Macs: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Macs and HDTV
Your new big-screen HDTV probably has more video connections than your old TV. Why not use one of them for your Mac?
Your new big-screen HDTV probably has more video connections than your old TV. Why not use one of them for your Mac?
Ejecting CDs/DVDs from Macs
Unlike many PCs, Macs don't have a manual eject button on their CD/DVD drives. You can eject a CD or DVD from a Mac using one of three methods: the eject key on the keyboard, the F12 key on the keyboard, or an application's eject command.
Unlike many PCs, Macs don't have a manual eject button on their CD/DVD drives. You can eject a CD or DVD from a Mac using one of three methods: the eject key on the keyboard, the F12 key on the keyboard, or an application's eject command.
Erase and Install of OS X 10.6
Erase and Install of Snow Leopard: Previous versions of OS X had installers that could perform various types of installations. The most popular types of installations were ‘Erase and Install’ (sometimes called a clean install), ‘Archive,’ and ‘Upgrade.’ The Snow Leopard installer has no option for performing any type of installation other than an upgrade, but with a few extra steps, you can get it to perform an ‘Erase and Install’ for you.
Erase and Install of Snow Leopard: Previous versions of OS X had installers that could perform various types of installations. The most popular types of installations were ‘Erase and Install’ (sometimes called a clean install), ‘Archive,’ and ‘Upgrade.’ The Snow Leopard installer has no option for performing any type of installation other than an upgrade, but with a few extra steps, you can get it to perform an ‘Erase and Install’ for you.
Clean Install of Lion
In this step-by-step article, we're going to look at installing Lion on a drive or partition, either internally on your Mac or on an external drive. For those of you who want to create a bootable USB flash drive with Lion installed, we have two methods you can use, which we will cover in a separate article.
In this step-by-step article, we're going to look at installing Lion on a drive or partition, either internally on your Mac or on an external drive. For those of you who want to create a bootable USB flash drive with Lion installed, we have two methods you can use, which we will cover in a separate article.
iPod to Mac
It's easy to copy media files, music, audio books, podcasts, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac. Focus on Macs shows you how.
It's easy to copy media files, music, audio books, podcasts, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac. Focus on Macs shows you how.
My Mac Won’t Start
My Mac won’t start. How can I repair my hard drive? The Mac has three good options for emergency startup and repair: booting from a different device, Safe Boot, and Single User Mode. All three options allow you to run various types of disk repair utilities that should get your Mac going again.
My Mac won’t start. How can I repair my hard drive? The Mac has three good options for emergency startup and repair: booting from a different device, Safe Boot, and Single User Mode. All three options allow you to run various types of disk repair utilities that should get your Mac going again.
USB Flash Drive as Boot Device
Most USB flash drives are formatted for use with Windows. Before you can install OS X on a USB flash drive, you will need to change the drive’s formatting to the standard used by OS X (Mac OS X Extended Journaled).
Most USB flash drives are formatted for use with Windows. Before you can install OS X on a USB flash drive, you will need to change the drive’s formatting to the standard used by OS X (Mac OS X Extended Journaled).
Startup Shortcuts
These startup keyboard shortcuts come in handy if you need to troubleshoot your Mac, or you just want to boot from a different volume than usual.
These startup keyboard shortcuts come in handy if you need to troubleshoot your Mac, or you just want to boot from a different volume than usual.
Removing Safari Plug-ins
To remove Safari Plug-ins, you must delete or move the appropriate plug-in files from the Internet Plug-ins folder.
To remove Safari Plug-ins, you must delete or move the appropriate plug-in files from the Internet Plug-ins folder.
Pick the Right External Drive
Buying an external hard drive may seem to entail making difficult decisions, but once you understand the basic choices available, you'll find that selecting an external hard drive enclosure is a simple process.
Buying an external hard drive may seem to entail making difficult decisions, but once you understand the basic choices available, you'll find that selecting an external hard drive enclosure is a simple process.
Resize With Disk Utility
The version of Disk Utility bundled with OS X 10.5 or later has a few notable features, specifically, the ability to add, delete, and resize hard drive partitions without erasing data. If you need to resize a partition, or you would like to split a partition into multiple partitions, you can do it with Disk Utility, without losing the data that’s currently stored on the drive.
The version of Disk Utility bundled with OS X 10.5 or later has a few notable features, specifically, the ability to add, delete, and resize hard drive partitions without erasing data. If you need to resize a partition, or you would like to split a partition into multiple partitions, you can do it with Disk Utility, without losing the data that’s currently stored on the drive.
iMac Upgrade Guide
iMac Upgrade Guide: When is it time to buy a new iMac? When is it time to just upgrade your iMac? Those are difficult questions, because the right answer varies from individual to individual, depending on needs and wants. The first step in making the right decision about whether to upgrade or buy new is to become familiar with the upgrades that are available for your iMac.
iMac Upgrade Guide: When is it time to buy a new iMac? When is it time to just upgrade your iMac? Those are difficult questions, because the right answer varies from individual to individual, depending on needs and wants. The first step in making the right decision about whether to upgrade or buy new is to become familiar with the upgrades that are available for your iMac.
Home Theater Connection
That big-screen HDTV is just begging to be connected to your Mac. This guide will take you through the process of connecting your Mac to your HDTV.
That big-screen HDTV is just begging to be connected to your Mac. This guide will take you through the process of connecting your Mac to your HDTV.
Lion Install by DVD
I'm going to show you how to create a bootable version of the OS X Lion installer. I'll also show you how to use the bootable DVD to erase a hard drive, and then install OS X Lion on it.
I'm going to show you how to create a bootable version of the OS X Lion installer. I'll also show you how to use the bootable DVD to erase a hard drive, and then install OS X Lion on it.
Format Your Hard Drive
Disk Utility provides several options for formatting a hard drive. You can select the drive format, as well as the method of erasing and testing the drive, during the format process.
Disk Utility provides several options for formatting a hard drive. You can select the drive format, as well as the method of erasing and testing the drive, during the format process.
Defragging and Macs
Do you need to defragment a Mac’s hard drive? About: Macs explains how your Mac is capable of defragmenting your hard drive on its own, without any intervention by you.
Do you need to defragment a Mac’s hard drive? About: Macs explains how your Mac is capable of defragmenting your hard drive on its own, without any intervention by you.
Moving Apple Mail
Moving your Apple Mail to a new Mac, or to a new, clean install of the OS, may seem like a difficult task but it actually only requires saving three items and moving them to the new destination.
Moving your Apple Mail to a new Mac, or to a new, clean install of the OS, may seem like a difficult task but it actually only requires saving three items and moving them to the new destination.
Readers' Choice Awards 2011
Readers' Choice Awards: Vote for your favorite Mac browser. The Best Mac Browser category is for applications that provide general-purpose web browsing capabilities. Browsers in this category should be able to access any web site, provide bookmark services, support plug-ins, and run basic web applications without issues.
Readers' Choice Awards: Vote for your favorite Mac browser. The Best Mac Browser category is for applications that provide general-purpose web browsing capabilities. Browsers in this category should be able to access any web site, provide bookmark services, support plug-ins, and run basic web applications without issues.
MacBook Upgrade Guide
MacBook Upgrade Guide: If you're thinking about upgrading your MacBook and wondering how difficult it might be, stop worrying. The MacBook is one of the easiest Macs to upgrade with more memory or a larger hard drive.
MacBook Upgrade Guide: If you're thinking about upgrading your MacBook and wondering how difficult it might be, stop worrying. The MacBook is one of the easiest Macs to upgrade with more memory or a larger hard drive.
iPod Syncing
How to Copy iPod Music to Your Mac: What? You don't have any backups, and you just accidentally deleted some of your favorite tunes and videos from your Mac? Well, all may not be lost, at least not if you've been keeping your iPod synced with your desktop iTunes library. If so, your iPod can serve as your backup. By following these instructions, you should be able to copy your music, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac, and then add them back to your iTunes library.
How to Copy iPod Music to Your Mac: What? You don't have any backups, and you just accidentally deleted some of your favorite tunes and videos from your Mac? Well, all may not be lost, at least not if you've been keeping your iPod synced with your desktop iTunes library. If so, your iPod can serve as your backup. By following these instructions, you should be able to copy your music, movies, and videos from your iPod to your Mac, and then add them back to your iTunes library.
