Auto-lock/Unlock Your Mac Using Your iPhone With Airlock
While Windows has a built-in, easy-to-use feature to quickly lock the operating system when you need to step away from your machine (hit Windows+L), Macs have no such feature. In my case, that means having to remember to close the lid on my MacBook, and then typing my password in when I want to get working again.
So I was interested to read this TUAW review of a product called Airlock, a utility that works via Bluetooth and automatically locks your Mac when your iPhone/iPod touch moves out of a definable range of your machine and then unlocks it again when you come back. It provides easy-to-use security, and should prove handy for forgetful web workers like me, as it will ensure that your machine is locked whenever you’re away from it.
Airlock costs $7.77, and a license is good to work with up to three Macs. As the TUAW post points out, you could build similar functionality for less with a DIY approach, but Airlock works pretty reliably. A similar sounding app, Bluetooth Auto Lock, is available for Windows.
Tried Airlock, or a similar app? Let us know what you thought of it below.
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“…remember to close the lid on my MacBook…”
although it’s not a OS-lock, you might want to use the built in Expose, active screen corners, screen protection?!
Swipe your cursor to any corner, and you’re all set to leave your Macbook. Don’t forget to tie the thing itself to your desk ;-)
You can also use Keychain Access to lock your mac. http://artofgeek.com/2009/09/08/lock-your-macs-screen-like-in-windows-snow-leopard-edition/
This sounds rather cool. First I did not know that “windows + L” – locked your Windows box. Very useful. TUAW sounds like a cool app. I will check it out as soon as I can.
Not for nothing shouldn’t Apple just give you that functionality? I most certainly do.
Oooooooor…
Apple > System Preferences > Security: Require password ‘immediately’ after sleep or screen saver begins.
then…
Apple > System Preferences > Expose & Spaces > Add “Start Screen Saver” to one of your corners and voila!
Now just move your mouse to your corner (mine is the top right, not a common place to go to) and your screen saver turns on, and with it, your password lock :)
Yes, good call, but then you have to remember to do it, and type your password in. I like this one as it’s automatic.
Ah. My mistake :)