In Mac OS X, how do I create and delete users?

To allow users to log into your Mac OS X computer, create an account for each of them.

Creating a new user in Mac OS X

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... .
   
   
2. From the View menu, select Users & Groups (Mac OS X 10.7 or later) or Accounts (Mac OS X 10.6 or earlier).
   
   
3. If it's locked, click the padlock in the bottom left corner of the window, and then authenticate as an administrator.
   
   
4. Under the list of user accounts, click + (the plus sign).
   
   
5. In Mac OS X 10.5 or later, from the menu next to "New Account:", select the type of account you want to create. To allow this user to make changes to the system settings, add programs, and perform other system functions beyond basic use, select Administrator. For lower access accounts, choose Standard or Managed with Parental Controls as appropriate. Sharing Only and Group are special options for specific needs. For more information, refer to your operating system's documentation.

   Note: Selecting Administrator will give the user the ability to make changes to your system without your approval.

6. In the "Full Name:" field, enter the new user's real name.
   
   
7. In the "Account Name:" or "Short Name:" field, enter a username you wish to assign to the user.

   Note: At Indiana University, UITS strongly recommends that you use your IU Network ID username for the account name or short name. This is necessary in order to access some services on the IU network.

8. In the "Password:" field, type a password for the user, then type it again in the "Verify:" field. You can optionally set a password hint for the user. For the hint, try to use something only the new user will understand; alternatively, leave this field blank.
   
   
9. In Mac OS X 10.4, if you wish to allow this user to make changes to the system settings, add programs, and perform other system functions beyond basic use, select Allow user to administer this computer or Allow user to administer this machine. Selecting this option will give the user the ability to make changes to your system without your approval.
   
   
10. Click Create User or Create Account.

Deleting a user in Mac OS X

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences... .
   
   
2. From the View menu, select Users & Groups (Mac OS X 10.7 and later) or Accounts (Mac OS X 10.6 and earlier).
   
   
3. If it's locked, click the padlock in the bottom left corner of the window, and then authenticate as an administrator.
   
   
4. Select the name of the user you want to delete, and, under the list of accounts, click - (the minus sign).
   
   
5. In Mac OS X 10.5 or later, choose Save the home folder in a disk image, Don't change the home folder, or Delete the home folder depending on how or whether you want to save the user's data. In Mac OS X 10.7 or later, if you choose to delete the home folder, there is also an Erase home folder securely option. Then click Delete User or OK.

   In Mac OS X 10.4, click OK to save the deleted user's data or Delete Immediately if you don't want to retain it.