How to setup firmware password protection in Mac OS X

Mac's Open Firmware Password application is used for added security to your Mac OS X system. Open Firmware Password Protection is turned off by default so this eHow article will walk you through turning it on, and setting a password. Apple provides the Open Firmware Password utility for use only with Mac OS X 10.1 and later for both Intell and PowerPC CPUs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mac OS X

1. Make sure your computer is one of the following with Mac OS X:
   PowerBook,iMac,eMac,iBook,Power Mac, or any Intel based Mac computer.

2. For Mac OS X 10.1 to 10.3.9, you need to go to Mac's website and download the application which you can get at:
   http://support.apple.com/downloads/Open_Firmware_Password_1_0_2
   
   For Mac OS X 10.4.x, get out your installation disc and browse to the /Applications/Utilities/ folder on the disc.
   
   For Mac OS X 10.5.x, get your Install DVD and choose Firmware Password Utility from the Utilities menu, then skip to step 7.

3. Once you see the icon, open the Firmware Password application.

4. Click and authenticate by entering your administrator username and password.

5. Click Change.

6. 
    

   Select the checkbox for "Require password to change Open Firmware settings".

7. Type your password in the Password field, then verify it in the next field.

8. Click OK. Then click the lock icon to prevent anything from changing. That's it. Your done. Click Quit and reboot your machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Attempts to use firmware in a manner that is not explicitly endorsed by Apple may damage your computer's logic board. This isn't covered by any of Apples' warranties.

Resources

• Available Firmware Updates