Technology

Mac General Tips

These tips are intended to help you with your own computer. If you are using a Simmons computer, you will not be able to make use of some of these tips as they require having administrative rights. If you are running Windows on your Mac, also consult Windows: General Tips.

  1. My computer is running very slowly or behaving oddly
  2. Which Macintosh does Simmons recommend?
  3. How do I get new software?
  4. I need administrative rights to my Simmons computer
  5. What is the correct way to uninstall software?
  6. How can I back up my email, address book, and other data?
  7. Can I use my PC formatted files on a Macintosh?
  8. Which Mac OS is my computer running?
  9. How can I change my desktop picture?
  10. Performance Tip: Keep your desktop clean
  11. What do I do if my computer freezes?
  12. How to properly eject a DVD, CD, USB flash drive, hard drive, or other media
  13. I don't have a 2 button mouse: how do I right-click?
  14. Where do I look up keyboard shortcuts?
  15. What is the proper way to shut down a Macintosh?
  16. Links to more information about your Mac
  1. My computer is running very slowly or behaving oddly
    If you are using a Simmons computer, please call (617-521-2222) or email the Help Desk immediately. If your own computer is running more slowly than normal, or behaving oddly, it is likely that you have some malicious software running on your computer, or your computer is very low on disk space. Please visit Disinfect & Protect: Free antivirus and other tools for safe computing and follow all of the instructions to fix what ails your machine now, and keep it running well in the future. Also see our Safe Computing tips.
  2. Which Macintosh does Simmons recommend?
    Please go to Recommended Computer Specifications, to see what Simmons Technology recommends for purchase, and for the minimum specifications required for Simmons support. Also visit our Simmons online Apple Store for good discounts on recommended systems.
  3. How do I get new software?
  4. I need administrative rights to my Simmons computer
    Please send an email to the Help Desk with your name, the number on the blue asset tag on your computer (it says Simmons College and has a barcode), and why you need administrative rights to your computer. Also see the Simmons Administrative Accounts Policy.
    If you just need software installed, please use the online Software Installation Request form.
  5. What is the correct way to uninstall software?
    To completely uninstall a Macintosh application, look for an "uninstall" program that came with the software you want to uninstall. Often there is an uninstaller in the same folder as the application (usually in the Applications folder). Some programs install system files that may cause errors if the software isn't removed with an "uninstall" program. If you cannot find an uninstaller, move the software to the Trash. The Mac OS does not have a general uninstall program for all applications.
  6. How can I back up my email, address book, and other data?
    Take a look at the Backup Tips page to learn more about backing up your important data.
  7. Can I use PC formatted files on a Macintosh?
    Yes. Macintosh can read PC formatted CDs, USB flash drives, and external disks. Whether a Macintosh can read a particular document or file depends on that file's "format." In general, if the application used to create the file is a cross-platform application (runs on both Mac and Windows), a Mac running that software can open the document. For example, a Photoshop file can be opened on a Mac or a PC, as long as the computer has Photoshop. Also, common file formats based on standards can be read by either type of computer (or Linux/UNIX): for example, jpeg, gif, PDF, html, xml, etc.
    Cross-platform applications commonly used at Simmons include: Adobe Acrobat, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop; Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word (not Access); and FileMaker Pro.
  8. Which Mac OS is my computer running?About this Mac dialog box
    • Click on the Apple menu (in the upper left hand corner) and choose About this Mac.
    • Your Mac OS X version number will be listed under the words "Mac OS X"
      (the amount of RAM installed also appears; for more information about the computer's hardware and software, click More Info...

  9. How can I change my desktop picture?
    Go to the Apple menu, and choose System Preferences. Choose Desktop & Screensaver, then click the Desktop tab. Choose among the options, and then close the System Preferences.
  10. Performance Tip: Keep your desktop clean
    Your Mac will run more efficiently if you do not store documents on your desktop. Put them in folders in your home or "Documents" directory, and your Mac will reward you by responding more quickly. See MacFixIt, May 15, 2007
  11. What do I do if my computer freezes?
    Try these steps:
    1. Press and hold command ()+option+esc. In the pop up dialog box choose force quit.
    2. Press and hold the power button on the computer for 10 seconds and then release. This should shut the computer down. Then start the computer normally.
    3. The last option is to restart the computer by unplugging the power cord from the wall and waiting for 10-15 sec and then plugging it back in.
  12. How to properly eject a DVD, CD, USB flash drive, hard drive, or other media
    It's particularly important to eject a USB flash drive or hard drive before disconnecting the device. Here are a few of the eject options (there are additional ones available!):
    • Press and hold down the Eject key (F12) on the keyboard.
    • Click on the device to highlight it, drag it to the Trash folder on the dock. The Trash folder will change to an eject icon.
    • Click on the device to highlight it. From the File menu, choose Eject "name of device."
    • For a CD or DVD: shutdown the Mac. Before turning it on again, press and hold the mouse button while pressing the power button (hold the mouse button until the CD/DVD pops out).
  13. I don't have a 2-button mouse: how do I right-click?
    • Position the mouse pointer over the place where you want to right click and then hold down the control key and click.
    • If you have a "Mighty Mouse" (Apple mouse with a little scroll ball in it), it comes with "touch sensitive technology that allows it to right and left click." Or, you may control-click. Also see the Mighty Mouse demo.
  14. Where do I look up keyboard shortcuts?
  15. What is the proper way to shut down a Macintosh?
    When a Mac is not properly shut down, files can be lost or corrupted. To properly shut down a computer running Mac OS X: from the Apple menu, choose Shut Down. On laptops, wait for the screen to go black before you close the lid, or the laptop may not complete the shutting down process.
  16. Links to more information about your Mac