When you’re logged into your admin account, any root level changes require you to enter your admin password. Since the name is already filled in, you just need to enter the password. However, every time you’re on a non-admin account, or trying to access your Mac remotely, you need to enter the full admin name as well as the password. I wouldn’t say it is a big deal, but what if there was a way to make life easier?
Then I stumbled upon this little setting that allows you to create account aliases. The aliases are just a replacement for your name, while your password remains the same. Now, whenever I need to login remotely from another machine, or authorise any action on a non-admin account, all I need to type is ‘deaf’ in the account name field. I chose the name since it can be typed with just my left hand, the right hand not having to move from the mouse.
To create one (or many) go to System Preferences » Accounts » Right-click on the Admin Account » Advanced Options. In the advanced preference pane, hit the + button at the bottom of the pane to add a new alias. You can create as many of these, although I don’t see why anyone would. A word of advice: Don’t touch anything in the advanced options you aren’t sure of.
I hope someone finds this tip useful. If you know any good tips send em’ along to pr@sa.com and we’ll let everyone know!
