Mac Best Practices

 


Keep your software updated.

Be sure your Mac is set to check for new and updated versions of software at least once a month. Here’s how:

  1. Select System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  2. In the System Preferences window, click Software Update under System.

Repair disk permissions.
It’s a good idea to repair your disk permissions once a month. You can do this right after you update your
software. Here’s how:

  1. Open Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
  2. Select the hard drive on the left.
  3. Click Repair Disk Permissions.

 

Archive and delete infrequently used files.


Make more room on your hard drive by routinely archiving files you don’t need now but might wish to access in the future. Burn them to a CD or DVD or copy them to an external drive (firewire, USB, etc.). Before you delete the files from your hard drive, be sure to look at them in the new location to make sure they transferred properly.

 

Update software for newer Macs.


Older Mac software is not optimized for the Intel processors that come on newer Macs. Software made for the
new Intel Macs is generally referred to as “Universal.”  Check your vendor’s web site for updates and install them as needed.

 

Upgrade the memory.

Adding random access memory (RAM) and/or a faster hard drive can improve system performance and usually costs less than buying a new machine.

 

Delete applications you don’t use.


These applications waste valuable space on your hard drive and can slow performance. Some software comes with un-installers. Follow the vendor’s advice on removal.

Mac unusually sluggish?

  1. Shut down your machine.
  2. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc.
  3. Press and hold the c key and then press the
        power button.
  4. When you see the Apple logo, release the "c"
        key.
  5. When the first screen appears, choose Utilities
        > Disk Utility.
  6. Select the hard drive and click Repair Disk.

 

Disable fonts you don’t use.


Excess fonts canslow down a variety of applications. To disable them, open Font Book in the Applications folder, select the unnecessary fonts, and click Disable.

 

Tired of Spam?


Are advertisements and solicitations cluttering up your Inbox? You can significantly reduce annoying (and sometimes malicious) spam by setting your e-mail program’s spam filter to block unwanted messages. To avoid attracting more spam in the future, do not enter your e-mail address when filling out a form unless the form specifically states you will not be sent e-mail messages. And be sure to decline invitations to receive promotional offers.

 

New to the Mac?


If you miss the Windows Start menu, try dragging and dropping the Applications folder to the Mac’s Dock, between the Trash bin and vertical separator. Click and hold the folder to reveal a vertically-expanding programs list, much like the Windows Programs menu. Any folder or hard drive can go there, including Documents, Movies, Music, or a flash drive or USB key.

Have you ever wanted to press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys when an application stalls? The Mac Force Quit shortcut is just as simple: press Alt + Apple + Esc.

 

Where To Go for Help


For how-to’s and troubleshooting information, go to the Apple support web page: www.apple.com/support/ Select your computer from the dropdown menu at left, or choose a support resource, or search the Apple support pages.

For a listing of authorized Apple service providers, go to the Apple service locator web
page: www.apple.com/buy/locator/service.html

For help with troubleshooting, call the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-Help (4357), send e-mail to its-helpdesk@uiowa.edu, or visit
us on the web: http://helpdesk.its.uiowa.edu/

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