Seattle Computer Guy
Helping Seattle with computers for 20 years
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Basics/Apps | Internet/Browsers/Mail | Facetime | Printing | WiFi & BlueTooth | Audio/Video/iTunes | AirPlay | AirDrop

HomeSharing | Back to My Mac | Displays/TV | Diagnostics | Apple TV | iCloud | Migrating Data/Files from a Mac/PC



  • Mac Basics: The essentials
  • Mac Basics: The Finder
  • OS X: About Finder Tabs
  • Mac Basics: Desktop
  • Mac Basics: The Dock
  • Mac Basics: Stacks
  • Mac Basics: Mission Control
  • Mac Basics: Launchpad is the fast way to find and open your apps
  • Mac Basics: Dashboard gives you quick access to frequently used info
  • OS X Mavericks: Switch Control helps you navigate your Mac
  • Mac Basics: Exposé (OS X v10.6 and earlier)

  • OS X keyboard shortcuts
  • Mac notebooks: Key placement & functions
  • Mac Basics: Multi-Touch gestures
  • Mac Basics: Dictation lets you speak text instead of typing

  • Mac Basics: About icons in OS X
  • Mac Basics: Customize the Dock
  • Mac Basics: Change your desktop
  • Mac Basics: Modifying your windows
  • Mac Basics: Set your preferences
  • Mac Basics: Change your screen saver
  • OS X: Taking pictures of your screen

  • Mac Basics: Spotlight
  • Mac Basics: File Sharing
  • OS X: Tags help you organize your files
  • Mac Basics: Applications, files, and folders (OS X Lion)
  • OS X Lion: About Auto Save and Versions
  • Mac Basics: Time Machine backs up your Mac
  • OS X v10.5, v10.6: How to back up and restore your files
  • OS X: What is "other" space in About This Mac?
  • OS X Mavericks: About Activity Monitor
  • OS X: About Network Utility
  • OS X: About Gatekeeper
  • OS X: About FileVault 2
  • Updating OS X and Mac App Store apps
  • Mac App Store: Finding your purchased apps
  • How to resume interrupted iTunes Store downloads

  • Mac Basics: Preview (for Images/PDF)
  • OS X: Combining PDF documents using Preview
  • Mac Basics: TextEdit
  • Mac Basics: iChat
  • Mac Basics: Messages
  • Mac Basics: Notification Center
  • Mac Basics: Font Book
  • Mac Basics: Address Book
  • Mac Basics: iCal (OS X Lion and earlier)
  • Mac Basics: Maps app helps you find your destination

  • Mac Basics: iMovie
  • iMovie (2013): Video card compatibility
  • iMovie (2013): Tips For iMovie '11 Users

  • Mac Basics: Use DVD Player to watch DVD movies on your Mac (more below)
  • Mac Basics: QuickTime Player creates, plays, edits, and shares video and audio files
  • Playing media in QuickTime Player that was created by Apple video editing apps (now archived)
  • Media formats supported by QuickTime Player
  • Adding additional media format support to QuickTime

  • Using Game Center
  • iOS and OS X: Using Game Center behind a firewall


    Sleep, Standby, Power Nap Info:
  • OS X: About Power Nap
  • OS X: Saving energy with Sleep
  • OS X: When your Mac doesn't sleep or wake
  • Why your Mac might not sleep or stay in sleep mode
  • Mac computers: About standby mode


    Internet, Browsers, OS X Mail, iCloud Mail:   (See below for other iCloud info)
  • Internet Quick Assist
  • Mac Basics: Connecting your Mac to the Internet
  • Mac Basics: Safari 5.1
  • Mac Basics: Safari 6 in OS X Mountain Lion
  • Safari: About Internet plug-in management
  • OS X Mavericks: Set up iCloud, Twitter, Facebook, and other Internet accounts
  • OS X: How to connect with File Sharing using SMB
  • Solutions for connecting to the Internet, setting up a small network, and troubleshooting
  • OS X: About the "Are you sure you want to open it?" alert (File Quarantine / Known Malware Detection)
  • How to verify the authenticity of manually downloaded Apple Software Updates

  • Mac Basics: Mail (OS X Mountain Lion)
  • Mac Basics: Mail (Mac OS X v10.6 and earlier)
  • iCloud: Using your @icloud.com email address
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting iCloud Mail
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting iCloud Keychain
  • iCloud: Configuring Mail with Mac OS X v10.6 or iOS 4
  • iCloud: Using OS X Mail to move, delete, or copy iCloud email
  • iCloud: Security and privacy overview
  • iCloud: Identifying and filtering junk mail
  • iCloud: Why am I getting junk mail (spam)?
  • Identifying fraudulent "phishing" email