Back Up Your Startup Disk
You can create a replica of your startup disk that is not only an exact copy, but bootable as well. This is the ideal type of backup to perform before updating any system software.
You can create a replica of your startup disk that is not only an exact copy, but bootable as well. This is the ideal type of backup to perform before updating any system software.
Reset PRAM
Reset PRAM: The Mac stores some of its system and device settings in a special type of non-volatile RAM commonly called the PRAM, short for Parameter RAM. Most Mac users don't think much about their Mac's PRAM, but it works hard anyway. It keeps track of startup volume, speaker volume, display settings, DVD region settings, the date, and the time, including your time zone.
Reset PRAM: The Mac stores some of its system and device settings in a special type of non-volatile RAM commonly called the PRAM, short for Parameter RAM. Most Mac users don't think much about their Mac's PRAM, but it works hard anyway. It keeps track of startup volume, speaker volume, display settings, DVD region settings, the date, and the time, including your time zone.
Move Your Important Mac Data
Mac to Mac Transfer: Your Mac contains tons of personal data, from your saved emails to your calendar events. Backing up this data, whether just to have a backup on hand or to move the data to a new Mac, is actually pretty easy. The problem is it's not always an intuitive process. I’ve gathered detailed instructions on moving this important info to your new Mac, as well as how to create backups of individual application data.
Mac to Mac Transfer: Your Mac contains tons of personal data, from your saved emails to your calendar events. Backing up this data, whether just to have a backup on hand or to move the data to a new Mac, is actually pretty easy. The problem is it's not always an intuitive process. I’ve gathered detailed instructions on moving this important info to your new Mac, as well as how to create backups of individual application data.
Lion Minimum Requirements
Lion Minimum Requirements: To install Lion, you will need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, Internet access, and Snow Leopard already installed on your Mac.
Lion Minimum Requirements: To install Lion, you will need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, Internet access, and Snow Leopard already installed on your Mac.
Mac Desktop Icons
Hard Drive Icons Not On Your Mac’s Desktop: It’s the Finder’s job to display the desktop and all of its icons, including those for hard drives. The problem is that a default install of OS X renders the desktop without the drive icons.
Hard Drive Icons Not On Your Mac’s Desktop: It’s the Finder’s job to display the desktop and all of its icons, including those for hard drives. The problem is that a default install of OS X renders the desktop without the drive icons.
Safari Bookmark Transfer
Back Up or Move Your Safari Bookmarks to a New Mac: Safari, Apple's popular web browser, has a lot going for it. It's easy to use, fast and versatile, and it adheres to web standards. It does, however, have one slightly annoying feature, or should I say it lacks a feature: a convenient way to import and export bookmarks.
Back Up or Move Your Safari Bookmarks to a New Mac: Safari, Apple's popular web browser, has a lot going for it. It's easy to use, fast and versatile, and it adheres to web standards. It does, however, have one slightly annoying feature, or should I say it lacks a feature: a convenient way to import and export bookmarks.
Bootable Copy of OS X Lion
You can create a bootable copy of OS X Lion once you download OS X 10.7.x to your Mac.
You can create a bootable copy of OS X Lion once you download OS X 10.7.x to your Mac.
Configure Your Mac's DNS
Configuring your Mac's DNS (Domain Name Server) settings is a pretty straightforward process. Even so, there are a few subtle nuances to be aware of that will help you get the most out of your DNS server.
Configuring your Mac's DNS (Domain Name Server) settings is a pretty straightforward process. Even so, there are a few subtle nuances to be aware of that will help you get the most out of your DNS server.
Partitioning with Disk Utility
Disk Utility is the application of choice for partitioning a hard drive. Disk Utility is straightforward and easy to use, it provides a nice graphical interface, and best of all, it’s free. Disk Utility is included with the Mac OS.
Disk Utility is the application of choice for partitioning a hard drive. Disk Utility is straightforward and easy to use, it provides a nice graphical interface, and best of all, it’s free. Disk Utility is included with the Mac OS.
Buying an iMac
The Apple iMac is a superb desktop computer that combines the power of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or Intel Core 2 Quad processor with your choice of a 21.5-inch or 27-inch display, plus a large helping of Apple's well-deserved reputation for style. The result is a gorgeous, all-in-one desktop Mac that has been setting industry trends since its debut in 1998.
The Apple iMac is a superb desktop computer that combines the power of an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or Intel Core 2 Quad processor with your choice of a 21.5-inch or 27-inch display, plus a large helping of Apple's well-deserved reputation for style. The result is a gorgeous, all-in-one desktop Mac that has been setting industry trends since its debut in 1998.
DNS and Your Browser
My browser is not displaying web sites. When I use my browser to visit a web site, it sometimes fails to load a web page or only displays part of the page. Sometimes I see timeout errors, yet at other times the site loads fine. What’s going on and how can I fix this problem?
My browser is not displaying web sites. When I use my browser to visit a web site, it sometimes fails to load a web page or only displays part of the page. Sometimes I see timeout errors, yet at other times the site loads fine. What’s going on and how can I fix this problem?
Clean Install OS X 10.5
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from the Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when your Mac isn’t working correctly.
Installing OS X Leopard requires you to boot from the Leopard Install DVD. There are multiple ways to start this boot process, including a method for when your Mac isn’t working correctly.
View Hidden Folders
Your Mac has a few secrets, hidden folders and files that are invisible to you. You can use Terminal, which is included with OS X, to force your Mac to reveal its secrets.
Your Mac has a few secrets, hidden folders and files that are invisible to you. You can use Terminal, which is included with OS X, to force your Mac to reveal its secrets.
Anti-Virus Programs and Macs
The Mac has a longstanding reputation as a secure operating system, with no known successful virus attacks in the wild. With a rich history of being virus free, do Macs need anti-virus protection?
The Mac has a longstanding reputation as a secure operating system, with no known successful virus attacks in the wild. With a rich history of being virus free, do Macs need anti-virus protection?
Add Administrator User Account
Adding administrator user accounts to your Mac allows you to specify other individuals who can take on the administrator role. Administrators have an elevated set of privileges that allow them to install applications, change system preferences, and perform a variety of maintenance tasks.
Adding administrator user accounts to your Mac allows you to specify other individuals who can take on the administrator role. Administrators have an elevated set of privileges that allow them to install applications, change system preferences, and perform a variety of maintenance tasks.
Back Up Your Mac
There are many Mac backup software programs available. With so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Focus on Macs takes a look at some of the software and hardware that can help you with your Mac backups.
There are many Mac backup software programs available. With so many products to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Focus on Macs takes a look at some of the software and hardware that can help you with your Mac backups.
Printer Sharing - PC to Mac
Windows printer sharing lets your Mac use a printer that’s connected to one of your PCs. Setting up printer sharing for OS X 10.5 (Leopard) is easy with these step-by-step instructions.
Windows printer sharing lets your Mac use a printer that’s connected to one of your PCs. Setting up printer sharing for OS X 10.5 (Leopard) is easy with these step-by-step instructions.
Installing OS X Lion Server
Before you start the installation and configuration process, be sure to review and properly set up your Mac's DNS, DHCP, and IP address assignments.
Before you start the installation and configuration process, be sure to review and properly set up your Mac's DNS, DHCP, and IP address assignments.
iCloud Mail on Your Mac
Setting up Apple Mail to access your iCloud Mail account is not too difficult. It's relatively easy, in fact, but you need to perform the steps in a certain order. Once you follow the instructions in our quick tip, you'll be able to use your Mac Mail app to view, send, and receive mail from your iCloud account.
Setting up Apple Mail to access your iCloud Mail account is not too difficult. It's relatively easy, in fact, but you need to perform the steps in a certain order. Once you follow the instructions in our quick tip, you'll be able to use your Mac Mail app to view, send, and receive mail from your iCloud account.
Safe Boot
Safe Boot: Safe Boot can get your Mac running again when you're having problems caused by corrupt applications or data, software installation issues, or damaged fonts or preference files. In all cases, the problem you may experience is either a Mac that fails to completely boot and freezes at some point along the way to the desktop, or a Mac that boots successfully, but then freezes or crashes when you undertake specific tasks or use specific applications.
