Is there any way to have OSX log in automatically in a certain account when starting up, without asking for the password, while preventing remote (or even local network) connections without password?
I have a computer that I use both as a home server and a media center, so it has to be accessible from outside world in a secure manner (SSH + Screen Sharing), but at the same time I don't want to key in the passwords every time my media center boots up, or more importantly each time it wakes up from sleep.
Best Answer
Yes, this is possible. An automatic login option is available within the System Preferences.
System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Options > Automatic login
This ability may not be available if you are using FileVault.
When setting up this option, you will need to provide the user's password. See Does activating auto-login compromise secure password storage? for a discussion about how this feature works.