  • iOS: Adding an email account
  • iOS: Troubleshooting Mail
  • iOS: Setting up an Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or MSN email account
  • iOS: Understanding data protection


    FaceTime for Mac and iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch):
  • FaceTime for Mac: About HD video calling
  • FaceTime for Mac: Troubleshooting FaceTime
  • iOS: Using FaceTime
  • iOS: Troubleshooting FaceTime
  • iOS: Troubleshooting Messages
  • iOS: Troubleshooting FaceTime and iMessage activation


    Printing and AirPrint (Wireless Printers):
  • Mac 101: Printing (OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard)
  • Mac Basics: Printing in OS X Mountain Lion & OS X Lion
  • Troubleshooting printer issues in OS X
  • OS X: Connecting a Wi-Fi printer to your Wi-Fi network
  • OS X: How to connect to an IP-based printer or AppleTalk printer via IP
  • AirPrint Basics (with list of compatible printers)
  • Printer and scanner software available for download


    Wireless Networking and Bluetooth:
  • Wi-Fi Quick Assist
  • How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity
  • About Wireless Diagnostics (OS X 10.8.4 and later)
  • Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points
  • AirPort Express frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • AirPort Express: How to join an existing Wi-Fi network in client mode
    (How to use an Airport Express as an Ethernet to WiFi bridge for a device without built-in WiFi.)

  • WiFi and Bluetooth: Potential sources of interference
  • Wi-Fi: Unable to connect to an 802.11n Wi-Fi network
  • AirPort Utility software and firmware downloads
  • For Info on AirPlay setup, see the AirPlay topic section

  • Bluetooth: How to set up your Apple Wireless Keyboard
  • Bluetooth: How to set up your Apple Wireless Mouse or Magic Trackpad
  • Apple Wireless Keyboards and Mouse: System Requirements (now archived)
  • Wireless input devices: Bluetooth frequently asked questions
  • Troubleshooting wireless mouse and keyboard issues

    iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch related WiFi/Bluetooth:
  • iOS: Understanding Control Center
  • iOS: Understanding captive Wi-Fi networks
  • iOS: Configuring advanced network settings in iOS setup assistant
  • iOS: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections
  • iOS: How to troubleshoot Bluetooth connections
  • iOS: Third-party Bluetooth accessories (setup/troubleshooting)


    Connecting/Using Scanners, Cameras, Camcorders:
  • Mac Basics: Using a scanner
  • Mac Basics: Connect your camera or camcorder
  • How to Troubleshoot iSight (Camera)


    Audio, Music, CD, DVDs, iTunes Setup and Media Sharing:
  • DVD or CD sharing: Using Remote Disc
  • OS X Mavericks: How to Burn a CD or DVD
  • OS X Mavericks: How to Burn a CD or DVD in the Finder
  • OS X Mavericks: How to Create and use a burn folder
  • Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive

  • OS X DVD Player basics
  • Setting up iTunes and DVD Player for digital surround sound
    (also see notes on Setting OS X DVD Player to Output 5.1 Digital Audio (vs PCM) to HDMI AVR/TV. )
  • OS X: Using captioning features in Mavericks
  • OS X Mavericks: Some files may be converted when opened in QuickTime Player

  • iTunes 11: Frequently used features
  • About iTunes Radio
  • iTunes: How to share music and video
  • Playing iTunes music with AirPlay
  • Where are my iTunes files located?
  • iTunes for Mac: Moving your iTunes Media folder
  • iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
  • How to find and remove duplicate items in your iTunes library
  • iTunes in the Cloud, iTunes Match, and iTunes Radio availability

  • iTunes Store: Authorize or deauthorize your Mac or PC
  • Creating an iTunes Store, App Store, iBooks Store, and Mac App Store account without a credit card

  • iTunes: Possible iTunes Store errors
  • Troubleshooting iTunes installation on OS X
  • Troubleshooting issues with third-party iTunes plug-ins
  • Resolve issues between iTunes and security software

  • iOS: Syncing your data with iTunes
  • iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for OS X
  • Use iTunes to restore your iOS device to factory settings
  • Tips If you can't Update or Restore your iOS device
  • Resolve specific iTunes update and restore errors
  • Resolve iOS update and restore errors in iTunes
  • iOS: If you can't back up or restore from a backup in iTunes
  • How to use multiple iPhone, iPad, or iPod devices with one computer
  • Managing content manually on iPhone, iPad, and iPod


    Audio Interfaces/Input and Output Tips:
  • Troubleshooting issues with no audio from built-in speakers on Macs
  • Connecting your Mac to a home stereo, iPod, iPad, musical instruments or speakers
  • How to combine multiple audio interfaces by creating an aggregate device
  • How to combine multiple audio interfaces by creating an aggregate device on OS X v10.5 Leopard
  • MacBook/Pro 13": How to use the combination audio port for an audio input device


