Apple G4 15-inch User Manual
PowerBook G4 15-inch
User’s Guide
Includes setup, expansion, and
troubleshooting information for
your PowerBook G4 computer
K
Apple Computer, Inc.
© 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
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of Apple.
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Mac OS X 26
interface 96
manual Internet configuration 86
manually using DHCP router option 11, 81
Media Eject key 7
memory
checking 61
microphone 7, 44
modem 13, 44
cable 79
DSL 79
monitoring
a printer 28
mouse 26
multiple USB devices 35
N
Network Connections 94
networking
two computers 37
wireless 41
Network Setup Assistant 79
numeric keypad 25
Num Lock key 7
O
optical drive 7, 48
compatible discs 96
disc sizes supported 48
P
password 96
resetting 96
PC Card
ejecting 38
inserting 38
slot 9, 38
playing
a video 50
CDs 48
DVD-Video discs 50
plug
AC 10
Point-to-Point Protocol 82, 84, 88
port
audio line in 9
DVI 9
Ethernet 9
external monitor 9
FireWire 9
headphone 9, 44
internal modem 9
power adapter 9
S-video out 9
TV out 9
USB 9
power adapter 23, 73
port 9
Power button 7, 14
PPPoE 82
configuration 88
connections 12, 82, 93
presentation mode (see display mirroring) 45
Print & Fax preferences 28
printing 28
setup 28
problems
computer freezes 64
computer won’t respond 63
computer won’t turn on 64
display goes black 65
hard disk 66
Internet connection 66, 92
pointer won’t move 63
PPPoE connections 93
trouble using AirPort 65
turning the computer on 15
with an application 65
Putting your PowerBook to sleep 17
R
RAM 58
recording
CD-R 50
CD-RW 50
DVD 51
music 50
reinstalling 97
removing
the battery 53
replacing the battery 53
resetting your password 65
RJ-11 cable 44
S
safety 75
power adapter 73
using your PowerBook 74
SDRAM
specifications 57
security slot 9, 55
serial number 69
setting up 11, 81
printer (tips) 95
to connect manually 82
setting up a printer 28
Setup Assistant 10
shutting down 17
sleep 17
sleep indicator light 7
Index 107
Contents
1
Chapter 1 5 Getting Started
6
Basic Features of Your PowerBook
8
Additional Features of Your PowerBook
10
Setting Up
17
How Do I Turn My PowerBook Off?
18
Calibrating Your Battery
18
What’s Next?
Chapter 2 21 The Basics
21
Getting to Know Your New PowerBook
22
Adjusting Your Display
23
Using Your Power Adapter
24
Using the Trackpad
25
Using the Keyboard
26
Using a Mouse
26
Learning About Mac OS X
27
Customizing Your Desktop and Setting Your Preferences
28
Using Applications
28
Connecting to a Printer
29
Monitoring Printing
29
Playing a CD and Connecting Headphones
29
Connecting a Camera or Other FireWire or USB Device
30
Connecting to a Network
30
Keeping Your Software Up-to-Date
31
Using the Internet
31
Transferring Files to Another Computer
32
When an Application Freezes
Chapter 3 33 Using Your Computer
34
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
36
FireWire
38
PC Cards
39
Using Bluetooth Devices
41
AirPort Extreme Wireless Networking and Internet Access
3
43
Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)
44
Using Your Modem
44
Connecting Speakers and Audio Devices
45
External Video Support (DVI, VGA, and S-Video)
48
Sudden Motion Sensor
48
Using Your Optical Drive
51
Battery
55
Security Slot
Chapter 4 57 Adding Memory to Your Computer
57
Installing Additional Memory
61
Making Sure Your Computer Recognizes the New Memory
Chapter 5 63 Troubleshooting
63
Problems That Prevent You From Using Your Computer
65
Other Problems
67
Reinstalling the Software That Came With Your Computer
68
Using Apple Hardware Test
69
Installing Xcode Tools
69
Locating Your Product Serial Number
Appendix A 71 Specifications
Appendix B 73 Safety, Use, and Care Information
73
Safety Instructions for Setting Up and Using Your Computer
74
Using Your PowerBook
75
General Safety Instructions
76
Battery
76
Avoid Hearing Damage
76
Apple and the Environment
76
Ergonomics
Appendix C 79 Connecting to the Internet
81
Gathering the Information You Need
82
Entering Your Information
82
Dial-Up Modem With Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) Connections
84
DSL, Cable Modem, or LAN Internet Connections
89
AirPort Extreme Wireless Connection
92
Troubleshooting Your Connection
Appendix D 95 Top Ten Questions
99
Communications Regulation Information
Index 10 5
4
Contents
Getting Started
1
Your PowerBook is a full-featured notebook computer.