Safe Boot: Safe Boot can get your Mac running again when you're having problems caused by corrupt applications or data, software installation issues, or damaged fonts or preference files. In all cases, the problem you may experience is either a Mac that fails to completely boot and freezes at some point along the way to the desktop, or a Mac that boots successfully, but then freezes or crashes when you undertake specific tasks or use specific applications.
Copy iPod Music to Your Mac
Copy iPod music to your Mac: This guide will take you through the process of copying music, movies, and videos to your Mac using OS X Lion and iTunes 10 or later.
Copy iPod music to your Mac: This guide will take you through the process of copying music, movies, and videos to your Mac using OS X Lion and iTunes 10 or later.
Move Your Home Folder
Move Your Home Folder to a New Location: Your home folder is always located on the startup drive, the same one that houses the OS. This may not be an ideal location for your home folder, however. Storing the home folder on another drive may be a much better choice, especially if you want to increase the performance of your Mac by installing an SSD (Solid State Drive) to serve as your startup drive.
Move Your Home Folder to a New Location: Your home folder is always located on the startup drive, the same one that houses the OS. This may not be an ideal location for your home folder, however. Storing the home folder on another drive may be a much better choice, especially if you want to increase the performance of your Mac by installing an SSD (Solid State Drive) to serve as your startup drive.
RCA 2012 Winners
The Readers' Choice Awards 2012 winners have been decided. This prestigious award is being given to eight winners in Mac-related categories. The voting went non-stop for four weeks, and now it's time to tell you who the winners are.
The Readers' Choice Awards 2012 winners have been decided. This prestigious award is being given to eight winners in Mac-related categories. The voting went non-stop for four weeks, and now it's time to tell you who the winners are.
Gmail Using Apple's Mail
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle Gmail and other web-based email accounts.
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle Gmail and other web-based email accounts.
Back Up Your iPhoto Library
Back UP iPhoto '11: How to Back Up Your iPhoto Library: Digital photos are some of the most important and meaningful files you keep on your computer, and as with any important files, you should maintain current backups of them. If you've imported some or all of your photos into iPhoto '11, you should also back up your iPhoto Library on a regular basis.
Back UP iPhoto '11: How to Back Up Your iPhoto Library: Digital photos are some of the most important and meaningful files you keep on your computer, and as with any important files, you should maintain current backups of them. If you've imported some or all of your photos into iPhoto '11, you should also back up your iPhoto Library on a regular basis.
Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
A few boxes of crayons, and a variety of coloring and activity pages, can go a long way toward keeping the natives from getting restless while Thanksgiving dinner is cooking. Here are some possibilities from around the web.
A few boxes of crayons, and a variety of coloring and activity pages, can go a long way toward keeping the natives from getting restless while Thanksgiving dinner is cooking. Here are some possibilities from around the web.
Modify the Sidebar
The Finder sidebar is a handy place to store frequently used files, folders, and applications. It's also easy to customize.
The Finder sidebar is a handy place to store frequently used files, folders, and applications. It's also easy to customize.
Disk Utility First Aid
Disk Utility, one of the many applications included with OS X, allows you to work with your hard drives. You can use Disk Utility not only to erase, format, and partition a drive, but also to repair problems that may crop up from time to time.
Disk Utility, one of the many applications included with OS X, allows you to work with your hard drives. You can use Disk Utility not only to erase, format, and partition a drive, but also to repair problems that may crop up from time to time.
Boot Camp: Partitioning
Boot Camp Assistant, part of Apple's Boot Camp, is the primary application for getting an Intel-based Mac ready to run Microsoft Windows. Using Boot Camp Assistant, you can create two partitions on your hard drive, one for Mac OS X and one for Windows.
Boot Camp Assistant, part of Apple's Boot Camp, is the primary application for getting an Intel-based Mac ready to run Microsoft Windows. Using Boot Camp Assistant, you can create two partitions on your hard drive, one for Mac OS X and one for Windows.
File Sharing in OS X 10.5
File sharing with the newest version of OS X provides finer control over who can access shared folders on a Mac network and what access rights they have.
File sharing with the newest version of OS X provides finer control over who can access shared folders on a Mac network and what access rights they have.
Share Mac Files with Windows 7
File Sharing With Snow Leopard: Setting up Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to share files with a PC running Windows 7 is a fairly straightforward process. In fact, it may be the easiest of all the Windows operating systems to share files with. But, like any networking task, it's helpful to understand how the underlying process works.
File Sharing With Snow Leopard: Setting up Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) to share files with a PC running Windows 7 is a fairly straightforward process. In fact, it may be the easiest of all the Windows operating systems to share files with. But, like any networking task, it's helpful to understand how the underlying process works.
Boot Camp Assistant 4.x
The Windows support software from the Apple web site contains all the drivers and software you need to ensure that Windows can work with all of your Mac's native hardware.
The Windows support software from the Apple web site contains all the drivers and software you need to ensure that Windows can work with all of your Mac's native hardware.
Enable Safari’s Develop Menu
Safari Develop Menu: Enabling the Safari Develop menu brings a wealth of tools to web developers, as well as some helpful features for casual users.
Safari Develop Menu: Enabling the Safari Develop menu brings a wealth of tools to web developers, as well as some helpful features for casual users.
RCA Winners 2011
Readers' Choice Awards Winners 2011 for Best Mac Applications: The best Mac applications for 2011 have been chosen by the About: Macs readers. This year's nominations and voting were thrilling to watch, with various nominees in the lead, only to see another contender close ranks or shoot ahead. In some cases, the battle was a seesaw event, with the lead changing hands multiple times during voting.
Readers' Choice Awards Winners 2011 for Best Mac Applications: The best Mac applications for 2011 have been chosen by the About: Macs readers. This year's nominations and voting were thrilling to watch, with various nominees in the lead, only to see another contender close ranks or shoot ahead. In some cases, the battle was a seesaw event, with the lead changing hands multiple times during voting.
Mail Rules
Apple Mail rules allow you to set up conditions and actions that tell Apple Mail how to process incoming messages. With Apple Mail rules, you can automate and organize your email for a better workflow.
Apple Mail rules allow you to set up conditions and actions that tell Apple Mail how to process incoming messages. With Apple Mail rules, you can automate and organize your email for a better workflow.
File Sharing: Win7 & OS X 10.6
Sharing files between a PC running Windows 7 and a Mac running OS X 10.6 is one of the easiest cross-platform file sharing activities, primarily because both Windows 7 and Snow Leopard speak SMB (Server Message Block), the native file sharing protocol Microsoft uses in Windows 7.
Sharing files between a PC running Windows 7 and a Mac running OS X 10.6 is one of the easiest cross-platform file sharing activities, primarily because both Windows 7 and Snow Leopard speak SMB (Server Message Block), the native file sharing protocol Microsoft uses in Windows 7.
Hiding Your Library Folder
Have you noticed something missing? OS X Lion hides your Library folder. It's not clear why Apple decided to hide the users Library folder, but there are two ways to get it back; one provided by Apple and one by the underlying file system. The method to use depends on whether you want permanent access to the Library folder, or only when you need to go there.
Have you noticed something missing? OS X Lion hides your Library folder. It's not clear why Apple decided to hide the users Library folder, but there are two ways to get it back; one provided by Apple and one by the underlying file system. The method to use depends on whether you want permanent access to the Library folder, or only when you need to go there.
OS X Memory Usage
Using Activity Monitor to Track Memory Usage: It can sometimes be difficult to get your head around OS X memory usage, especially when it comes time to consider upgrades for your Mac. Will adding more memory provide a significant performance increase? That's a question I often hear, so let's discover the answer together.
Using Activity Monitor to Track Memory Usage: It can sometimes be difficult to get your head around OS X memory usage, especially when it comes time to consider upgrades for your Mac. Will adding more memory provide a significant performance increase? That's a question I often hear, so let's discover the answer together.