    AirPlay Setup and Troubleshooting:
  • Using AirPlay
  • About AirPlay Mirroring in OS X
  • iOS: How to use AirPlay Mirroring
  • iTunes: Using AirPlay
  • iTunes: About playing music with AirPlay
  • Troubleshooting AirPlay and AirPlay Mirroring
  • Airplay mirroring freezes or drops connections on an 802.11 b/g network

  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Understanding AirPlay settings
  • How to set up and configure AirPort Express for AirPlay and iTunes


    Info on AirDrop for Macs and iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch:
  • Mac Basics: AirDrop helps you share items with others nearby
  • iOS: How to Use AirDrop to wirelessly share content


    Home Sharing Setup and Troubleshooting:
  • Troubleshooting Home Sharing
  • iTunes: Setting up Home Sharing on your computer
  • iTunes: How to share music and video
  • Setting up Home Sharing on your iOS device
  • How to Set up Remote app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


    Back to My Mac Setup and Troubleshooting:
  • Set up and use Back to My Mac
  • If you have issues using Back to My Mac
  • Set up security options for Back to My Mac
  • Resolve Back to My Mac status messages in iCloud preferences
  • Get help with multiple-NAT configurations for Back to My Mac
    (Originally titled "Double NAT configurations may prevent Back to My Mac connections")


    Mac Monitor/TV Tips and Troubleshooting:
  • Learn about overscan and underscan
  • Using 4K displays and TVs with Mac computers
  • Mac Computers: Frequently asked questions about HDMI
  • Using multiple displays in OS X Mavericks
  • OS X Mavericks: Connect multiple displays to your Mac
  • Apple computers: Troubleshooting issues with video on internal or external displays
  • Target Display Mode: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Apple LCD Display Power Light is Blinking - what does it mean?
  • See codes for Apple LCD display Power light flashes

    Mac Mini specific tips on HDMI/Audio/TV:
  • Mac mini: About HDMI audio and headphones
  • Connecting headphones or external speakers to your Mac mini
  • Mac mini (Early 2006 and later): Connecting to a television


    Mac Ports and Connectors, Adapters, Mini DisplayPort, ThunderBolt:
  • Mac Basics: Ports and connectors
  • Mac mini (Late 2012): External ports and connectors
  • Mac mini (Power PC): external ports and connectors (Archived)
  • iMac (Late 2012 and later): External features, ports and connectors
  • Apple Mini DisplayPort adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • Thunderbolt ports and displays: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • Apple Thunderbolt Adapters: Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  • Mac OS Extended format (HFS Plus) volume and file limits


    Mac USB and Firewire Info:
  • USB and FireWire Quick Assist
  • Using USB 3 devices on Mac computers FAQ
  • OS X: Identifying USB ports on your Mac (Using System Info)


    Apple Hardware Test, Apple Diagnostics, Recovery Mode, Safe Boot:   (see above for WiFi diagnostics)
  • Using Apple Hardware Test (w/pre-2013 Intel-based Macs)
  • Using Apple Diagnostics (with 2013 Macs and later)
  • Apple Diagnostics: Reference (error) codes
  • OS X Mountain Lion: Use Apple Diagnostics or Apple Hardware Test
  • OS X Mavericks: If your Mac runs slowly
  • Isolating an issue by using another user account
  • OS X Mavericks: How to Reset a login password

  • Mac computers: About startup tones
  • Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on

  • OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
  • OS X: About OS X Recovery
  • OS X: About Recovery Disk Assistant
  • OS X: How to erase and install
  • OS X Mountain Lion: Reinstall OS X
  • Guide to Installing OS X on an external volume
  • Creating a bootable OS X installer in OS X Mavericks

    Listing and Downloads for Modern Mac Firmware Updates (EFI/SMC):
  • EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs

    Zapping the PRAM and Resetting the SMC:
  • About NVRAM and PRAM (and Resetting)
  • Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

    Tips if your iPhone/iPad/iPod is Frozen or Won't Power On:
  • iOS: Tips for Not responding or does not turn on
  • How to Reset your iOS device


    Info on MacBook/MacBook Pro Notebook Batteries:
  • Mac notebooks: All about batteries


    Apple TV Setup, Tips and Troubleshooting:
  • About Apple TV and HDCP
  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Guide to ports and connectors
  • Apple TV: Arranging and hiding icons on the main menu
  • Apple TV: How to use your Apple remote for Apple TV
  • Apple TV: Using a third-party remote control
  • Apple TV (3rd gen): Using an iOS device to set up your Apple TV

