How to Add a User Account to a Mac in Snow Leopard

You can set multiple access levels for new accounts in OS X Snow Leopard.

Like most modern operating systems, Mac OS X Snow Leopard lets you create multiple user accounts on a single computer. If you share your Mac with other users or your Mac is in a location where multiple people can access it, a user account for each person can ensure security and privacy for everyone. OS X has different levels of accounts, from administrator to managed accounts with parental controls. When creating a new user account in Snow Leopard, you can choose the level of the account and set the password.

Instructions

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and click “System Preferences.” You can also click the applications stack in the dock and click “System Preferences.”

2. Click “Accounts” in the System Panel. Click the lock icon at the bottom on the Accounts window and enter your administrator password in the Password field. Click “OK.”

3. Click the plus sign under the Accounts list. Click an account type in the New Account drop-down menu. Administrator accounts can perform all functions in the operating system. Standard accounts can install programs for the account but can't change system settings. Managed accounts can be limited by the Parental Controls module, which limits programs, websites, email and chat contacts and can be set to limit computer use to certain days and times.

4. Type the name of the user in the Full Name text box. The system will generate an account name based on the user name, but you can type any account name you want in the Account Name text field.

5. Type a password in the Password text box or click the key icon to open the Password Assistant and have the operating system generate a password. Retype the password to verify it and type a password hint if you want to provide one to the user.

6. Click “Create Account.” Click the lock icon to prevent additional changes and close the Accounts window.

Tips & Warnings

• The Accounts windows is called Users and Groups in OS X 10.7 Lion.

References

• Apple: About Multiple User Accounts
• Apple: Creating a New User Account
• Indiana University: In Mac OS X, How Do I Create and Delete Users?

Resources

• Apple: Mac OS X