1
S-video-to-composite adapter
AC plug
Phone cord
Important:
carefully before you plug your computer into a wall socket.
Read all the installation instructions and safety information (see page 73)
DVI-to-VGA adapter
AC cordPower adapter
5
Basic Features of Your PowerBook
Built-in speaker
(located under
speaker grille)
Microphone
Function
key (Fn)
Sleep
indicator
light
AirPort Extreme/
Bluetooth
antenna window
— Mute
control
release button
Trackpad
button
TrackpadDisplay
Video Mode
Toggle key
®
Slot-loading
optical drive
Standard
function keys
AirPort Extreme/
Bluetooth
antenna window
® Power button
Built-in speaker
Brightness
¤
controls
6 Chapter 1
-
Volume
controls
Getting Started
Num Lock
key
Keyboard illumination
controls
Media
Eject key
Brightness controls
¤
Increase or decrease the brightness of your PowerBook display.
Volume controls
-
Increase or decrease the volume of the sound coming from the built-in speakers and headphone
port.
Keyboard illumination controls
o
Increase or decrease the brightness of your keyboard illumination.
Num Lock key
Activate the numeric keypad embedded in the PowerBook keyboard. When the numeric keypad is
activated, a green light glows on the key.
Video Mode Toggle key
i
Use this key to switch between dual-display mode (extending your desktop across the built-in and
external display) and video-mirroring mode (presenting the same information on both the built-in
and external display).
Media Eject key
C
Press and hold this key to eject a disc.
Microphone
Record sounds directly on your PowerBook hard disk with this built-in microphone (located under the
left speaker grille).
Built-in speakers (2)
Listen to music, movies, games, and other multimedia.
Function (Fn) key
Press and hold this key to activate the function keys (F1 to F12).
Sleep indicator light
A white light pulsates when the PowerBook is in sleep.
Display release button
Push this button to release your display and open your PowerBook.
Trackpad
Move the pointer on the PowerBook display with one finger on the trackpad; scroll with two fingers
on the trackpad. (Turn scrolling on or off in the Keyboard & Mouse pane of System Preferences.) See
“Using the Trackpad” on page 24 for more about moving the pointer and scrolling with the trackpad.
Slot-loading optical drive
Your optical drive can read CD-ROM discs, Photo CDs, standard audio discs, DVD-ROM and DVD-R
discs, DVD movies, and other kinds of media. It can also write music, documents, and other digital
files on CD-R and CD-RW discs. If you have a SuperDrive, you can also write to DVD-R, DVD+R, DVDRW, and DVD+RW discs. See “Using Your Optical Drive” on page 48 for details.
Power button
®
Turn your PowerBook on and off or put it to sleep.
AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth antenna window
With an optional AirPort Extreme Base Station, AirPort Express, or other wireless hub, connect to the
Internet wirelessly. You can also wirelessly connect to devices equipped with Bluetooth
technology, such as mice, keyboards, personal digital assistants, and cell phones.
®
wireless
For additional information about AirPort Extreme or your optical drive, see Chapter 3, “Using Your
Computer,” on page 33.
