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   Mac Basics found in Computers & Technology  :  Hardware A   A   A
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How to Set Up Your Mac

If you’re a first-time Mac owner, or you need a refresher, the following will help you set up your Mac.

How to Turn on Your Mac

Before you turn on your Mac, make sure it’s plugged into a wall outlet. Then, locate the power button. Its location depends on which model Mac you have, but the button itself always looks the same. When you press it, you should hear a chime sound and then see the Apple logo on the screen.
 

The Setup Assistant

Before you can use your new Mac, you must make a few initial selections that will help it run the way you’d like it to. The options you’ll find upon starting up your Mac depend on whether you have a new computer or are upgrading from a previous system.

If You Already Own a Mac

If you want to move files from another Mac to your new one, select “Transfer my information from another Mac.” The installer will help copy any files you want to transfer. Use a FireWire cable to connect the two computers, and restart the old one while holding down the T key. You’ll be able to select which types of files to transfer. Click Transfer to begin.

How to Set Up Your User Account

The next step in setting up your Mac is creating the user account, or identity, linked to your computer. You can set up separate user accounts—each with its own passwords and settings—for anyone using the Mac. You’ll be asked for:
  1. Name: Your name or a nickname you’d like to use. Choose carefully, as this setting is difficult to change.
  2. Short name: A short name, such as your first name. This will be the name of your Home directory.
  3. Password: A password, preferably something hard to guess. If you’re the only person using the computer, you can leave this field blank.
  4. Verify: A confirmation of the password.
  5. Password Hint: An optional field that lets you type a customized hint in case you forget your password.
  6. Image: The option (on new Macs) to have your picture taken with the built-in iSight camera. You may also select one of the preloaded images as your user icon.

How to Connect to the Internet

If you have a wireless internet network in your home, you can set up your Mac to join it. Simply click the network name if it appears in the listing. Choose Different Network Setup to choose cable, DSL, telephone modem, or no internet connection. You may need more information from your internet service provider to complete this step.

How to Select Time Zone and Set Date and Time

Now set your computer’s time zone and internal clock. This step is important, as it allows the system to date your files.

The Welcome Screen

The next time you power up your Mac, you’ll be greeted by the welcome screen that lists everyone with a user account. Click your name and type your password (if you have one) in the text area. You’ll be logged in and taken to the desktop, the main working space on your Mac’s screen.

Sleep

Sleep is an energy-saving mode that allows you to step away from your computer without shutting it down all the way. Your Mac will go to sleep automatically when left idle for a certain amount of time, or you can put it to sleep by going to Apple menu > Sleep in the Finder menu bar at the top of the desktop. If your Mac is a laptop, simply close it. To wake your Mac up from sleep, press any key.

How to Log Out

To log out of your user account, choose Apple menu > Log Out Your Account Name.

Fast User Switching

Fast User Switching lets various users log in and out of the same computer quickly. To enable it, you must click a checkbox in the Accounts section of System Preferences. To use Fast User Switching, click your name in the upper right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu listing other user accounts will appear. Select the user to switch. The new user will have to enter her password, then your desktop will rotate away, bringing her desktop into view. To switch back, just repeat the process.

How to Shut Down

Shutting down your computer turns off the power entirely. To shut down your computer, go to Apple menu > Shut Down. A dialog box will appear to confirm whether you want to shut your system down. Choose Shut Down.
 
 
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