Can I lock the volume or disable the volume keys on Mac OS X?

Solution 1:

If this is a MacBook or MacBook Pro, you could change the configuration so that the F12 keys acts as an F12 key and not a volume key.

In Keyboard preferences, check the "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys".

The volume control is still available by holding down the Fn key and hitting F12.

This doesn't disable it altogether, but could get you closer to what you want.

Solution 2:

In System Preferences->Keyboard, in the Keyboard tab, select "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys."

This will disable all the special features bound to the function keys, but you can still use them by pressing the Fn key along with the function key.

Solution 3:

Alternatively, there is an application you can install into System Preferences called "Function Flip." You can use it toggle the volume keys to act like F10, F11, and F12, and leave the other keys as is. This is great if you use spaces, dashboard, and the other keys a lot.