Chapter 1
Getting Started
7
Additional Features of Your PowerBook
¯
Power
adapter port
d USB 2.0 port
®
f Headphone out port
W Internal
modem port
Security
slot
H FireWire
400 port
d USB 2.0 port
, Audio line in
port
G Gigabit Ethernet port
(10/100/1000Base-T)
FireWire
H
800 port
Æ
PC Card slot
S-video
out port
£
®
DVI
port
8 Chapter 1
Getting Started
Security slot
Protect your PowerBook from theft by connecting a security cable (sold separately).
Power adapter port
¯
Plug in the included Apple Portable Power Adapter to recharge your PowerBook battery.
Internal modem port
W
Connect a standard phone line directly to the internal modem.
Two Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports
d
Connect additional equipment to your PowerBook, such as printers, external storage devices, digital
cameras, modems, keyboards, and joysticks. (Compatible with standard USB devices.)
PC Card slot
Expand the capabilities of your PowerBook. Accepts Type I or Type II PC Card and CardBus formats.
Audio line in port
,
Connect your PowerBook to a line-level microphone or other audio equipment.
Headphone out (sound output) port
f
Connect external speakers, headphones, or other sound output devices.
Two FireWire ports
H
Connect high-speed external devices, such as digital videocameras, and external storage devices.
You can connect a standard 6-pin FireWire device directly to the FireWire 400 port, or you can use a
9-to-6-pin FireWire cable to connect the device to the FireWire 800 port. You can also directly connect
a 9-pin FireWire device to the FireWire 800 port.
Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000Base-T)
G
Connect to a high-speed 10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet network or connect to another computer and
transfer files. The Ethernet port auto-sensing feature detects other Ethernet devices and doesn’t
require an Ethernet crossover cable in order to connect.
TV out (S-video out) port
Æ
Connect your PowerBook to a television, VCR, or other video device. You can use the TV out port for
presentations or to play a DVD-Video on your television.
DVI (external monitor) port
£
Connect to an external monitor or projection device that uses a DVI connector, or use the included
DVI-to-VGA adapter to connect a VGA monitor. You can also use a DVI-to-ADC adapter (sold
separately) to connect to an Apple flat-panel display.
For additional information about these features, see Chapter 3, “Using Your Computer,” on page 33.
Chapter 1
Getting Started
9
Setting Up
Your PowerBook is designed so that you can set it up quickly and start using it right
away.
Step 1: Plug In the Power Adapter
m Plug the AC plug of your power adapter into an outlet and the power adapter plug
flush into the PowerBook power adapter port.
AC plug
Important: Be sure to snap the electrical prongs on your AC plug into their completely
extended position before you plug the adapter into the outlet.
AC plug
AC cord
Power adapter plug
¯ Power adapter port
®
To extend the reach of your power adapter, you can attach the AC cord if desired.
See “Using Your Power Adapter” on page 23.
Step 2: Prepare to Get Connected
The first time you start up your computer, a Setup Assistant welcomes you and takes
you through the registration process. It will also help you set up your computer and
Internet connection. Internet access usually requires an account with an Internet
service provider (ISP). Fees may apply.
Setting up your Internet connection usually requires you to supply information such as
the account name your ISP gives you. If you’re not ready to set up your connection yet,
you can skip that process and come back to it later. See Appendix C, “Connecting to the
Internet,” on page 79 for information about how to set it up later. If you are ready,
gather the information below for the type of connection you’ll be using.
10 Chapter 1 Getting Started
You can write information from your ISP or network administrator on these pages, then
enter it in Setup Assistant.
To set up a telephone dial-up connection, gather the following information:
 Service provider name
 User or account name
 Password
 ISP phone number
 Alternate phone number
 Dialing prefix to obtain an outside line
To set up a DSL, cable modem, LAN, or AirPort Extreme wireless connection:
m First, choose your connection method (ask your system administrator or your ISP,
if you don’t know):
 Manually
 Using DHCP with a manual address
 Using DHCP
 Using BootP
 PPP
If you’re unsure which method to use, “Using DHCP” may be a good choice, because
the network supplies most of the required information for you automatically.