Battery Calibration
MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air portables all use a battery with an internal processor designed to maximize battery performance. In order to make accurate predictions about remaining battery charge, the battery and its processor needs to undergo a calibration routine. The calibration routine helps the processor gauge the battery's current performance, and make accurate predictions about the remaining battery charge.
MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air portables all use a battery with an internal processor designed to maximize battery performance. In order to make accurate predictions about remaining battery charge, the battery and its processor needs to undergo a calibration routine. The calibration routine helps the processor gauge the battery's current performance, and make accurate predictions about the remaining battery charge.
Widgets on the Desktop
You can make Dashboard widgets appear on your Mac desktop by using Terminal to invoke Dashboard Development mode. Once you enter development mode, you can drag individual widgets from Dashboard to the desktop.
You can make Dashboard widgets appear on your Mac desktop by using Terminal to invoke Dashboard Development mode. Once you enter development mode, you can drag individual widgets from Dashboard to the desktop.
Optimize Parallels Desktop
Optimize Parallels Desktop - Best Configuration for Guest OS Performance: With the benchmarks out of the way, we can turn to tuning Parallels 6 Desktop for Mac for the best performance for the guest OS.
Optimize Parallels Desktop - Best Configuration for Guest OS Performance: With the benchmarks out of the way, we can turn to tuning Parallels 6 Desktop for Mac for the best performance for the guest OS.
Moving Time Machine
Moving Time Machine to a New Hard Drive: Starting with Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.x), Apple simplified what’s required to successfully transfer a Time Machine backup. If you follow the steps below, you can move your current Time Machine backup to a new disk. Time Machine will then have enough room to save a larger number of backups, until it eventually fills up the available space on the new drive.
Moving Time Machine to a New Hard Drive: Starting with Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6.x), Apple simplified what’s required to successfully transfer a Time Machine backup. If you follow the steps below, you can move your current Time Machine backup to a new disk. Time Machine will then have enough room to save a larger number of backups, until it eventually fills up the available space on the new drive.
iMac As External Display
The 27-inch iMacs introduced in late 2009 have many exciting features, but one that’s been a little overlooked is the ability to use the 27-inch iMac’s display as a separate monitor for video devices. These instructions will guide you through the use of Target Display Mode.
The 27-inch iMacs introduced in late 2009 have many exciting features, but one that’s been a little overlooked is the ability to use the 27-inch iMac’s display as a separate monitor for video devices. These instructions will guide you through the use of Target Display Mode.
Upgrade to Snow Leopard
Thinking about upgrading to Snow Leopard and wondering if your Mac can take it? The quick and dirty answer is, if your Mac uses an Intel processor then you can upgrade to OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). However, there is much more to know before you make a final decision.
Thinking about upgrading to Snow Leopard and wondering if your Mac can take it? The quick and dirty answer is, if your Mac uses an Intel processor then you can upgrade to OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard). However, there is much more to know before you make a final decision.
Recent Applications Stack
Customize the Dock in Mac OS X by adding a Recent Items stack that can display Recent Applications, Recent Documents, Recent Servers, Recent Volumes, and Favorite Items.
Customize the Dock in Mac OS X by adding a Recent Items stack that can display Recent Applications, Recent Documents, Recent Servers, Recent Volumes, and Favorite Items.
Copy DVDs Using HandBrake
Copying DVDs to your Mac using HandBrake can be a great idea for many reasons. First, DVDs can be easily damaged, especially if a DVD is one your children like to watch over and over and over. By creating a copy that can be loaded into your iTunes library, you can easily use your Mac to watch a DVD without any wear or tear on the DVD itself.
Copying DVDs to your Mac using HandBrake can be a great idea for many reasons. First, DVDs can be easily damaged, especially if a DVD is one your children like to watch over and over and over. By creating a copy that can be loaded into your iTunes library, you can easily use your Mac to watch a DVD without any wear or tear on the DVD itself.
Dock Spacers
Dock spacers allow you to organize your Mac’s Dock by creating a blank Dock icon that you can place wherever you wish on the Dock. You can use Dock spacers to create a separation between groups of Dock icons. Dock spacers work with OS X 10.5 Leopard and later.
Dock spacers allow you to organize your Mac’s Dock by creating a blank Dock icon that you can place wherever you wish on the Dock. You can use Dock spacers to create a separation between groups of Dock icons. Dock spacers work with OS X 10.5 Leopard and later.
Install a Hard Drive: Mac Pro
Adding an internal SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive to a Mac is a fairly simple task under any circumstances, but it's particularly easy with a Mac Pro, because it doesn't require any special tools. The Mac Pro's hard drive sleds are easy to pull out and then pop back into place.
Adding an internal SATA (Serial ATA) hard drive to a Mac is a fairly simple task under any circumstances, but it's particularly easy with a Mac Pro, because it doesn't require any special tools. The Mac Pro's hard drive sleds are easy to pull out and then pop back into place.
Sharing Windows 7 and Mac OS X
Sharing Windows 7 and Mac OS X: Sharing Windows 7 and Mac OS X files and printers isn't a difficult process. But there are a few tricks and tips you need to be aware of to get your Windows 7 or Mac printers and files to be accessible to other users on your local network. To help you get Windows 7 and your Mac playing nicely together, I've collected these file and printer sharing guides. So, dive in and get connected.
Sharing Windows 7 and Mac OS X: Sharing Windows 7 and Mac OS X files and printers isn't a difficult process. But there are a few tricks and tips you need to be aware of to get your Windows 7 or Mac printers and files to be accessible to other users on your local network. To help you get Windows 7 and your Mac playing nicely together, I've collected these file and printer sharing guides. So, dive in and get connected.
Resetting the SMC
Resetting your Mac's SMC unit can fix quite a few common problems, as well as some uncommon ones.
Resetting your Mac's SMC unit can fix quite a few common problems, as well as some uncommon ones.
Buying a 2011 iMac
The 2011 iMacs have undergone yet another evolutionary change. This time, the iMacs are outfitted with either Quad-Core Intel i5 processors or Quad-Core Intel i7 processors. Even better, the new processors are based on the second generation Core-i platform, usually referred to by its code name, Sandy Bridge. The new iMacs also received updated graphics from AMD, and the new Thunderbolt port, which brings extremely high-speed connectivity to the iMac.
The 2011 iMacs have undergone yet another evolutionary change. This time, the iMacs are outfitted with either Quad-Core Intel i5 processors or Quad-Core Intel i7 processors. Even better, the new processors are based on the second generation Core-i platform, usually referred to by its code name, Sandy Bridge. The new iMacs also received updated graphics from AMD, and the new Thunderbolt port, which brings extremely high-speed connectivity to the iMac.
Set Up Parental Controls
On the Mac, Parental Controls are Apple's user management system for controlling which system functions and applications are available to a managed user. Parental Controls also offer content filtering, web site filtering, iChat and Mail approval lists, and time management, to prevent your children from using the computer when they should be doing something else.
On the Mac, Parental Controls are Apple's user management system for controlling which system functions and applications are available to a managed user. Parental Controls also offer content filtering, web site filtering, iChat and Mail approval lists, and time management, to prevent your children from using the computer when they should be doing something else.
Buying a Mac mini
Mac minis are small and inexpensive. They're a good choice for first-time Mac users, for adding to home theater systems, or for serving as very portable desktop computers for college-bound students. But as attractive as they are, Mac minis are not flawless.
Mac minis are small and inexpensive. They're a good choice for first-time Mac users, for adding to home theater systems, or for serving as very portable desktop computers for college-bound students. But as attractive as they are, Mac minis are not flawless.
Planning Your Lion Installation
Planning an installation of OS X Lion involves picking an installation type to use, as well as preparing your Mac for the installation by performing backups and creating bootable Lion installers.
Planning an installation of OS X Lion involves picking an installation type to use, as well as preparing your Mac for the installation by performing backups and creating bootable Lion installers.
Bootable Lion Flash Drive
The OS X Lion installer application that you downloaded from the Mac App Store includes an embedded bootable image that the application uses during the install process. In order to create our own USB flash-drive-based bootable Lion installer, we simply need to copy this embedded image to the flash drive.
The OS X Lion installer application that you downloaded from the Mac App Store includes an embedded bootable image that the application uses during the install process. In order to create our own USB flash-drive-based bootable Lion installer, we simply need to copy this embedded image to the flash drive.
