finder preferences

[mdench]

Got the OS X server up and working with the macs binded to AD. I have managed to set up the majority of the preferences i wanted to to be dished out via profiles from the server. Is there a way to remotely change the preferences for finder? So that that it only displays their home folder, applications and downloads down the left hand side so that it is the same for every user?

Cheers

[gybe78]

Got the OS X server up and working with the macs binded to AD. I have managed to set up the majority of the preferences i wanted to to be dished out via profiles from the server. Is there a way to remotely change the preferences for finder? So that that it only displays their home folder, applications and downloads down the left hand side so that it is the same for every user?

Cheers

You'll need to create a customised com.apple.sidebarlists.plist file.

[Carter]

What version of OS X Server are you using?

[mdench]

10.7 how do i distribute the plist file?

[Carter]

The easiest way to do this I think would be the use of WGM (Work Group Manager). It's being thrown away with OS X Server 10.8 but still there for 10.7

Create a new computer group within WGM and when you chose preferences you should then see an "Overview" tab as well as a "Details" tab.

I would then use one computer to customize what settings you want then grab the needed .plist file you want like "gybe78" suggested. Then use the "+" button to add the new .plist then have apply/save and restart the computer. If it's apart of this computer group it should pickup the new changes.

[mdench]

os x.PNG

The option for new computer group is greyed out?

[Willott]

Try clicking back to accounts and see if that re-enabled the new bit - seem to remember having to do something along those lines.

[Carter]

What "Willott" said. You need to select Accounts then it will let you create a new group.

[mdench]

where is the plist stored??

[Carter]

In finder go to the "Go" menu and select "Go To Folder" and type in "~/Library" this will take you to the user Library folder that is hidden on the client you want to mimic. From there go to "Preferences". This holds all of the user settings from programs, system application, preferences etc. That said as "gybe78" said you are looking to copy the "com.apple.sidebarlists.plist" file. Copy this file then import/add into WGM.

[mezmerrick]

Personally I never got this preference to work reliably. For example, in my Plist I removed all of the Network browsing options. But it only applies reliably on the 2nd login for some reason?! Anybody else ever had any issues with it?

[Carter]

Have a look at my topic here http://www.edugeek.net/forums/mac/72...-5-10-6-a.html
I go through how you can create a default profile and when doing so it will keep everything from Finder prefs. settings etc. for what a new local, OD or AD user logs in.

:-)

[mezmerrick]

Have a look at my topic here http://www.edugeek.net/forums/mac/72...-5-10-6-a.html
I go through how you can create a default profile and when doing so it will keep everything from Finder prefs. settings etc. for what a new local, OD or AD user logs in.

:-)

Thanks. But shouldn't WGM take care of this reliably for users logging in with AD credentials?

[Carter]

Yes and no. WGM or Server App is missing a lot of fine grain control which is why you an use the option of "Details" and add new .pists

[mezmerrick]

Yes and no. WGM or Server App is missing a lot of fine grain control which is why you an use the option of "Details" and add new .pists

That's what I'm saying. I use the WGM Details tab to add extra .Plists - but for some reason the com.apple.sidebarlists.plist doesn't reliably apply :s