If someone steals your Mac, if you have a password to keep them from using the computer and you've installed the OF Password, what they've acquired is little more that a very pretty doorstop! They can't even replace the hard drive since, without the OF Password, they're locked out of initializing it. And yet, with all this protection, there's no simple method for anyone to get it back to you, its rightful owner!
Open Firmware has a rarely used variable called oem-banner that, when activated, displays a single line of text at the top of the Open Firmware screen. This is where we're going to place our information. This can be done from a Terminal window or from within Open Firmware itself.
First decide on your string of text. Don't give so much info that your identity is at risk, but give enough that you can be contacted when the Mac is recovered. I recommend that you turn off Open Firmware protection until you have the string installed and working. This is for the not-so-rare case that something goes wrong and you need to Reset the PRAM (Command-Option-R-P at startup). If your password is set, this cannot be done!
From a Terminal window, enter your string using the following command:
Macintosh:~ lasvegas$ sudo nvram oem-banner?=true
password:
Macintosh:~ lasvegas$ sudo nvram oem-banner="This computer is the property
of LasVegas. If found, please call 702-555-1212 or email las_vegas@here.net"
Note: the last line (which stores the actual text string) has been shown on two lines. It should be entered as one long line. And you will need to enter your Administrator's password at the password: prompt above. If using Open Firmware instead (Command-Option-O-F at startup), use:
0: setenv oem-banner? true
ok
0: setenv oem-banner This computer is the property of LasVegas. If found,
please call 702-555-1212 or email las_vegas@here.net<br>
ok
Note again that the above lines are typed unbroken (no returns).
You can test your banner by rebooting into Open Firmware. Hold Command-Option-O-F at startup. This will display your Open Firmware screen with your banner at the top. To exit Open Firmware, even if your OF Password is set, just type "boot" at the prompt. No password is needed. Once the message is verified as you want it to be, use Apple's Open Firmware Password utility to set your password and your set!
Now if your Mac is found, and the finder has the thought of trying Open Firmware, you just might get it back!

