Mac FAQs
OS X
- How do I add a new printer? I just got a new USB printer for my office?
- My local printer (USB, or LPT) stopped printing.
- I use Dreamweaver MX 2004 (or another web design method) to create my Web Pages. When I publish the pages to my site, they look like they are there, but I get "Access Denied" messages when I check them with a browser.
- How do I set up my Mac at home for email?
- Where should I keep my files? I always kept them in a folder on my hard drive before changing to OS X.
- I need my Ethernet address to add my personal computer to the HSU network. How do I find my MAC address?
- I am trying to view a movie file I downloaded, and I am getting an "unsupported transport" error in Quicktime.
- Where can I find OS X tips? Does apple provide any help? How can I get better at OS 10?
How do I add a new printer? I just got a new USB printer for my office?
OS X comes with software for most printer brands and models pre-loaded.
Prepare the printer according to the instructions.
Plug in your printer to a USB port on your Mac, make sure the power is on, open a document, and try to print it. In most cases, the printer will be available from the top Printer pull-down list.
If the printer has not appeared, please contact us at cahssitc@humboldt.edu for assistance.
My local printer (USB, or LPT) stopped printing.
Always try resetting the printer first. The power conditions can be dicey, and printers often get a little wonky with uneven power.
Resetting a printer is NOT just turning it off an on. The printer and any power brick inline with the power cord should be deprived of power for about a half minute.
- First, turn off the printer with its power button.
- Next, trace the power cord to the wall outlet or power strip, and unplug the printer.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug the printer back in.
- Turn the printer back on with its power button.
- Retry printing (if your print job is not already coming out.)
If you are using a printer that does not connect via USB and looks like an extremely wide plug, printer age might also be a factor.
I use Dreamweaver MX 2004 (or another web design method) to create my Web Pages. When I publish the pages to my site, they look like they are there, but I get "Access Denied" messages when I check them with a browser.
If you experience problems viewing your page - e.g. receive a "Forbidden" error message - you will need to change the permission settings on your directories and files using the Unix command chmod (change mode).
The files need to have their "permissions" changed on the server. CyberDuck of Fugu can help you change the file permission. Connect to the site, select the folder or file, and Get Info
CyberDuck allows you to set the permissions recursively (for example, on a folder and all of its contents) which can be much quicker.
Folders and files generally need to be set to 755 to work correctly in a web browser.
How do I set up my Mac at home for email?
The answer to this and many other email questions can be found at http://www.humboldt.edu/~its/techguides/email/setup.shtml.
Be sure to install your secure certificates from http://www.humboldt.edu/~its/techguides/security/ssl_info.shtml
Where should I keep my files? I always kept them in a folder on my hard drive before changing to OS X.
Put files in your Home folder, or a folder inside your home folder. Your home folder is preconfigured with folders for all kinds of items you may want to store.
If you place an item in the Shared folder inside the Users folder, it can be opened by anyone who uses the computer. If you place an item anywhere outside your Home folder, it can be opened by anyone who uses the computer.
Each user has his or her own "home" folder, which is in the Users folder. You can view the items inside your home folder by opening the house icon with your name on it inside the Users folder or by clicking the Home icon in the toolbar of any Finder window.
A Mac OS X hard disk is organized for multiple users.
Unless you are an administrator, you cannot access the files in any other user's home folder except those in the user's Public and Sites folders.
I need my Ethernet address to add my personal computer to the HSU network. How do I find my MAC address? My NIC address? My Physical address? My Ethernet Address? (These are all different phrases for the same thing.It is a 12 digit number beginning with 00 and will include letters:)
- Select System Preferences from the Apple dropdown menu in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select the Network Icon from the Internet and Network submenu.
- Double-click, or choose to Show (built-in) Ethernet.
- Select the Ethernet tab.
- Record your Ethernet ID.
- Make a note of your adapter's physical address.
- Double-click, or choose to Show Airport.
- Select the Ethernet tab.
- Record your Ethernet ID.
I am trying to view a movie file I downloaded, and I am getting an "unsupported transport" error in Quicktime.
If the file ends in .smil then you will need Realplayer installed. Quicktime is unable to play the file, and gives the "unsupported transport" error.
Where can I find OS X tips? Does apple provide any help? How can I get better at OS 10?
Apple provides a weekly tip thet call Apple Pro Tips at http://www.apple.com/pro/tips/ . These ideas will open your eyes to some of the coolest uses for the latest OS X. (If you have an earlier version, like 10.3, some of these tips will work on your system, too.)