disable client ability to generate multiple desktops on WGM

Question

disable client ability to generate multiple desktops on WGM

Hello,

I am the Apple tech for a 1:1 high school where every student has a Macbook issued to them. They all have mobile accounts and are managed by a mini running Lion Server(10.7.5).

The teachers have requested me to disable mission control and the creation of multiple desktops. When the teacher comes by a student they will switch to a different desktop using the 3 finger swipe gesture.

Is there a way to disable this feature over WGM or ARD unix command?

Thanks.

Xserve, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Dec 5, 2012 10:26 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 5, 2012 5:30 PM in response to steffanfromcoarsegold

The Terminal/UNIX command to do it is this…

defaults write com.apple.dock mcx-expose-disabled -bool true

… although what you want to do is change this to an MCX preference setting in WGM. Sorry I can't give more details at the moment but I have to run.

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Answer 2

Dec 6, 2012 9:07 AM in response to infinite vortex

How do I make it a MCX preference. I know how to search for one but not sure how to create.

Any help would be great

Thanks

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Answer 3

Dec 7, 2012 6:50 AM in response to steffanfromcoarsegold

The simplest way is to…

1) Open WGM and go to Preferences

2) Select the Details tab and click the plus

3) Now select /System/Library/CoreServices/ManagedClient

This will import profiles that will help you create your own MCX settings. Now "all you need to do" is select the Dock and create your own settings based on the Terminal command above. If you add some managed settings for the Dock from the Overview tab you should be able to see how they are described in the Details tab.

Otherwise, and which is the way of the future, implement the use of the Profile Manager.

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Answer 4

Dec 7, 2012 12:59 PM in response to infinite vortex

OK I was able to create a MCX file and apply it in WGM.

This disabled it, but the users that already created multiple desktops can still switch but cant create or delete them.

Is there a way to reset their desktops back to a single one over ARD or WGM?

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Answer 5

Dec 7, 2012 1:02 PM in response to steffanfromcoarsegold

Cool!

To remove already created Desktops you probably need to create another MCX policy to set the Desktop count just the one. I'd look in the com.apple.Dock preferences of one with multiple set, then with one set, and that should give you the way to use MCX to wipe out the existing Desktops.

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Answer 6

Dec 10, 2012 11:50 AM in response to infinite vortex

Ya I am still unable to find a solution to make only 1 desktop after they have created it. Any other ideas?

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Answer 7

Dec 10, 2012 12:12 PM in response to steffanfromcoarsegold

I had a quick look and the file you need to be overriding is com.apple.spaces.plist. Once you look at that you'll be able to see the definitions for the Desktops/Spaces themselves. Give that a go.

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Answer 8

Dec 12, 2012 11:58 AM in response to infinite vortex

When I add that file, it doesnt give me any options. I have to manually do it but I dont know how to proceed from there.

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