Using OS X’s Disk Utility
Disk Utility, a free application included with Mac OS X, is a multipurpose, easy-to-use tool for working with hard drives and drive images. Among other things, Disk Utility can erase, format, repair, and partition hard drives, as well as create RAID arrays. You can also use it to create a clone of any drive, including your startup drive.
Disk Utility, a free application included with Mac OS X, is a multipurpose, easy-to-use tool for working with hard drives and drive images. Among other things, Disk Utility can erase, format, repair, and partition hard drives, as well as create RAID arrays. You can also use it to create a clone of any drive, including your startup drive.
Mac Printer Sharing With Win 7
Printer sharing is one of the most popular uses for a home or small business network, and why not? Mac printer sharing can keep costs down by reducing the number of printers you need to buy. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to share a printer attached to a Mac running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) with a computer running Windows Win 7.
Printer sharing is one of the most popular uses for a home or small business network, and why not? Mac printer sharing can keep costs down by reducing the number of printers you need to buy. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to share a printer attached to a Mac running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) with a computer running Windows Win 7.
Move Time Machine (OS X 10.5)
Moving Time Machine to a New Hard Drive: Moving your Time Machine backup to a new hard drive under Leopard (OS X 10.5) requires that you make a clone of the existing Time Machine drive. You can use just about any of the popular cloning tools, including SuperDuper and Carbon Copy Cloner. We’re going to use Apple’s Disk Utility to clone the Time Machine hard drive. Disk Utility is a bit more cumbersome than the third-party utilities, but it’s free and it’s included with every Mac.
Moving Time Machine to a New Hard Drive: Moving your Time Machine backup to a new hard drive under Leopard (OS X 10.5) requires that you make a clone of the existing Time Machine drive. You can use just about any of the popular cloning tools, including SuperDuper and Carbon Copy Cloner. We’re going to use Apple’s Disk Utility to clone the Time Machine hard drive. Disk Utility is a bit more cumbersome than the third-party utilities, but it’s free and it’s included with every Mac.
Create a RAID 1 (Mirror) Array
RAID 1, also known as a mirror or mirrored RAID, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a mirrored RAID array using Disk Utility.
RAID 1, also known as a mirror or mirrored RAID, is one of the many RAID levels supported by OS X and Disk Utility. In this About: Macs guide, we will take you through the process of creating a mirrored RAID array using Disk Utility.
Copy iPod Music With iTunes
You can easily transfer purchased content from your iPod to your Mac, using iTunes 7.3 or later. These step-by-step instructions will help you recover the purchased files from your iPod.
You can easily transfer purchased content from your iPod to your Mac, using iTunes 7.3 or later. These step-by-step instructions will help you recover the purchased files from your iPod.
Minimum Free Drive Space
How Much Free Drive Space Do I Need: What's the minimum amount of free drive space that I need? My Mac is starting to operate slowly, taking a long time to boot or to launch an application. It also seems unstable, sometimes giving me the rainbow cursor for very long periods of times, even locking up completely.
How Much Free Drive Space Do I Need: What's the minimum amount of free drive space that I need? My Mac is starting to operate slowly, taking a long time to boot or to launch an application. It also seems unstable, sometimes giving me the rainbow cursor for very long periods of times, even locking up completely.
Mac mini Upgrade Guide
Mac mini Upgrade Guide: In this upgrade guide, we'll look at the Intel-based Mac minis that have been available since the first Intel Macs were introduced in early 2006. If you have one of the earlier PowerMac-based minis, you'll probably want to purchase a newer model. Even so, this upgrade guide can be of help by revealing what the upgrade options are for each Intel model.
Mac mini Upgrade Guide: In this upgrade guide, we'll look at the Intel-based Mac minis that have been available since the first Intel Macs were introduced in early 2006. If you have one of the earlier PowerMac-based minis, you'll probably want to purchase a newer model. Even so, this upgrade guide can be of help by revealing what the upgrade options are for each Intel model.
Share Mac Files with WinXP
Apple uses the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol for file sharing with Windows users, as well as Unix/Linux users. This is the same protocol that Windows uses for network file and print sharing, but Microsoft calls it Microsoft Windows Network.
Apple uses the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol for file sharing with Windows users, as well as Unix/Linux users. This is the same protocol that Windows uses for network file and print sharing, but Microsoft calls it Microsoft Windows Network.
Replace MobileMe Services
You don’t need iCloud to sync your favorite apps; it's also not your only option for cloud-based storage. With this collection of guides, we'll show you how you can replace most of the features of MobileMe and not have to upgrade your Macs to do it.
You don’t need iCloud to sync your favorite apps; it's also not your only option for cloud-based storage. With this collection of guides, we'll show you how you can replace most of the features of MobileMe and not have to upgrade your Macs to do it.
Fix SPOD
How to Fix a Spinning Pinwheel of Death: Once in a while, for no apparent reason, you may encounter the SPOD (Spinning Pinwheel of Death). You know, that multicolored pinwheel mouse pointer that signifies a temporary delay while your Mac tries to figure something out. In this case, your Mac is trying to think but nothing happens, so the pinwheel keeps spinning, and spinning, and spinning.
How to Fix a Spinning Pinwheel of Death: Once in a while, for no apparent reason, you may encounter the SPOD (Spinning Pinwheel of Death). You know, that multicolored pinwheel mouse pointer that signifies a temporary delay while your Mac tries to figure something out. In this case, your Mac is trying to think but nothing happens, so the pinwheel keeps spinning, and spinning, and spinning.
Windows Keyboards and Macs
Almost any Windows keyboard that has a USB interface will work with a Mac. The only catch is that some of the keys on Windows keyboards have different names than those on Macintosh keyboards. This FAQ covers the Windows keyboard equivalents for the Mac's command, option, control, delete, and return keys.
Almost any Windows keyboard that has a USB interface will work with a Mac. The only catch is that some of the keys on Windows keyboards have different names than those on Macintosh keyboards. This FAQ covers the Windows keyboard equivalents for the Mac's command, option, control, delete, and return keys.
Switch to Mac Lion's Migration Assistant
Now that you've switched to a Mac as your new computing platform, you may wonder how you're going to move all your stuff from your Windows PC to the Mac.
Now that you've switched to a Mac as your new computing platform, you may wonder how you're going to move all your stuff from your Windows PC to the Mac.
iCal Calendar Backup
Back Up or Move Your iCal Calendars to a New Mac: The method I will describe allows you to save all of your iCal data into a single iCal archive file. By using this method, you can back up or move all of your iCal data, regardless of how many calendars you have set up or are subscribed to, into one single file. Now that’s the easy way to back up!
Back Up or Move Your iCal Calendars to a New Mac: The method I will describe allows you to save all of your iCal data into a single iCal archive file. By using this method, you can back up or move all of your iCal data, regardless of how many calendars you have set up or are subscribed to, into one single file. Now that’s the easy way to back up!
How to Upgrade to iPhoto '11
iPhoto '11: How to Upgrade to iPhoto '11: Upgrading from iPhoto '09 to iPhoto '11 is actually pretty easy. If you purchase iPhoto as part of iLife '11, just run the iLife '11 installer. If you purchase iPhoto '11 from Apple's Mac Store, the software will be automatically installed for you. But there are two things you should be sure to do; one before you install iPhoto '11, and one after you install it, but before you launch it for the first time.
iPhoto '11: How to Upgrade to iPhoto '11: Upgrading from iPhoto '09 to iPhoto '11 is actually pretty easy. If you purchase iPhoto as part of iLife '11, just run the iLife '11 installer. If you purchase iPhoto '11 from Apple's Mac Store, the software will be automatically installed for you. But there are two things you should be sure to do; one before you install iPhoto '11, and one after you install it, but before you launch it for the first time.
Remove Login Items
Mac Performance Tips – Remove Login Items You Don’t Need: Startup items, also know as login items, are applications, utilities, and helpers that run automatically during the startup or login process. In many cases, application installers add login items that an application may need. In other cases, the installers add login items because they assume you want to run their precious application every time you start your Mac.
