This is the README for defaultuser.sh [Download] [Browse] [Up]
Date: 13 Sept 1997 Author: TjL <luomat+next@luomat.peak.org> Version: 2.0 (previously released as `fiddlepass' Tired of having to login everytime you reboot? Ever wish your NeXT would just boot right into your own account (or some account)? Well, if so, this script is for you. You may be familiar with the ``me'' account. When you first install NeXTStep or OpenStep, it will boot into the ``me'' account. That's fine if you never connect to the 'net or a LAN where having an account with no password is a very bad thing. This script, however, uses a little-known dwrite called the ``DefaultUser'' in root's preferences for ``loginwindow''. Assume that your username is ``myaccount''. Login as root, launch Terminal.app and enter: dwrite loginwindow DefaultUser myaccount You can then use this script. It is very simple. When you want to remove the password for the DefaultUser account, you simply enter: defaultuser.sh removepass You must do this as root, of course. To bring the password back, use defaultuser.sh restorepass To make it even simpler, I might try something like this in /etc/rc.local: if [ -x /usr/local/bin/defaultuser.sh ]; then /usr/local/bin/defaultuser.sh removepass (sleep 60 && /usr/local/bin/defaultuser.sh restorepass) & fi Note: this assumes you have put this script at /usr/local/bin/defaultuser.sh, of course! That will remove the password, wait 60 seconds, and then restore the password. That should be plenty of time to complete the boot action and have the DefaultUser get logged in. However, you might want to make it less time since this account will be open during that interval. WARNING: this script removes a password from a user account on your machine, and it mucks with NetInfo. If that isn't enough for you to treat it with a lot of care, then you're very foolish. Be careful. I can't be held responsible for what it does to you or your system. NOTE: Don't use ``root'' as the DefaultUser.... it's just a bad idea. You don't ever want root to not have a password, even for just a few minutes. Remember, if someone comes in and reboots the machine, they will be able to get into the DefaultUser account. Convenience comes with a price.
These are the contents of the former NiCE NeXT User Group NeXTSTEP/OpenStep software archive, currently hosted by Netfuture.ch.