What is the best way to "depersonalize" a Mac, so that it is just a generic out-of-the box type of setup? Do I have to wipe it completely and reinstall software, and upgrade?

Is there a way to just delete the admin account, and create a new master password for the mac, and leave the programs there?

I have an old iBook G3 that works perfectly, is running 10.4.11, but has long since been replaced by a MacBook pro. I don't use the iBook at all, but it is good for typing, and if I could delete just the personal information, I could then carry it with me at times when I just need a typewriter.

It's not worth anything, so if I don't have all my passwords on it, then I won't worry about it.

I know this info is available if I search through dozens of apple support articles, but I haven't created and deleted users much. Need some tips.

Which install disc? I know that I can reset the admin password by booting the iBook off an install disc. Is this any os x install, or just the iBook install disc that came with it?

Create a new admin account on the computer... delete the old account.
Done!

(Did I get the question right?)

---

Paul F.
-----
Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
-----
"The world makes a lot more sense when you realize most people are stupid." - Zoidberg
.

[forums.macresource.com]

(Did I get the question right?)

Well, I'd say that's the correct response to the Subject Line.

As to his question What is the best way to "depersonalize" a Mac, so that it is just a generic out-of-the box type of setup?, that's a bit more involved.

There are a lot of tips for that complete experience and maybe somebody can post some links to prior threads here that covers this.

That method is what I'd use, right after wiping the disk. Also, if I wanted a bit more security, I'd create a dmg, password protected, to store any more critical info.

---

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Jonathan Ive

-An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

There is no safety for honest men
except by believing all possible evil
of evil men.

I *love* Sigs. It's Glocks I hate.

Geeeeze, I type slow.

---

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Jonathan Ive

-An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

There is no safety for honest men
except by believing all possible evil
of evil men.

I *love* Sigs. It's Glocks I hate.

For years, I've just used OS X as a single-user. It's weird to use it the way it is built, with admins and users. I should know this stuff, but don't.

Darn handy if you DO have more than one user, but I agree, not necessary for the "average" single-user environment.

---

Paul F.
-----
Good is the enemy of Excellent. Talent is not necessary for Excellence.
Persistence is necessary for Excellence. And Persistence is a Decision.
-----
"The world makes a lot more sense when you realize most people are stupid." - Zoidberg
.