Mac OS X FAQ

1.      How do can I share files from between Mac OS X and the Windows Partition?

Native file sharing between your two partitions is limited to only read - Windows can read files saved in OS X, and OS X can read files saved in Windows, but write permission is not allowed (OS X does not natively support NTFS, nor does Windows natively support HFS Plus).

2.      What are the differences between the Mac keyboard and Windows keyboard?

Mac keyboards have a different set of keys on the bottom row of the keyboard.  Instead of a Windows key, Macs have an option/alt key.  Instead of the usual placement of the alt key, Macs have a Command key.  Many users find it helpful to use a normal Windows keyboard, or purchase a keyboard with a set of keys for both Mac OS X and Windows.

3.      How do I quit an Application?

In Windows applications clicking the red "X" in the corner quits and exits the application.  In Mac OS X however it is slightly different.  Clicking the "X" closes the window, but does not exit the application.  To fully quit an application, either have the application open and hit "Command+Q", or under the main drop down menu in the status bar, choose "Quit".

4.      What are the keyboard shortcuts in Mac OS X?

The same commands that you may be used to in Windows, are very similar in the Mac OS X.  Rather than using the control key however, in OS X you will use the "Command" key.  Most times it is located directly next to the space bar on your Mac keyboard.  For instance, to bold something, you would still hit Command+B; the same is applicable for italics, underline, copy, paste, cut, and undo.  A full listing however can be found under: System Preferences > Keyboard and Mouse > Keyboard shortcuts, or on http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1343.  Additionally, a full list of keyboard shortcuts in Windows and OS X is available at http://www.xvsxp.com/misc/keyboard.php; it may be handy to buy a keyboard with keys available for both Windows and OS X (a Windows key and an option key).

5.      Where is the nearest Genius Bar?

The nearest Genius Bar is located in the Southpark Mall - see http://www.apple.com/retail/southpark/ for details (here for a map).

6.      What are the recommended software products for Mac OS X?

PCS recommends the following for usage in OS X:

• Microsoft Office for Mac 2008
• Symantec Antivirus

7.      How do I configure wireless in Mac OS X?

For help configuring or connecting to a wireless network, see the Apple page http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/#tutorial=wirelessbasics, or http://www.labs.uncc.edu/oncampus/wireless.html.

8.      How do I receive updates, and how often should I update?

Apple frequently releases updates the Mac operating system that can be downloaded and installed on your machine.  You can set your computer to get these updates automatically if you are using Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later.  To do this, go to System Preferences in the Dock and select Software Updates from the System subheading.  From there you can check for updates and schedule how you want updates to be downloaded automatically.

Windows users should take care to occasionally boot into the Mac OS X side of the hard drive and run an update check.  Important patches, security updates, and firmware updates are included in Mac OS X updates; in order to maintain proper functionality, these updates should be run fairly often.

9.      How do I get warranty work done on my PC?Warranty work options depend on your status at the University.

If you are faculty or staff and your system is campus-owned, you can deliver the PC to the PCS office, where warranty work will be coordinated with ITS.

If you are a student or the system is not campus-owned, refer to the nearest Apple Genius Bar. Apple has an on campus Apple store that you may visit to get warranty work and a loaner system while your system is serviced. See the following link http://studentunion.uncc.edu/ninermac for details.

10.  How do I install Windows (how do I use Boot Camp)?

For a detailed guide on how to use Boot Camp to install Windows on your Apple machine, see http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/boot_camp_install-setup.pdf.  The general process is to insert a Windows CD, run the Boot Camp Assistant, create a partition, and follow the directions included in the Assistant.  A separately obtained, legally licensed version of Microsoft Windows is required in order to install Windows using Boot Camp.

11.  What is virtualization software and how do I get it?

Virtualization software is software that lets you run a virtual operating system as a user under Mac OS X as the host.  It allows users to create a virtual installation of another operating system (such as Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Linux).  There are multiple virtualization software products available, including Parallels, VMWare Fusion, and VirtualBox.  Parallels and VMWare Fusion are available for purchase (at http://www.parallels.com/ and http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/).  VirtualBox is available from http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads.  As with Boot Camp, a separately obtained, legally licensed version of Microsoft Windows is required.

12.  How do I get help from Apple Live?

Web-based chat is available only for MobileMe and certain iTunes-related issues.  For details on how to receive support from Apple, please see their website http://www.apple.com/support/contact/.  For additional questions, please see the Apple forums at http://discussions.apple.com/.

13.  How do I run diagnostics on a Mac?

If you purchased an AppleCare Protection Plan, you should have received a diagnostics CD with your purchase, which you can use to diagnose possible hardware issues with your machine.  If you do not have an AppleCare Protection Plan, feel free to stop by the PCS Helpdesk so that we can diagnose your problems.

14.  How do I use Safari?

Safari is a web browser, similar to Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.  To open a location, use Command-L.  To add a bookmark, use Command-D.  For a handy list of keyboard shortcuts in Safari, see http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=42951.  For a helpful article on using RSS feeds in Safari, see http://OS Xhelp.com/understanding-rss-in-safari/.

15.  What do I do if OS X seems to be unresponsive?

If an application seems to be unresponsive, you can use Force Quit to shut it down.  To start Force Quit, do one of the following.

• Choose Apple menu > Force Quit, select the application in the list, and click Force Quit.
• Hold down the Command and Option keys and press Esc. Then select the application in the list and click Force Quit.
• Hold down the Option key and press the application icon in the Dock.

If the system seems to be unresponsive, you may be able to recover by using the hotkey Command-Option-Esc, then quitting Finder (Finder will then start back up).  If not, you will have to hard-boot the system by holding down the power.