Apple Mac OS X Support
Click on the link that best describes the information you need:
Getting Help
Internet Problems
Auto-Login
Passwords
Setting up the Firewall
Video Issues
CD Burning
Getting Help
Currently, we provide limited support for Mac OS X, and cannot necessarily support any third-party software that runs on Mac OS X (such as TacoHTMLEdit or Cyberduck).
Due to the lack of an Apple Certified Technician, Piedmont College cannot offer any repair beyond basic troubleshooting on Macs with AppleCare warranties. We do not support Mac OS 9 or earlier versions of Mac OS. We are
working to put together a good FAQ section for Mac OS X, so check back for regular updates.
If you are considering purchasing a Mac or have a serious problem with your Mac, please remember that most problems (excluding internet connectivity problems) will have to be submitted to the nearest Apple Store Genius Bar or by calling AppleCare Support at 800.275.2273. You can also visit the AppleCare Support webpage and search for solutions to your problems in Apple's extensive Knowledge Base.
If you are having a problem that is not covered in our FAQ section, feel free to contact us at
ext. 1153 or 1452 and we will assist you.
return to top
Internet Problems
Why isn't my Internet connection working?
The first thing to do when your Internet connection doesn't work is to check your network card. If you
are using a wired connection, look for the networrk card jack. It looks like a phone jack, but is a
little larger. Make sure your network cable is plugged into your card. It should be located on either the left
or right side of the iBook, the PowerBook, the MacBook and the MacBookPro. If you are using a PowerMac or an iMac,
the network card jack is located on the back of the computer.
The next thing to check is if there are any lights flashing on the card. In most cases there will be
lights on the card to show whether there is connectivity or not. Sometimes, there are not lights.
Now, if you are using wireless or are still having problems with your wired connection, check to see if
you are getting an IP Address. An IP Address allows you to use network resources and communicate
with other computers.
Open up System Preferences and look for the Network icon. Choose your network card in the Show
drop-down list. If you are using a wired connection, choose Built-In Ethernet. If you are using a
wireless connection, choose AirPort.
Make sure the Configure drop-down list is set on Using DHCP. If it is not, choose Using DHCP
from the list, and you should automatically receive an IP Address from our server.
If you do not receive an IP Address and/or your Internet connection is still not working,
call ext. 1153 or 1452 for assistance.
return to top
Auto-Login
My Mac logs in when I turn it on. How can I change it to require a password?
Changing your login options in Mac OS X is a simple process that only takes a couple of minutes.
Open up System Preferences which can be found in the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen. Click on the icon named Accounts. You may need to click the small padlock icon in the lower left corner of the window to "unlock" the options so that you can change them. If the padlock is in the locked position, click it and supply your password. If it is in the unlocked position, leave it alone for now.
Now, click on the button labelled Login Options. There is a check box next to Automatically log in as: followed by a drop-down list. Uncheck this box. Now, remember that padlock icon? Click it and it will "lock" again.
The point of the padlock icon is to keep someone from playing around with your settings. It is an important security measure that is used for just about everything on your Mac.
If you are still having problems, call ext. 1153 or 1452 for assistance.
return to top
Passwords
Why do I have to put in my password when I want to install something?
The reason you have to put in your password whenever you want to install a program or change a system setting is security. Mac OS X tries to make your computing experience as secure as it can. Simple security measures such as requiring a password every time you install a program helps you protect your computer. It stops people from messing around with your computer, but most importantly, it stops programs from installing themselves without you knowing!
Of course, the security of your computer ultimately rests in your hands. Make sure that when you do put your password in, it is for something you have done. If you haven't done anything but suddenly a login box pops up asking for your password, don't use it. Just close it.
If you have other questions regarding security on a Mac, call ext. 1153 or 1452 for assistance.
return to top
Setting up the Firewall
I've heard firewalls are really important but I don't know how to get one on my Mac.
Much like Microsoft Windows XP, Mac OS X comes with a firewall program built-in to your Mac. It is a part of the Operating System so it is free with your computer.
To turn your Mac's firewall on, open up System Preferences which can be found in the Apple menu in the upper left corner of the screen. Then click on the icon named Sharing. You may need to click the small padlock icon in the lower left corner of the window to "unlock" the options so that you can change them. If the padlock is in the locked position, click it and supply your password. If it is in the unlocked position, leave it alone for now.
Now, there will be three tabs, Services, Firewall and Internet. Click on Firewall to see the firewall options.
If you see the words Firewall Off, look immediately below it for the button labelled Start. This will turn your Mac OS X firewall on. Unless there are other options you need to change, you can click the little padlock icon and it will "lock" again.
If you still have problems or questions, call ext. 1153 or 1452 for assistance.
return to top
Video Issues
Why can't I watch WMV videos on my Mac?
Normally, Macs cannot view Windows Media Video files because of the difference in Operating Systems and file formats. However, you can add some software to your Mac that will allow you to view WMV files with Quicktime.
Flip4Mac is a popular application that allows Apple users to view Windows Media files for free. A link to Flip4Mac can be found on the Downloads page.
Once you have downloaded the .DMG file, double-click it to open up the image file. It will appear as if it were a removable drive like a USB Flash Drive. Double click on the new icon that appears and copy the program into your Applications folder (hold down the Command button and press the A key). Click and hold on the Flip4MacWMV icon and drag it into your Applications folder.
Click on the icon that appeared when you opened the .DMG file and drag it towards the Trash to eject it. Now, when you open a WMV file, it will open with Quicktime.
return to top
Burning CDs
How do I burn files onto a CD?
When you insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW into your Mac, it should bring up a window asking what you would like to do.
If you wish to burn a CD with regular data on it, choose Open Finder from the drop down list and click the button labelled OK. It will add an icon on your desktop which you can open like a folder. Drag and drop the files you wish to put on the cd and click the Burn icon in the upper right corner of the window.
If you want to burn a CD with music on it, choose Open iTunes from the drop down list and click the button labelled OK. iTunes will open. Choose an existing playlist or create a new one from songs selected from your library. Once you have selected a playlist, click the Burn icon in the upper right corner of the window.
If you are having trouble or have a question, call ext. 1153 or 1452 for assistance.
return to top