If you selected “Manually” or “Using DHCP with a manual address,” gather the following:
 IP address
 Subnet mask
 Router address
Note: If you selected “Using DHCP with a manual address,” you don’t need a subnet
mask or router address.
If you selected “Using DHCP,” gather the following optional information (ask your ISP if
you need it):
 DHCP client ID
 DNS servers
Chapter 1 Getting Started 11
If you selected “PPP” (for PPPoE connections), gather the following:
 Service provider
 Account name
 Password
 PPPoE service name
The information below is optional. Ask your ISP or system administrator if you need it.
 DNS servers
 Domain name
 Proxy server
Transferring Files From Another Mac?
If you already have a Mac, the Setup Assistant can help automatically transfer user
accounts, network settings, applications, and more from your previous Mac to your
new Mac.
To transfer information, you must have the following:
 A standard 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable.
Â
12 Chapter 1 Getting Started
If you don’t intend to keep or use your other Mac, you may want to deauthorize your
old computer to play music that you’ve purchased from the iTunes Music Store.
If you don’t use the Setup Assistant to transfer information when you first start up your
computer, you can do it later. Go to the Applications folder, open Utilities, and doubleclick “Setup Assistant.”
Note: If you’ve used the Setup Assistant to transfer information from an older
Macintosh and you want to use Setup Assistant to transfer information from it again,
make sure FileVault is turned off on the older Macintosh. To turn off FileVault, open the
Accounts pane of System Preferences and click Security. Follow the onscreen
instructions.
Step 3: Connect Your Cables
Next, connect your PowerBook to a phone line, DSL modem, cable modem, or Ethernet
network. If you’re connecting to a wireless AirPort Extreme 802.11b or 802.11g network,
you don’t need cables.
To connect to a phone line:
m Connect the phone cord from a wall jack to the internal modem port for a dial-up
connection.
W Internal modem port
®
Telephone cord
Chapter 1 Getting Started 13
Make sure you connect the internal modem to an analog phone line—the kind used
typically in homes. The modem will not work with a digital phone line.
Warning: Do not connect a digital telephone line to the modem; the wrong
type of line could damage the modem. Contact your telephone service provider if
you are unsure whether you have a digital telephone line.
For more information about your modem, see “Using Your Modem” on page 44.
For information on other types of connections, see Appendix C, “Connecting to the
Internet,” on page 79.
To connect to a DSL or cable modem or an Ethernet network:
m Connect the cable to your DSL or cable modem as shown in the modem instructions,
or connect the Ethernet cord to the Ethernet hub or outlet. Then connect the other
end of the cord to the computer’s Ethernet port.
Gigabit Ethernet port
G
(10/100/1000Base-T )
®
Ethernet cord
Step 4: Turn On Your PowerBook
With your setup information gathered, you’re ready to start up your computer. Setup
Assistant launches automatically to help you.
1 To turn on the computer, press the Power button (®).
You should hear a tone when you turn on the computer. It takes the computer a few
moments to start up.
14 Chapter 1 Getting Started
Note: Press the Power button once briefly (up to one second). Holding down the Power
button as your computer starts up may shut down your computer again.
® Power button
®
Problems Turning the Computer On?
Nothing happens when you press the Power button.
 The battery may be drained. Make sure that you plugged the power adapter firmly
into both the computer and a power source. The plug should light when you plug
it into the computer.
 If the computer still doesn’t start up, see “Problems That Prevent You From Using
Your Computer” on page 63.
You see a picture of a disk or a folder with a blinking question mark.
 This icon usually means that the computer can’t find the system software on the
hard disk or any disks attached to the computer. Try restarting. Hold down the
Power button for 4 to 5 seconds until the computer turns off. Then press the Power
button again. If the problem persists, you may need to reinstall the system
software. See “Reinstalling the Software That Came With Your Computer” on
page 67.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 15
2 Use your PowerBook trackpad to select and move items on the screen, much as you
use a mouse with a desktop computer.
 To move the arrow pointer on the screen, slide your finger across the trackpad.
