LOCKING YOUR PPP SETTINGS

When Apple introduced the modern "Open Transport" networking, replacing the older (and trouble-prone) networking, they provided for "locking" the settings of the various new control panels. Apple's primary reason was to allow a site administrator to setup machines up and prevent their users from changing the settings.

For most OlympusNet users, that is not an issue: you are your own "administrator". But there is still a use for locking the settings: it can prevent accidental settings changes. (It can also prevent a family member or a guest from making intentional changes, should you need to do that.) The PPP control panel or its newer replacement the Remote Access control panel are particularly likely to have accidental changes made: when you open these control panels, the Macintosh is ready to edit the start of your username. If you then hit the space bar accidentally, a leading space is inserted. This space is hard to see, and will lead to an "Authentication Failed" error when you try to connect.

The AppleTalk, PPP, Remote Access, TCP/IP, and Modem control panels can all be locked in the same way. With the control panel in front, select "User Mode..." from the Edit menu. In the User Mode window, select "Administration". Click the "Set Password" button. If you are just trying to prevent accidental changes, pick an easy password: one local computer store uses your OlympusNet username as the password...that is a good choice. If you are trying to prevent others from changing settings, pick a less obvious password, but be sure to remember what it is. When you have typed the password in the same way twice, and clicked "OK", you will be back in the control panel's main window.

You will see small unlocked padlock icons near each field you can lock. Click on a lock to lock it...click a locked lock to unlock it. When you have the fields locked, return to the "User Mode..." command and select "Basic" (or "Advanced") if desired and the control panel has that choice. Your settings are now locked.

To unlock the settings, once again select the Administration mode...you will be asked for your password. When you put in the right password and click OK, you will again see the padlock icons...change them as desired.

TIP: You can leave the control panel in the Administration mode while you test your changes, if you wish.

When you are satisfied with your settings, lock those you wish to have locked, return to the User Mode window, and select Basic or Advanced.