Mac Performance Tips – Remove Login Items You Don’t Need: Startup items, also know as login items, are applications, utilities, and helpers that run automatically during the startup or login process. In many cases, application installers add login items that an application may need. In other cases, the installers add login items because they assume you want to run their precious application every time you start your Mac.
Eject Stuck CD/DVD: Terminal
Eject Stuck CD/DVD: Having a CD or DVD stuck in your Mac or an optical drive isn't a fun situation. And while there are a number of ways to force the media to be ejected, most require you to shut down. If that presents a problem, you can use Terminal to force eject the CD or DVD, without shutting down your Mac.
Eject Stuck CD/DVD: Having a CD or DVD stuck in your Mac or an optical drive isn't a fun situation. And while there are a number of ways to force the media to be ejected, most require you to shut down. If that presents a problem, you can use Terminal to force eject the CD or DVD, without shutting down your Mac.
Late 2009 iMac Hard Drives
Upgrading the hard drive in an iMac is a DIY project that has always been a difficult, though not impossible, task. With the advent of the late 2009 edition iMacs, there’s a new twist that limits how you can upgrade the iMac’s hard drive.
Upgrading the hard drive in an iMac is a DIY project that has always been a difficult, though not impossible, task. With the advent of the late 2009 edition iMacs, there’s a new twist that limits how you can upgrade the iMac’s hard drive.
The Mac Trackpad
The Mac Trackpad: The glass trackpad on a new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air is certainly fun to play with in the store. An Apple salesperson will quickly show you how to scroll, zoom, and right-click. But once you get your new Mac notebook home, some of the things you remember doing in the store may not seem to work the same way.
The Mac Trackpad: The glass trackpad on a new MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air is certainly fun to play with in the store. An Apple salesperson will quickly show you how to scroll, zoom, and right-click. But once you get your new Mac notebook home, some of the things you remember doing in the store may not seem to work the same way.
Snow Leopard Upgrade Install
The default installation method for Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) is an upgrade from Leopard. If you prefer, you can erase your hard drive and start fresh with a clean install (in fact, I highly recommend that method), but in this step-by-step guide, we’ll perform the basic upgrade installation.
The default installation method for Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) is an upgrade from Leopard. If you prefer, you can erase your hard drive and start fresh with a clean install (in fact, I highly recommend that method), but in this step-by-step guide, we’ll perform the basic upgrade installation.
Migration Assistant
Migration Assistant makes it easy to migrate user account data, home directories, applications, files, and computer settings from your old version of OS X to your latest installation of Leopard.
Migration Assistant makes it easy to migrate user account data, home directories, applications, files, and computer settings from your old version of OS X to your latest installation of Leopard.
Apple Partition Schemes
Partition types, or as Apple refers to them, partition schemes, define how the partition map is organized on a hard drive. Apple directly supports three different partition schemes: GUID (Globally Unique IDentifier) Partition Table, Apple Partition Map, and Master Boot Record. With three different partition maps available, which one should you use when you format or partition a hard drive?
Partition types, or as Apple refers to them, partition schemes, define how the partition map is organized on a hard drive. Apple directly supports three different partition schemes: GUID (Globally Unique IDentifier) Partition Table, Apple Partition Map, and Master Boot Record. With three different partition maps available, which one should you use when you format or partition a hard drive?
Share Win 7 Printer with OS X
Share Your Windows 7 Printer with Your Mac: With the Windows printer and the computer it’s connected to active, and the printer set up for sharing, you’re ready to add the printer to your Mac.
Share Your Windows 7 Printer with Your Mac: With the Windows printer and the computer it’s connected to active, and the printer set up for sharing, you’re ready to add the printer to your Mac.
Enable Disk Utility's Debug Menu
OS X's Disk Utility has a hidden Debug menu that, when enabled, can give you access to a few more Disk Utility features than you normally see. While Disk Utility has had a Debug menu for quite a while, it became even more useful with the advent of OS X Lion.
OS X's Disk Utility has a hidden Debug menu that, when enabled, can give you access to a few more Disk Utility features than you normally see. While Disk Utility has had a Debug menu for quite a while, it became even more useful with the advent of OS X Lion.
Moving Address Book Contacts
Back Up or Move Your Address Book Contacts to a New Mac: You’ve spent a long time building your Address Book contact list, so why aren’t you backing it up? Sure, Apple’s Time Machine will back up your contact list, but it’s not easy to restore just your Address Book data from a Time Machine backup.
Back Up or Move Your Address Book Contacts to a New Mac: You’ve spent a long time building your Address Book contact list, so why aren’t you backing it up? Sure, Apple’s Time Machine will back up your contact list, but it’s not easy to restore just your Address Book data from a Time Machine backup.
New Item Alert
Use OS X's Folder Actions feature to automate recurring events. In this example, it will notify you whenever a new file is added to a specific folder.
Use OS X's Folder Actions feature to automate recurring events. In this example, it will notify you whenever a new file is added to a specific folder.
Fix Magic Mouse Disconnects
Fix Magic Mouse Disconnects: There can be numerous reasons for a Magic Mouse to drop the Bluetooth connection, but in my experience, the most common reason is a loose battery terminal contact in the Magic Mouse.
Fix Magic Mouse Disconnects: There can be numerous reasons for a Magic Mouse to drop the Bluetooth connection, but in my experience, the most common reason is a loose battery terminal contact in the Magic Mouse.
Using the Finder
Using the Finder on a Mac isn't very difficult, but there are a few quirks and secrets that all Mac users should know about. Learn how to use the Finder and simplify your daily activities with your Mac.
Using the Finder on a Mac isn't very difficult, but there are a few quirks and secrets that all Mac users should know about. Learn how to use the Finder and simplify your daily activities with your Mac.
Adding Startup Items
Startup items, also known as login items, are applications, documents, or other items you want to automatically open every time you start up or log in to your Mac.
Startup items, also known as login items, are applications, documents, or other items you want to automatically open every time you start up or log in to your Mac.
Mac Browser Faceoff 2011
It's time once again for a Mac browser faceoff, to determine which browser is the best one to use on your Mac. The question of which is the best Mac browser comes up so often that we try to have Mac browser faceoffs whenever there is a major upgrade among the leading Mac browsers.
It's time once again for a Mac browser faceoff, to determine which browser is the best one to use on your Mac. The question of which is the best Mac browser comes up so often that we try to have Mac browser faceoffs whenever there is a major upgrade among the leading Mac browsers.
OS X Lion Installation Guides
OS X Lion installation guides to creating bootable copies of Lion, and upgrade and clean installs.
OS X Lion installation guides to creating bootable copies of Lion, and upgrade and clean installs.
Restore Searches Lion Sidebar
OS X Lion's sidebar is missing the entire Search For section found in previous versions of OS X. You can recreate the smart search options that used to be available from the Finder's sidebar using this guide.
OS X Lion's sidebar is missing the entire Search For section found in previous versions of OS X. You can recreate the smart search options that used to be available from the Finder's sidebar using this guide.
Set Up Google Drive for Mac
Google Drive is a cloud-based syncing and storage service from Google. With a Google account and this step-by-step guide, you can get Google Drive installed and working on your Mac.
Google Drive is a cloud-based syncing and storage service from Google. With a Google account and this step-by-step guide, you can get Google Drive installed and working on your Mac.
File Sharing With Mac OS X
File sharing with Mac OS X is a wonderfully straightforward operation. A few mouse clicks in the Sharing preferences pane and you’re ready to go. In this article we will show you how to configure both OS X 10.5 and OS X 10.4 for file sharing.
File sharing with Mac OS X is a wonderfully straightforward operation. A few mouse clicks in the Sharing preferences pane and you’re ready to go. In this article we will show you how to configure both OS X 10.5 and OS X 10.4 for file sharing.
Before You Buy a Mac Pro
A tower of 8-core power, the Mac Pro is nothing if not powerful and expandable. Its elegant design makes adding memory, hard drives, and add-in cards a simpler task than almost any other computer can claim.
A tower of 8-core power, the Mac Pro is nothing if not powerful and expandable. Its elegant design makes adding memory, hard drives, and add-in cards a simpler task than almost any other computer can claim.
