OS X Lion: How to view additional system info at the Login window

With Lion Server installed, you can use any of the methods below to allow additional information to be displayed at the Login window. After enabling this feature, you can click the clock the upper-right corner of the Login Window to see additional information about the system.

Profile Manager

Use the steps below to enable this feature using Profile Manager:

1. In Profile Manager, select the device or device group you would like to manage.

2. Under the Profile tab, press the Edit button to edit the profile for this record.

3. Select Login Window in the list, under the Mac OS X section.

4. If a payload is not already configured, press the Configure button to create one. You do not need to make any changes after creating a Login Window payload.

5. Press OK to dismiss the dialog.

6. Press Save to save the changes.

Once the profile has been installed additional information will be available at the Login window.

Workgroup Manager

Use the steps below to enable this feature using Workgroup Manager:

1. In Workgroup Manager, select the computer or computer group you would like to manage.

2. Click Preferences in the top toolbar.

3. Under the Overview tab, select Login.

4. Under the Window tab, choose to Manage Always. You do not need to make any changes after selecting Always.

5. Select Apply Now to save the changes.

The record you selected in step 1 will now display additional information at the Login window.

Terminal

Execute the following command in Terminal:

sudo defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.loginwindow AdminHostInfo HostName

Note: The value ("HostName" in the example command above) may be any one of the Login Window Heading attributes defined using Profile Manager or Workgroup Manager.

Learn more

The following will be reported (click again to proceed to the next item):

• Computer name

• Version of OS X installed

• IP address

This will remain visible for 60 seconds.