Important: Use only one finger on the trackpad to move the pointer; the pointer
won’t move if you use two or more fingers on it. (The trackpad is designed to allow
scrolling when you use two adjoining fingers and the scrolling feature is turned on.
See “Using the Trackpad” on page 24 for more information.)
 To select, click, or double-click an item on the screen, use the trackpad button.
®
Trackpad
For tips on using the trackpad, see “Tips for Using the Trackpad” on page 24.
Congratulations, you’re up and running!
16 Chapter 1 Getting Started
Trackpad button
How Do I Turn My PowerBook Off?
When you have finished working with your PowerBook, you can put your computer to
sleep or shut it down.
Putting Your PowerBook to Sleep
If you will be away from your PowerBook for only a short time, put the computer to
sleep. When the computer is in sleep, you can quickly wake it and bypass the startup
process.
To put the computer to sleep, do one of the following:
 Close the display.
 Choose Apple () > Sleep from the menu bar.
 Press the Power button (®) and click Sleep in the dialog that appears.
Warning: Wait a few seconds until the white sleep light on the display latch starts
pulsating (indicating that the computer is in sleep and the hard disk has stopped
spinning) before you move your PowerBook. Moving your computer while the hard
disk is spinning can damage the hard disk, causing loss of data or the inability to start
up from the hard disk.
To wake the computer:
 If the display is closed, open it. Your PowerBook automatically wakes from sleep when
you open the display.
 If the display is already open, press the Power button (®) or any key on the keyboard.
Shutting Down Your PowerBook
If you aren’t going to use your PowerBook for a day or two, shut it down.
To shut down your computer, do one of the following:
 Choose Apple () > Shut Down from the menu bar.
 Press the Power button (®) and click Shut Down in the dialog that appears.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 17
If you plan to store your PowerBook for an extended period of time, see “Storing Your
PowerBook” on page 74 for information on how to prevent your battery from draining
completely.
Calibrating Your Battery
To get the longest running time from your PowerBook battery, complete the following
steps during the first week you have your PowerBook.
To initially calibrate your battery, follow these steps:
1 Plug in the power adapter and fully charge your PowerBook battery until the light on
the power adapter plug changes to green and the onscreen meter in the menu bar
indicates that the battery is fully charged.
2 Disconnect the power adapter and operate your PowerBook solely off of the battery.
When the battery gets low, you will see the first low-battery warning dialog on the
screen. Continue to run the PowerBook off its battery until it goes to sleep; at that
point the battery has been sufficiently drained for calibration.
3 Connect the power adapter and leave it connected until the battery is fully charged
again.
Important: You only have to fully discharge and then charge your battery once to
calibrate it. After that, you can connect and disconnect the power adapter when the
battery is at any charge level.
If you purchased additional batteries, repeat the calibration procedure with the
additional batteries as well. For more information about your power adapter and
battery, see “Using Your Power Adapter” on page 23 and “Battery” on page 51.
What’s Next?
 Learn the important basics about your PowerBook. Check out Chapter 2, “The Basics,”
on page 21.
 Have fun trying out your computer’s applications and Internet features. Browse the
Mac OS X and applications booklet that came with your computer.
 If you’re unfamiliar with Mac OS X, open Mac OS Help and browse the information.
 Switching from another computer? Open Mac OS Help and see the New Users
section. It will help you use your previous computer knowledge to get started on
a Mac.
18 Chapter 1 Getting Started
What If I Have More Questions?
Mac OS Help
Most of the information about using your Macintosh is available right on your
computer.
1 Click the Finder icon in the Dock (the bar of icons at the bottom of the screen).
2 Choose Help > Mac Help (click the Help menu in the menu bar and choose Mac Help).
3 Click the Search field, type a question, and press Return on your keyboard.
Other Support
 If you’re having a problem that prevents you from using your computer, see
Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting,” on page 63.
 Check out the top ten most commonly asked questions. See Appendix D, “Top Ten
Questions,” on page 95.
