Apple Tips

Your computer is a tool, subject to mechanical failure, like any other tool. As a tool, there are a wide variety of things that you can do as preventative measures to avoid having a problem, or when a problem occurs, there are some standard things to try to correct the problem.

Backups
Having a current backup is the best preventative measure you can take. If your computer suffers a major problem or is stolen, you can restore your data to another computer. There are many different ways to back up your computer -  over the network to a different computer or tape drive, to a tape drive hooked to your computer, or to an external hard drive.  It doesn't matter which method you chose, as long as you back up your data on a regular basis. Also, it is a good idea to occasionally test your backups to make sure you are getting what you want.

Viruses
Another possible problem could be that a virus has infected your system.  We provide Symantec Anti-Virus for the Mac OS.  IT has set the Live Update to run once a week to get the latest virus "definitions" from the Symantec web site so you are always protected against the newest viruses.

Installing Things into the System Folder
Putting files into your System Folder can wreak havoc on your computer. A good rule of thumb is to not put anything into your System folder.

Rebuilding Your Desktop
If icons on your desktop stop working, or no longer show as the correct type of application, you may to rebuild your desktop. Hold down the Apple and Option keys while your computer start up to rebuild the desktop.

Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)
Parameter RAM stores basic configuration information about your computer. When you reset the PRAM you replace the information currently stored here with the default settings. Types of information stored in PRAM include: preferences for serial ports, video, sound, keyboard, mouse, AppleTalk, and power manager. To reset the PRAM, hold down the Option, Apple, P and R keys all at the same time while the computer starts up. Continue holding down these four keys until your computer chimes two or three times, then release the keys.  Your computer should start up properly.

System Utilities
Disk First Aid and Drive Setup are two utilities provided by Apple Computer for routine maintenance on drives. Disk First Aid is a disk analysis and repair program that you can use to check your hard disk for errors. This utility is usually found in the Utilities folder on your hard drive. When Disk First Aid opens, select the drive you want to repair, and click Repair.  Repair Permissions is also located in this area and can correct many problems.
Drive Setup can update the disk driver and test your hard drive for physical damage. This utility is also usually found in the Utilities folder. When Drive Setup opens, select the drive you want to update or test. Both of these options are found under the Functions menu.

Check Connections
Another common problem is that the cable between the computer and a component has become loose or fallen off entirely. If you are having problems with your keyboard, mouse, monitor, or any other peripheral, turn off your computer, unplug that component, plug it back in, then turn the computer back on to see if the problem has been corrected.