Admin/password reset

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Admin/password reset

I am one nervous dude. I don't know my administrator name, or my password (had OSX installed at a now-defunct retail). I do have the OSX Install disc but I'm worried I might screw up something.Reading the instructions on reset the admin password using the disc when you go to "reset password," do you have to know the old one or does the install ddisc automatically assume you are the 'administrator?

Also, I have FileVault turned off...should that have been turned on all along? Another question-how do you know if there is a virus protection program installed on your computer. Thanks to all who can 'educate' this old man.

PowerMac3.1, Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Posted on Mar 24, 2010 4:05 PM

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Answer 1

Mar 24, 2010 5:51 PM in response to daplight

Here's the instructions if you have the discs.
*Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password*
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274?viewlocale=en_US

*Changing your administrator password*
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh655.html
Look at these links.

The Mac Malware Myth
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/01/29/the-mac-malware-myth/

Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?
http://db.tidbits.com/article/9511

Reviews of Antivirus products for Apple Mac OS X
http://netsecurity.about.com/od/macav/Reviewsof_Antivirus_products_for_Apple_Mac_OSX.htm

Antivirus software is not really necessary on a Mac, however if you receive many emails and forward them to PC users it may help them. I don't use any AV SW on my Macs. If you want to use one to detect a virus on emails, get the freeware antivirus application for Macs - ClamXav @ http://www.clamxav.com/ .

SecureMac has a lot of info about Mac security. SecureMac has provided several freeware Trojan removal tools. Download them here:
iServices Trojan Removal Tool (OS 10.4 or later) Download at http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/30265/iservices-trojan-removal-tool
DNSChanger Removal Tool (OS 10.3 or later) Download at http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/26652/dnschanger-removal-tool

 Cheers, Tom 😉 (from another, possibly older man)

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