How to Create a Login Message to Mac OS X Leopard

You can use the Apple Terminal application to create a custom login message that will appear on your Mac's login screen every time the computer is turned on or logged into. A custom login is especially useful for displaying your name and phone number if your Mac is ever stolen or lost, but you can use it to display any other text you wish.

Things You'll Need

• Apple Terminal

Instructions

1. 

   Click on the "Application" icon in the Mac sidebar, then click on the "Utilities" folder.

2. 

   Locate the "Terminal" application in the "Utilities" folder. Double-click the application to launch Terminal.

3. 

   Type the following command in a new Terminal window:

   sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow LoginwindowText "Your Message"

   You will need to replace the text "Your Message" (with the quotes) with your custom login text. Hit the "Enter/Return" key.

4. 

   Enter the Administrator password at the password prompt and hit the "Enter/Return" key.

5. 

   After entering the Administrator password, wait for the Terminal window to respond with a new terminal prompt. The login text has been entered correctly when you receive the return prompt. The custom login will appear the next time you log out and log in or restart your computer.