 For support information, user discussion boards, and the latest Apple software
downloads, go to www.apple.com/support.
 If you can’t find the answer to your problem in these places, see the AppleCare
materials that came with your computer for information on contacting Apple.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 19
2 The Basics
This chapter introduces important basics about your
PowerBook that you’ll want to know.
Getting to Know Your New PowerBook
Because your PowerBook is so thin and light, you can take it with you to the office,
library, class, or wherever you work or play.
Whenever you stop using your PowerBook, wait a few moments to let the hard disk
and any optical disc in your drive stop spinning before you transport the computer.
Avoid jostling or bumping your PowerBook while discs are spinning.
Note: Your PowerBook uses Sudden Motion Sensor technology to help protect the
hard disk should the computer be dropped or experience extreme vibration. See
“Sudden Motion Sensor” on page 48 for more information.
2
When using your PowerBook or when charging the battery, it is normal for the bottom
of the case to get warm. For prolonged use, place your PowerBook on a flat, stable
surface. The bottom of the case is raised slightly to allow airflow that keeps the unit
within normal operating temperatures.
As you get to know your new computer, you may hear small noises during startup and
when using your hard disk and optical drives. For example, your hard disk and optical
drives may whir and click as they access information or load and eject discs. After the
PowerBook runs for some time, a small fan may turn on to cool it, producing a faint
sound. Small noises are part of the PowerBook’s normal functioning.
For more safety instructions about handling and using your PowerBook in different
locations, be sure to see Appendix B, “Safety, Use, and Care Information,” on page 73.
21
Adjusting Your Display
Once you begin working with your new PowerBook, you may need to adjust your
display so that the screen is easier to see. Use the keys labeled with the ¤ icon to
adjust screen brightness.
Brightness controls
¤
Keyboard illumination
controls
ALS sensor
®
ALS sensor
To turn off the automatic display brightness feature:
m Choose Apple () > System Preferences from the menu bar. Open the Displays pane
and deselect the automatic brightness checkbox.
Changing the Size of Images on the Screen
You can increase or decrease the size of images on your screen by switching from the
standard resolution to a scaled resolution. Your PowerBook has a 15.2-inch TFT WXGA
display with a default resolution of 1280 x 854.
You can choose a resolution of 1152 x 768 or lower (called “scaled” resolutions) in the
Displays pane of System Preferences. When you switch to a scaled resolution, items on
the screen appear larger, making them easier to see. However, scaled resolutions may
not be as sharp as the display’s default resolution.
To adjust the resolution on your display:
m Choose Apple () > System Preferences from the menu bar. Open the Displays pane of
System Preferences.
To control your display settings using the Displays icon in the menu bar, click “Show
displays in menu bar.”
22 Chapter 2 The Basics
Using Your Power Adapter
Plugging in the power adapter provides AC power to the computer and recharges the
computer’s battery.
Important: For optimal performance, use only the power adapter that came with your
computer, or purchase an additional 65W Apple Portable Power Adapter.
When you first connect your power adapter to your computer, a light glows green for a
second to indicate power is available. An amber light indicates that the battery is being
charged. A green light indicates that the battery is fully charged. You can monitor the
battery level using the Battery icon in the menu bar or by checking the battery level
indicator lights on the bottom of the battery (see page 51).
To extend the reach of your power adapter, remove the AC plug from the adapter.
Attach the included AC cord to the adapter and insert the other end into a wall outlet.
AC cord AC plug
Warning: Make sure the power adapter is fully assembled before plugging it into an
electrical outlet. If you’re using the AC plug with your power adapter, make sure the
two prongs are snapped into their completely extended position before plugging in
the adapter.
Use only the AC cord that came with your power adapter. Make sure to push the power
plug snugly into the power adapter port on the computer to ensure it is engaged and
power is flowing to the computer.
When disconnecting the power adapter from an outlet or from the computer, pull the
plug, not the cord.
For safety instructions about using your power adapter, see “Plugging In the Power
Adapter” on page 73.
