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    BIOS password on macbook?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by passive101, Nov 13, 2008.

  1. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    On my windows notebooks I use a bios password along with windows for added security.

    Can I do something similar on my macbook?
     
    passive101, Nov 13, 2008
    #1
  2. ATC

    ATC Notebook Deity

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    Yes. I think you activate it from within the install DVD (if memory serves me).
     
    ATC, Nov 13, 2008
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  3. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    Do you happen to know where you do it from with the install dvd?
     
    passive101, Nov 13, 2008
    #3
  4. kgeier82

    kgeier82 Notebook Deity

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    there is a util on the install dvd, but its just a hard drive password protector.

    Been there, done that. I stopped using it when I found out if the HD was wiped, or switched, Mac-be-gone.
     
    kgeier82, Nov 13, 2008
    #4
  5. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Just to let you know, BIOS passwords are extremely useless.
     
    Lithus, Nov 13, 2008
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  6. RogueMonk

    RogueMonk Notebook Deity

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    Just to let you know, that post is extremely useless.
     
    RogueMonk, Nov 13, 2008
    #6
  7. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Really? Because in my experience with BIOS passwords, all they're good for is locking the owner out of the computer 3 years down the road when they forget that they set one in the first place. That, and the fact that it takes about 10 minutes to remove the password if you know what you're doing.

    On the other hand, your post of course is gleaming with knowledge.
     
    Lithus, Nov 13, 2008
    #7
  8. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    BIOS passwords slow people down especially on a notebook where they can't easily and quickly take a battery off the motherboard when a notebook is laying around at a job site.

    Breaking the mac password can be done, just as a windows password. The BIOS password slows it down and stops others from messing around with the settings.

    If the macs don't do this it is just yet another reason why they are not embraced at the corporate level.

    With that said I'm not to overly concerned about it as I usually have my thinkpad for business trips.

    I don't drink the koolaid from any company ;)
     
    passive101, Nov 13, 2008
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  9. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

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    Yes i agree, BIOS is a weak security measure. It is only good for keeping your siblings and friends from using your notebook.

    All you gotta do is take out the CMOS battery and the password is gone.
     
    flipfire, Nov 13, 2008
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  10. unixphone

    unixphone Notebook Consultant

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    repped!! :)
     
    unixphone, Nov 14, 2008
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  11. Seshan

    Seshan Rawrrr!

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    what's with all the talk about koolaid lately?
     
    Seshan, Nov 14, 2008
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  12. passive101

    passive101 Notebook Deity

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    Apparently I didn't drink enough of it.
     
    passive101, Nov 14, 2008
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  13. wave

    wave Notebook Virtuoso

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    Not all bios passwords are useless. The Thinkpad ones are pretty good. Not impossible to crack but still good. They can be cracked with special hardware but not something you can do quickly before the owner comes back.
     
    wave, Nov 14, 2008
    #13