by MARK WEST 09/29/11

Troubleshooting and Sprucing Your Mac

Sometimes your Mac isn't behaving normally. If our goal is to use computers and other electronics in the classroom (and there is a push to use more 21st century technologies), it doesn't help if the equipment won't cooperate with your lesson plans. 

While many schools have someone available to help, sometimes being able to do a quick fix here or there can save you some time. Here are a few quick fixes you can do:

Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM

Sometimes your Mac doesn't act right, it starts up too slow, or the display gets messed up (such as displaying a very dark screen that brighten and dim buttons don't handle, or it's gets washed out looking, or there are many lines on the screen). It doesn't hurt to try this.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379

Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

Is your battery acting like it's about to die? There is a controller on your battery. This can sometimes help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964?viewlocale=en_US

Intel-based Macs: Using Apple Hardware Test

Not sure if you have a hardware or software problem? Find out.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck

(fsck stands for file system check; it's a Unix command. If you have a technical person to assist, I'd advise getting his/her assistance before hopping into the terminal)

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1417

Apple Support Communities

If none of the above works, the Apple Support Communities are often very helpful. Again, if you have a technical person to assist, I'd advise getting his/her assistance if you've come to this point,

https://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa

Looking for new Mac Software:

http://osx.iusethis.com/top?page=1

http://download.cnet.com/mac/3151-20_4-0.html?tag=vtredir

http://www.macupdate.com/