Lion Auto Spelling Correction
Lion's spelling and grammar options, including the auto-correct spelling system, can be enabled and disabled both system-wide and at an application-by-application level. This guide will show you how to set the options to meet your needs.
Lion's spelling and grammar options, including the auto-correct spelling system, can be enabled and disabled both system-wide and at an application-by-application level. This guide will show you how to set the options to meet your needs.
Time Machine Setup
Backing up files using Apple’s Time Machine couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a few clicks to make your data safe and secure.
Backing up files using Apple’s Time Machine couldn’t be easier. All it takes is a few clicks to make your data safe and secure.
Connect to Server
Mac Screen Sharing: Screen sharing capability is built in to the Mac. With it, you can access a remote Mac's desktop, and view and manipulate files, folders, and applications, just as if you were sitting in front of the remote Mac.
Mac Screen Sharing: Screen sharing capability is built in to the Mac. With it, you can access a remote Mac's desktop, and view and manipulate files, folders, and applications, just as if you were sitting in front of the remote Mac.
Lion File Sharing With Win 7
Sharing OS X Lion files with a Windows 7 PC is a simple process when you follow our step-by-step guide. Once you complete the setup process, you will be able to share folders you have specified, as well as gain access to all of your user files, if you wish.
Sharing OS X Lion files with a Windows 7 PC is a simple process when you follow our step-by-step guide. Once you complete the setup process, you will be able to share folders you have specified, as well as gain access to all of your user files, if you wish.
Setting Up iCloud
Setting up iCloud on your Mac requires the correct version of OS X and an Apple ID. With these two key components in place, the process of turning on the iCloud services is a piece of cake.
Setting up iCloud on your Mac requires the correct version of OS X and an Apple ID. With these two key components in place, the process of turning on the iCloud services is a piece of cake.
Web Sharing on Your Mac
OS X uses the well-known Apache web server for sharing web sites on a local network. Setting up web sharing is an easy task for Mac users.
OS X uses the well-known Apache web server for sharing web sites on a local network. Setting up web sharing is an easy task for Mac users.
Customize the Finder Toolbar
The Finder toolbar, a collection of buttons located at the top of a Finder window, is easy to customize.
The Finder toolbar, a collection of buttons located at the top of a Finder window, is easy to customize.
AOL Email Using Apple's Mail
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle AOL and other web-based email accounts.
Apple's Mail is one of the most intuitive email applications currently available for Macs. It can easily handle AOL and other web-based email accounts.
Repair Disk Permissions
You can use Disk Utility’s Repair Permissions feature to fix a problem with applications that fail to launch, or have features that seem to have stopped working.
You can use Disk Utility’s Repair Permissions feature to fix a problem with applications that fail to launch, or have features that seem to have stopped working.
MacBook Pro Upgrade Guide
MacBook Pro Upgrade Guide: In April 2010, Apple updated the MacBook Pro line with new Intel processors and graphics chips. The 15-inch and 17-inch models got the latest Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics chip, while the 13-inch model retained the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, but had its graphics pumped up to the NVIDIA GeForce 320M.
MacBook Pro Upgrade Guide: In April 2010, Apple updated the MacBook Pro line with new Intel processors and graphics chips. The 15-inch and 17-inch models got the latest Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and the NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M graphics chip, while the 13-inch model retained the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, but had its graphics pumped up to the NVIDIA GeForce 320M.
Create a Trailer in iMovie 11
How to Create a Movie Trailer in iMovie 11: One of the new features in iMovie 11 is movie trailers. Creating a movie trailer is easier than you might think. Select one of 15 movie genres, complete a simple outline, and select some appropriate clips for the storyboard (a visual outline of a movie). There's not much more to it than that. The most difficult, or at least the most time-consuming part of creating a movie trailer is selecting the best footage to use.
How to Create a Movie Trailer in iMovie 11: One of the new features in iMovie 11 is movie trailers. Creating a movie trailer is easier than you might think. Select one of 15 movie genres, complete a simple outline, and select some appropriate clips for the storyboard (a visual outline of a movie). There's not much more to it than that. The most difficult, or at least the most time-consuming part of creating a movie trailer is selecting the best footage to use.
Desktop Wallpaper
You can change your Mac’s desktop wallpaper from the standard Apple-supplied image to almost any picture you care to use. You can also set your Mac’s desktop wallpaper to randomly select a picture from a specified folder.
You can change your Mac’s desktop wallpaper from the standard Apple-supplied image to almost any picture you care to use. You can also set your Mac’s desktop wallpaper to randomly select a picture from a specified folder.
Creating User Accounts
The Mac's User Accounts feature allows multiple individuals to use the same Mac, while protecting each user's privacy. The Mac supports several types of user accounts, including administrator, standard, managed, and guest.
The Mac's User Accounts feature allows multiple individuals to use the same Mac, while protecting each user's privacy. The Mac supports several types of user accounts, including administrator, standard, managed, and guest.
Musical Typing
You can play your Mac keyboard like a grand piano or any other software-based instrument you load into GarageBand 3.
You can play your Mac keyboard like a grand piano or any other software-based instrument you load into GarageBand 3.
Get Ready for Snow Leopard
Get Your Mac Ready for Snow Leopard: Clean Up, Back Up, Repair Permissions, and Test Your Drive: Getting ready for Snow Leopard involves performing a few basic tasks, including cleaning up your Mac, backing up your files, and verifying that your startup drive is ready for a new OS.
Get Your Mac Ready for Snow Leopard: Clean Up, Back Up, Repair Permissions, and Test Your Drive: Getting ready for Snow Leopard involves performing a few basic tasks, including cleaning up your Mac, backing up your files, and verifying that your startup drive is ready for a new OS.
Sharing Your Windows Printer
Printer sharing between Windows and OS X can be a bit tricky, but with the help of our printer sharing guides, you should be able to print from your Mac to your Windows computer in no time.
Printer sharing between Windows and OS X can be a bit tricky, but with the help of our printer sharing guides, you should be able to print from your Mac to your Windows computer in no time.
Using Server App
OS X Lion Server comes with its own Server app that you can use to perform basic Lion Server administration tasks. With this guide, you can learn the basics of using the Server app.
OS X Lion Server comes with its own Server app that you can use to perform basic Lion Server administration tasks. With this guide, you can learn the basics of using the Server app.
RCA 2012 Voting
Vote for the best Mac Browser in the Readers' Choice Awards 2012.
Vote for the best Mac Browser in the Readers' Choice Awards 2012.
Time Machine Review
Time Machine Review: Apple's Time Machine is a backup application included with OS X (10.5.x or later). Time Machine was a revolutionary approach to backup when it was first introduced. The revolutionary part wasn't the backup process, or how creative the user interface was, or even how well Time Machine pruned old backups. All these things had been seen before in backup applications. What really made Time Machine a winner was that it was so easy to set up and use.
Time Machine Review: Apple's Time Machine is a backup application included with OS X (10.5.x or later). Time Machine was a revolutionary approach to backup when it was first introduced. The revolutionary part wasn't the backup process, or how creative the user interface was, or even how well Time Machine pruned old backups. All these things had been seen before in backup applications. What really made Time Machine a winner was that it was so easy to set up and use.
Mac Starts to Gray Screen
When your Mac stalls on the gray screen as it starts up, there's a wide variety of possible causes. This guide will take you through the process of troubleshooting the Mac gray screen startup issue.
When your Mac stalls on the gray screen as it starts up, there's a wide variety of possible causes. This guide will take you through the process of troubleshooting the Mac gray screen startup issue.
Share Mac Files with Vista
The Mac and PC need to be in the same ‘workgroup’ for file sharing to work. Windows Vista uses a default workgroup name of WORKGROUP. If you haven’t made any changes to the workgroup name on the Windows computer connected to your network, then you’re ready to go. The Mac also creates a default workgroup name of WORKGROUP for connecting to Windows machines.
The Mac and PC need to be in the same ‘workgroup’ for file sharing to work. Windows Vista uses a default workgroup name of WORKGROUP. If you haven’t made any changes to the workgroup name on the Windows computer connected to your network, then you’re ready to go. The Mac also creates a default workgroup name of WORKGROUP for connecting to Windows machines.