Chapter 2 The Basics 23
Using the Trackpad
The trackpad’s responsiveness for moving the pointer is based on how quickly you
move your finger. To move the pointer a short distance across the screen, move your
finger slowly across the trackpad. The faster you move your finger, the farther the
pointer moves on the screen.
Tips for Using the Trackpad
For best results when using the trackpad, keep in mind these tips:
 Use only one finger to move the pointer. The trackpad is designed to detect more
than one point of contact, and the pointer will not move if you have two or more
fingers on the trackpad.
 Do not use a pen or any other object.
 Keep your finger and the trackpad dry. If the trackpad becomes moist from
humidity or condensation, gently wipe it with a clean cloth before you use it.
 Never use any kind of cleaning solution on the trackpad.
For more information on using the trackpad, choose Help > Mac Help from the menu
bar at the top of the screen.
Instead of using the trackpad button, you can use your finger to click and double-click
directly on the trackpad. You can turn on this feature and other trackpad options in the
Keyboard & Mouse pane of System Preferences.
Additionally, you have the option to scroll vertically and horizontally in a window that
has scroll bars by moving two adjoining fingers on the trackpad. This option can be
selected in the Keyboard & Mouse pane of System Preferences.
Note: If you find that the pointer moves as you type because you accidentally brush
the trackpad, you can avoid this problem by selecting the “Ignore accidental trackpad
input” option in the Keyboard & Mouse pane of System Preferences.
24 Chapter 2 The Basics
Using the Keyboard
Your PowerBook keyboard has a numeric keypad incorporated in the standard
keyboard keys. Keys used for the numeric keypad have a smaller secondary label.
Num Lock key
Numeric keypad
®
To use the numeric keypad, press the Num Lock key. The Num Lock key glows green,
indicating that the keypad is active. When you’re finished, press the Num Lock key
again to turn it off.
Important: If your keyboard doesn’t seem to be working correctly, check the Num Lock
key. When the numeric keypad is active, other keys and keyboard equivalents for menu
commands (such as x-Q to quit) are deactivated.
Your PowerBook is equipped with an illuminated keyboard and an ambient lightsensing (ALS) system. The ALS sensors are located under the speaker grilles and will
automatically adjust the brightness of your display and keyboard illumination
according to the light available in your current environment. You can also adjust the
keyboard illumination using the F8, F9, and F10 keys.
Important: Even when the keyboard illumination feature is on, the keyboard
illuminates only in low-light situations.
You can turn off the keyboard illumination feature in the Keyboard & Mouse pane of
System Preferences or by pressing the F8 key.
Note: Exposé is preset to use the F9 and F10 keys, the same keys that adjust your
keyboard illumination. To use Exposé to manage your desktop windows, hold down the
Fn key and press F9 or F10, or open the Exposé pane in System Preferences and choose
different function keys to manage windows.
Chapter 2 The Basics 25
If you like to use keyboard shortcuts to work efficiently, open Mac OS Help and search
for “shortcuts.” You’ll find quite a list of keyboard shortcuts for many common
procedures and applications.
Using a Mouse
If you have an Apple mouse with a USB connection, you can insert the USB connector
into the USB 2.0 port and use your mouse right away. You can purchase a USB mouse
(or a wireless mouse that uses Bluetooth) from an Apple Authorized Reseller or from
the Apple Store website: www.apple.com/store.
Learning About Mac OS X
Your computer comes with Mac OS X, which includes an elegant user interface,
advanced graphics capabilities, and added system stability and performance. It also
features Classic, an environment for using Mac OS 9 applications while the computer is
running Mac OS X.
When you’re ready to learn more about Mac OS X and the award-winning iLife
applications that came with your computer, see the Mac OS X manual that came with
your PowerBook. Also open Mac OS Help and browse the information there. You’ll find
plenty of information for new users, experienced users, and people switching to the
Mac.
For information about the compatibility of software applications with Mac OS X, or to
read more about Mac OS X, check the Apple website: www.apple.com/macosx.
