online status, but doesn’t resume playing iTunes.

By: leu

leu — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:18:30 +0000

There is also a third way.

http://theappleblog.com/2009/06/11/how-to-proximity-automation/

i used to use this at my old work place, used to work very well :)

By: Mike West

Mike West — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:11:21 +0000

Third mechanism: the command line! (I know. You're shocked.)

Run /System/Library/CoreServices/Menu\ Extras/User.menu/Contents/Resources/CGSession -suspend from the shell to lock the computer down... I have this bound to a Quicksilver trigger, so a simple key combination (in my case ⌃⌥⌘-l) lets me get up without worrying about the screensaver jiggling it's way back to life in the second or so after it's triggered.

By: Neil Crosby

Neil Crosby — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:39:36 +0000

I must admit, I had to ask Sam Riley (the only other person I’ve ever seen use the other tip) to remind me how to do it!

By: Cristiano Betta

Cristiano Betta — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:15:36 +0000

I’ve always used the first one at work, but never seen anyone use that second tip. It seems I learned something new today!