Image Deployment Login Window Backgrounds on Multiple Mac Models

rstansifer
New Contributor III

I've created a series of custom login window backgrounds for the four Mac OSs we currently have deployed. Each one has its own separate on our NetRestore server.

-The 10.10 one I've found easy to deploy. Replace a file in /Library/Cache and make sure it's Read Only to everyone so the Mac OS doesn't change it back.
-10.9 is causing me serious issues. The four picture replacement doesn't work consistently unless you know the exact resolution of the screen beforehand. And while I could theoretically create an IF/THEN script that pulls the resolution and selects the right series of files...I'd like to know if there's an easier way.
-10.8 and 10.7: I know of Loginox, but I'm not thrilled with the idea of adding another program change the login screen. I'd prefer to do it through Finder/Terminal/Etc.

Has anyone had any success with this?

3 REPLIES 3

calumhunter
Valued Contributor

I would avoid using the Cache method and instead use a python script to do it "the right way™"

https://derflounder.wordpress.com/2013/10/26/mavericks-desktop-background-picture-settings-moved-fro...

and use something like this:
https://gist.github.com/hunty1/548edaf7e913c8f4e06b#file-change_desktop-py
where you do:

./changedesktop.py --path /Path/To/My/Image.jpg

rstansifer
New Contributor III

This is great for changing the Default Desktop, but it doesn't really help for the Login Window Screen. While in 10.10 it's based off of the desktop picture, the 10.9-10.7 are independent. Any suggestions on changing that?

calumhunter
Valued Contributor

ahh i must have read your post wrong sorry!

Yeah I'm not sure of a nice way to change that, theres the apple icon method that you mentioned for 10.9 but like you said thats got some issues when put across multiple machines with different resolutions.