Note: If you want to use Mac OS 9 applications with your computer, you have to install
Mac OS 9 from the Mac OS 9 Install Disc that came with your computer. Mac OS 9 can’t
be installed as the primary operating system on your PowerBook, and you can’t start up
your computer in Mac OS 9.
26 Chapter 2 The Basics
Customizing Your Desktop and Setting Your Preferences
You can quickly make your desktop look the way you want using System Preferences.
Choose Apple () > System Preferences from the menu bar.
Feel free to make changes and experiment with the following:
 Appearance: Select this preference pane to change the colors of buttons, menus,
windows, and highlight colors, among other options.
 Desktop & Screen Saver: Select this preference pane to change the background color
or pattern of your desktop, or change it to a photo or image you like. You can also
choose an eye-catching screen effect that will appear on your screen when the
computer is left idle.
 Dock: Select this preference pane to change the look, location, and behavior of your
Dock.
As you get to know your computer, explore the other System Preferences. It is your
command center for most settings on your PowerBook. For more information, open
Mac OS Help and search for “System Preferences” or for the specific preference pane
you want to change.
Note: Because Apple frequently releases new versions and updates to its system
software, applications, and Internet sites, images shown in this book may be slightly
different from what you see on your screen.
Chapter 2 The Basics 27
Using Applications
Your PowerBook comes with software applications, including the iLife suite of
applications, for doing things like sending email, surfing the Internet, chatting online,
organizing music and digital photos, making movies, and much more. For more
information on these applications, see the Mac OS X booklet that came with your
computer.
Connecting to a Printer
To use a printer with your PowerBook, follow the instructions that came with the
printer to install the required software and connect the printer. Note that drivers for
most printers are built into Mac OS X, so you may find it unnecessary to install
additional software.
Many printers connect via a USB cable; others are accessed via a network connection,
such as Ethernet. For more information about your USB ports, see “Universal Serial Bus
(USB)” on page 34. For more information about a network or wireless connection, see
“Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)” on page 43 and “AirPort Extreme Wireless Networking
and Internet Access” on page 41.
After connecting and setting up your printer, use the Print & Fax pane of System
Preferences to select your printer for use. If you’re connecting to a printer via a network,
you may need to know the network name or address of the printer to select it. If you
have a USB printer connected to an AirPort Extreme Base Station or AirPort Express, you
can connect to the printer and print wirelessly.
To set up a printer:
1 Open System Preferences and click the Print & Fax icon.
2 Click the Set Up Printers button.
3 Click the Add button.
4 Choose the type of connection for your printer (for example, USB, AppleTalk, and so on)
from the pop-up menu.
28 Chapter 2 The Basics
To add a USB printer connected to an AirPort Extreme Base Station, choose Rendezvous
from the pop-up menu.
5 Select or enter your printer information and click Add.
Monitoring Printing
Once you’ve sent a document to a printer, you can monitor printing and halt or put it
temporarily on hold.
To monitor printing:
m Click the Printer icon in the Dock to open the Printer window.
You can now see the print jobs in the print queue and work with them. For more
information, choose Help > Mac Help and search for “printing.”
Playing a CD and Connecting Headphones
If you’d like to listen to music while you work, insert a music CD in your optical drive.
iTunes, an easy-to-use music player, appears automatically on the screen. You can also
connect headphones with a minijack to the headphone port of your PowerBook for
private listening.
To learn more about iTunes:
m Open iTunes and choose Help > iTunes and Music Store Help.
To learn more about your optical drive, see “Using Your Optical Drive” on page 48.
Warning: Listening to music at high volume over extended periods of time can
damage your hearing.
Connecting a Camera or Other FireWire or USB Device
If you have an iPod, iSight camera, digital camera, videocamera, scanner, or other
device that has a USB or FireWire connector, you can connect it to your PowerBook.
Follow the installation instructions that came with your device. For more information
about FireWire, see “FireWire” on page 36. For more information about USB, see
“Universal Serial Bus (USB)” on page 34.
Chapter 2 The Basics 29
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