Changing Desktop Icons
Changing Desktop Icons: Your Mac’s desktop is a lot like your home; it needs to be personalized to make it seem like it’s your place. Changing desktop icons is one of the easiest ways to bring a touch of you to your Mac’s desktop, and it’s as easy as a few mouse clicks.
Changing Desktop Icons: Your Mac’s desktop is a lot like your home; it needs to be personalized to make it seem like it’s your place. Changing desktop icons is one of the easiest ways to bring a touch of you to your Mac’s desktop, and it’s as easy as a few mouse clicks.
Adding Screen Savers
You can add a screen saver to your Mac in one of two ways. You can manually copy the screen saver to the appropriate location on your Mac or you can use the installer that's included with many screen savers.
You can add a screen saver to your Mac in one of two ways. You can manually copy the screen saver to the appropriate location on your Mac or you can use the installer that's included with many screen savers.
BYB a MacBook Pro 2011
What You Need to Know Before You Bring Home a MacBook Pro 2011: The MacBook Pro 2011 lineup uses the first incarnation of the Sandy Bridge processor family, giving it a prodigious performance increase over previous models. Apple also changed out the graphics options, from the older NVIDIA series to new AMD offerings in the 15- and 17-inch models, and Intel integrated graphics in all models.
What You Need to Know Before You Bring Home a MacBook Pro 2011: The MacBook Pro 2011 lineup uses the first incarnation of the Sandy Bridge processor family, giving it a prodigious performance increase over previous models. Apple also changed out the graphics options, from the older NVIDIA series to new AMD offerings in the 15- and 17-inch models, and Intel integrated graphics in all models.
Eject CD/DVD Menu Bar Item
Add an Eject CD or DVD item to your Mac’s menu bar for a handy and always available way to open or close your Mac’s CD or DVD drive.
Add an Eject CD or DVD item to your Mac’s menu bar for a handy and always available way to open or close your Mac’s CD or DVD drive.
Tom's Mac Software Picks 2012
Tom's Mac Software Picks are a collection of some of the best apps for the Mac. Updated weekly, Tom's Mac Software Picks are a great way to explore new software for your Mac.
Tom's Mac Software Picks are a collection of some of the best apps for the Mac. Updated weekly, Tom's Mac Software Picks are a great way to explore new software for your Mac.
Hide the Dock
If you want to free up a little screen real estate, you can set the Dock to disappear when you're not actively using it.
If you want to free up a little screen real estate, you can set the Dock to disappear when you're not actively using it.
Boot Camp: Windows on Your Mac
Apple’s Boot Camp, included with OS X 10.5 and later, lets you install and run Windows on your Mac.
Apple’s Boot Camp, included with OS X 10.5 and later, lets you install and run Windows on your Mac.
Eject a CD or DVD
There are several ways to eject a CD or DVD from a Mac, including dragging its icon to the Trash, and using the right-click pop-up menu.
There are several ways to eject a CD or DVD from a Mac, including dragging its icon to the Trash, and using the right-click pop-up menu.
Name Server Testing
With namebench, a new tool from Google Code, you can run a series of bench tests on your DNS provider to see just how well the service is performing. Why is this important? Because when you're browsing the web, your Internet connection uses DNS to look up the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the web site you're trying to reach. How fast the lookup can be performed determines how soon your web browser can start downloading the web site.
With namebench, a new tool from Google Code, you can run a series of bench tests on your DNS provider to see just how well the service is performing. Why is this important? Because when you're browsing the web, your Internet connection uses DNS to look up the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the web site you're trying to reach. How fast the lookup can be performed determines how soon your web browser can start downloading the web site.
Finder Path Bar
The Finder Path Bar is a nifty feature that’s new in OS X 10.5. Using the Finder Path Bar is easy, but first you have to make it visible.
The Finder Path Bar is a nifty feature that’s new in OS X 10.5. Using the Finder Path Bar is easy, but first you have to make it visible.
Printer Sharing
Printer sharing is one of the most popular uses for a home or small business network, and why not? Mac printer sharing can keep costs down by reducing the number of printers you need to buy. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to share a printer attached to a Mac running OS X 10.5 (Leopard) with a computer running Windows XP.
Printer sharing is one of the most popular uses for a home or small business network, and why not? Mac printer sharing can keep costs down by reducing the number of printers you need to buy. In this step-by-step tutorial, we will show you how to share a printer attached to a Mac running OS X 10.5 (Leopard) with a computer running Windows XP.
Calibrate Your Display
Mac Display Calibration: Getting photos on your Mac to match the colors of the original images starts with calibrating your display. The Mac's built-in Display Calibrator Assistant provides reasonably accurate results.
Mac Display Calibration: Getting photos on your Mac to match the colors of the original images starts with calibrating your display. The Mac's built-in Display Calibrator Assistant provides reasonably accurate results.
Dock Preferences Pane
The Dock preferences pane allows you to customize how your Mac's Dock looks and behaves. You can adjust the size and location of the Dock, as well as apply special effects when applications are launched or
The Dock preferences pane allows you to customize how your Mac's Dock looks and behaves. You can adjust the size and location of the Dock, as well as apply special effects when applications are launched or
Upgrade to OS X 10.5
Installing OS X 10.5 Leopard using the upgrade method allows you to preserve all of your existing user data, account information, and network and system settings, and still enjoy all of Leopard’s new features.
Installing OS X 10.5 Leopard using the upgrade method allows you to preserve all of your existing user data, account information, and network and system settings, and still enjoy all of Leopard’s new features.
File Sharing Win7 OS X Lion
To ensure that file sharing works, you must configure your Mac's workgroup name to match the one on your Windows 7 PC.
To ensure that file sharing works, you must configure your Mac's workgroup name to match the one on your Windows 7 PC.
Address Book Tips
Apple's Address Book is full of surprises and capabilities. Learn a few new Address Book tips from About: Macs that can help make you more productive.
Apple's Address Book is full of surprises and capabilities. Learn a few new Address Book tips from About: Macs that can help make you more productive.
Can't Send Email in Apple Mail
Troubleshooting Apple Email and a Dimmed Send Button: A dimmed 'Send' button in Apple Mail means there isn't a correctly configured outgoing mail server (SMTP) associated with the Mail account. This can happen for a number of reasons but the two mostly likely are that the mail service you use made changes to its settings and you need to update your settings, or your Mail preference file is outdated, corrupt, or has the wrong file permissions associated with it.
Troubleshooting Apple Email and a Dimmed Send Button: A dimmed 'Send' button in Apple Mail means there isn't a correctly configured outgoing mail server (SMTP) associated with the Mail account. This can happen for a number of reasons but the two mostly likely are that the mail service you use made changes to its settings and you need to update your settings, or your Mail preference file is outdated, corrupt, or has the wrong file permissions associated with it.
Sync Safari Bookmarks
You can easily sync Safari bookmarks using Dropbox, or one of many other cloud-based storage services. In this guide, we will take you step-by-step through the process of syncing your Safari bookmarks with Dropbox. When you're done, all of your Macs will share a common bookmarks file.
You can easily sync Safari bookmarks using Dropbox, or one of many other cloud-based storage services. In this guide, we will take you step-by-step through the process of syncing your Safari bookmarks with Dropbox. When you're done, all of your Macs will share a common bookmarks file.
iMovie 11 Advanced Tools
iMovie 11 Advanced Tools - How to Turn on iMovie 11's Advanced Tools: iMovie 11 is a consumer-oriented video editor, but that doesn't mean it's a lightweight. It offers a number of powerful yet easy-to-use tools on the surface. You may not know that it also has some advanced tools under the hood.
iMovie 11 Advanced Tools - How to Turn on iMovie 11's Advanced Tools: iMovie 11 is a consumer-oriented video editor, but that doesn't mean it's a lightweight. It offers a number of powerful yet easy-to-use tools on the surface. You may not know that it also has some advanced tools under the hood.
Batch Change Photo Names
iPhoto has a batch change function that you can use to rename multiple photos at the same time. Batch changing iPhoto images is much easier than editing one image title at a time.
iPhoto has a batch change function that you can use to rename multiple photos at the same time. Batch changing iPhoto images is much easier than editing one image title at a time.