  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Understanding AirPlay settings
  • Apple TV: Understanding Restrictions (parental controls)
  • Apple TV: Understanding podcast syncing with iOS and iTunes
  • Apple TV: Third-party content provider information
  • Apple TV: How to change the language

  • How to rent a movie from the iTunes Store on Apple TV
  • Apple TV: Depending on country, what content can I buy or rent from iTunes Store?
  • How to purchase TV shows, movies, music, and music videos on Apple TV (1st gen)

  • Apple TV: Basic troubleshooting
  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Troubleshooting video issues
  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Troubleshooting playback performance
  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections

  • Apple TV (2nd and 3rd gen): Restoring your Apple TV
  • Apple TV: Unable to restore using iTunes (with Tips)


    iCloud Archiving, Backup and Restoring:   (See above for iCloud Mail info)
  • About SyncServices (Cloud only in OS X 10.9/Mavericks)
  • iCloud: System requirements
  • iCloud security and privacy overview
  • iCloud: Limits for Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, and Bookmarks
  • iCloud: Archiving or making copies of your iCloud data
  • iCloud: Understanding Backup alert messages
  • iCloud: Understanding alert messages when restoring from an iCloud Backup
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting missing content after a restore
  • What to do If you need help restoring an iCloud backup
  • iCloud: Deleting an iCloud backup
  • iCloud: Unsaved documents in Apple apps that use Documents in the Cloud are automatically saved to iCloud
  • OS X Mountain Lion: Start or stop using an iCloud service on your Mac

  • How to Back up and restore your iOS device with iCloud or iTunes
  • Choosing an iOS backup method (Should I use iTunes or iCloud to back up my iOS device?)

    iCloud Calendar, Reminders and Contacts:
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting iCloud Calendar
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting iCloud Contacts
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting Find My Friends
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting iCloud Reminders and Tasks
  • Recovering iCloud contacts, calendars, bookmarks from iTunes backup of iOS device
  • What to do If you see duplicate calendars or events after setting up iCloud Calendar

    iCloud Photo Stream:
  • iCloud Photo Sharing FAQ
  • iCloud: My Photo Stream FAQ
  • iCloud: My Photo Stream troubleshooting
  • iCloud: How to delete photos from Photo Stream
  • iCloud: My Photo Stream and iCloud Photo Sharing limits
  • Troubleshooting iCloud Photo Sharing and Shared Photo Streams
  • How to Import personal photos and videos from iOS devices to your computer


    Migrating Data from an earlier OS X to a later OS X Version:
  • OS X: How to migrate data from another Mac using (OS X 10.9) Mavericks
  • OS X: How to migrate data from another Mac using Mountain Lion & earlier
  • OS X: Manually migrating data from another Mac


    Migrating Data from Windows to a Mac:
  • About Windows Migration Assistant
  • Switch Basics: Moving from Windows Explorer to the Finder
  • Switch Basics: Migrate your Windows files or system to your Mac
  • Switch Basics: On Windows, I used to...


    Using Bootcamp to run Windows on a Mac:
  • Mac Basics: Using Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp
  • Boot Camp 5: Frequently asked questions
  • Boot Camp 4, OS X Lion/Mountain Lion: Frequently asked questions
  • Boot Camp: Installing Windows 7 Frequently Asked Questions
  • Boot Camp: Frequently asked questions about installing Windows 8
  • Macs with Fusion drive: How to find BOOTCAMP partition in Windows installer
(FYI: An alternative to using Bootcamp (for those that don't need maximum performance) is running Windows (or other OS) on a Mac via a "Virtual Machine" using OS X compatible VM software like Parallels Desktop, Fusion or (freeware) VirtualBox. Check requirements for the VM -and- for the software/app you plan to use with the VM OS. The VM software vendor's user forums are also worth checking for info on compatibility/problems/performance. There are also some 'emulators' (i.e. Crossover, Wine) that may be useful, but generally have more limited compatibility compared to running the full OS.)




    What to Do If your iPhone/iPad/Mac is Lost or Stolen (and Before):
  • How to make your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch more secure
    (Now titled How to "Protect your iOS device")
  • Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product

  • iCloud: Find My iPhone overview
  • iCloud: Find My iPhone Activation Lock in iOS 7
  • iCloud: Troubleshooting Find My iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac
  • Find My iPhone Activation Lock: Removing a device from a previous owner's account



    Before Selling or Giving Away your Mac or iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch:
  • What to do before selling or giving away your Mac
    (also Deauthorize the computer if it was authorized for protected/iTunes content)
  • What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
  • Transferring info from your current iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to a new device
  • iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch: How to back up your data and set up your device as a new device
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