TOPIC This article explains how to create a keychain using file security, a Mac OS feature introduced with Mac OS 9.0 DISCUSSION Note: If you used the Multiple User control panel to set up your computer for multiple users, each user already has a keychain. To create a keychain:
2. If a keychain doesn't already exist, you're asked if you want to create one. Click Create. If a locked keychain already exists, click Cancel, then open the File menu and choose New Keychain. 3. Enter information for your new keychain and click Create. Remember your password, because you'll need to re-enter it exactly to use the keychain. To make your keychain more secure, be sure to choose a good password. Your keychain is stored in the Keychains folder in the Preferences folder inside the System Folder. IMPORTANT: When your keychain is unlocked, any person using your computer can open applications using the passwords on your keychain. (They cannot, however, see the passwords on your keychain unless they know your keychain password). For security, you should always lock your keychain when you're not at your computer. The first keychain you create is your "default" keychain. All new keychain items are added to the default keychain. To change the default keychain, unlock the keychain, and choose "Make <your keychain> default," where "your keychain" is the name of the active keychain, from the Keychains menu. (The Keychains menu only appears when you have more than one keychain). Adding items to a keychain You can add items to your default keychain from within an application or login dialog box that requires password access, or from the desktop. To add application passwords to your default keychain, open the application and enter your password. Look for a checkbox (or other device) that allows you to add your password information to a keychain. If you don't see a way to add your password information to a keychain, check the documentation that came with the program. The program might not support keychains. To add items to your keychain from the desktop, drag the AppleShare IP server, Internet location, or certificate icon to your Keychain window. You can also drag URLs directly from a web browser or Network Browser. Tip: You can also add new certificates to your keychain while you're using the Apple Verifier program to check a file's signature. If an AppleShare IP server's "Add to Keychain" checkbox is dimmed, the server may not be set up to allow users to save passwords on a keychain. For more information, contact your server administrator. |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Mac OS System Software |
| Category: | Mac OS 9.0 |
| Sub Category: | System Software Components |
| Keywords: | kmos90 |
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