PowerBook G4 15-inch
Getting Started
Includes setup, expansion, and
troubleshooting information for
your PowerBook G4 computer
K
Apple Computer, Inc.
© 2004 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be
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of Apple.
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®
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®
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3
Contents
Chapter 1 5 Getting Started
6
Basic Features of Your PowerBook
8
Additional Features of Your PowerBook
10
Setting Up
16
How Do I Turn My PowerBook Off?
17
Calibrating Your Battery
18
What’s Next?
Chapter 2 19 The Basics
19
Getting to Know Your New PowerBook
20
Adjusting Your Display
21
Using Your Power Adapter
22
Using the Trackpad
23
Using the Keyboard
24
Using a Mouse
24
Learning About Mac OS X
24
Customizing Your Desktop and Setting Your Preferences
25
Connecting to a Printer
26
Monitoring Printing
26
Playing a CD and Connecting Headphones
27
Connecting a Camera or Other FireWire or USB Device
27
Connecting to a Network
27
Keeping Your Software Up to Date
28
Using the Internet
28
Transferring Files to Another Computer
29
When an Application Freezes
Chapter 3 31 Using Your Computer
32
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
34
FireWire
36
PC Cards
37
Using Bluetooth Devices
38
AirPort Extreme Wireless Networking and Internet Access
3
39
Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)
40
Using Your Modem
40
Connecting Speakers and Audio Devices
41
External Video Support (DVI, VGA, and S-Video)
43
Using Your Optical Drive
47
Battery
50
Security Slot
Chapter 4 53 Adding Memory to Your Computer
53
Installing Additional Memory
57
Making Sure Your Computer Recognizes the New Memory
Chapter 5 59 Troubleshooting
60
Problems That Prevent You From Using Your Computer
61
Other Problems
63
Restoring Your Computer’s Software
63
Locating Your Product Serial Number
Appendix A 65 Specifications
Appendix B 67 Safety, Use, and Care Information
67
Safety Instructions for Setting Up and Using Your Computer
68
Using Your PowerBook
69
General Safety Instructions
70
Battery
70
Avoid Hearing Damage
70
Apple and the Environment
71
Ergonomics
Appendix C 73 Connecting to the Internet
75
Gathering the Information You Need
76
Entering Your Information
77
Dial-Up Modem With Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) Connections
79
DSL, Cable Modem, or LAN Internet Connections
85
AirPort Extreme Wireless Connection
88
Troubleshooting Your Connection
Appendix D 91 Top Ten Questions
95
Communications Regulation Information
Index 101
4
Contents
1
Getting Started
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 67)
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 (not on all models)
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 (not standard on all PowerBooks)
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
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
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.
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 discs.
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 or other wireless hub, connect to the Internet
wirelessly. You can also wirelessly connect to devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology,
such as mice, keyboards, personal digital assistants, and cell phones.
For additional information about AirPort Extreme or your optical drive, see Chapter 3, “Using Your
Computer,” on page 31.
Chapter 1
Getting Started
7
Additional Features of Your PowerBook
¯ Power
adapter port
USB 2.0 port
Headphone out port
f
®
W
Internal
modem port
Security
slot
USB 2.0 port
FireWire
400 port
Audio line in
port
G
FireWire
800 port
PC Card slot
Gigabit Ethernet port
(10/100/1000Base-T)
S-video
Æ
out port
®
DVI
port
8 Chapter 1
Getting Started
Security slot
Protect your PowerBook by connecting a security cable.
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
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
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 31.
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 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 21.
10 Chapter 1 Getting Started
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 73 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.
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.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 11
If you selected “Using DHCP,” gather the following optional information (ask your ISP if
you need it):
• DHCP client ID
• DNS servers
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
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
12 Chapter 1 Getting Started
®
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 40.
For information on other types of connections, see Appendix C, “Connecting to the
Internet,” on page 73.
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
Chapter 1 Getting Started 13
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.
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 60.
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 “Restoring Your Computer’s Software” on page 63.
14 Chapter 1 Getting Started
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.
• To select, click, or double-click an item on the screen, use the trackpad button.
®
Trackpad
Trackpad button
For tips on using the trackpad, see “Tips for Using the Trackpad” on page 22.
Congratulations, you’re up and running!
Chapter 1 Getting Started 15
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 (K) > 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.
16 Chapter 1 Getting Started
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 (K) > Shut Down from the menu bar.
• Press the Power button (®) and click Shut Down in the dialog that appears.
If you plan to store your PowerBook for an extended period of time, see “Storing Your
PowerBook” on page 68 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 21 and “Battery” on page 47.
Chapter 1 Getting Started 17
What’s Next?
• Learn the important basics about your PowerBook. Check out Chapter 2, “The Basics,”
on page 19.
• 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.
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 59.
• Check out the top ten most commonly asked questions. See Appendix D, “Top Ten
Questions,” on page 91.
• 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.
18 Chapter 1 Getting Started
2 The Basics
2
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.
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 67.
19
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
If the F8, F9, and F10 keys are marked with illumination icons, then your computer has
keyboard illumination and an ambient light-sensing (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.
To turn off the automatic display brightness feature:
m
Choose Apple (K) > System Preferences from the menu bar. Open the Displays pane
and deselect the automatic brightness checkbox.
You can turn off the keyboard illumination feature in the Keyboard & Mouse pane of
System Preferences or by pressing the F8 key.
20 Chapter 2 The Basics
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.
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 (K) > 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.”
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 47).
Chapter 2 The Basics 21
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 67.
Using the Trackpad
The trackpad is sensitive to 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. Using more than one finger may cause erratic pointer
behavior.
• 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.
22 Chapter 2 The Basics
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 and other trackpad options 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.
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.
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.
Chapter 2 The Basics 23
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
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 and features Classic, an environment for using
Mac OS 9 applications while the computer is running Mac OS X.
Note: Mac OS 9 cannot be installed as the primary operating system on your
PowerBook.
When you’re ready to learn more about Mac OS X and your Apple applications, see the
Mac OS X booklet 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. If you experience any problems while using
Mac OS X, see the troubleshooting tips in the back of this book or choose Help > Mac
Help from the menu bar at the top of the display.
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.
Customizing Your Desktop and Setting Your Preferences
You can quickly make your desktop look the way you want using System Preferences.
Choose Apple (K) > System Preferences from the menu bar.
24 Chapter 2 The Basics
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.
Connecting to a Printer
To use a printer with your PowerBook, follow the instructions that came with the
printer to install required software and connect the printer. 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 32. For
more information about a network or wireless connection, see “Ethernet (10/100/
1000Base-T)” on page 39 and “AirPort Extreme Wireless Networking and Internet
Access” on page 38.
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, you can connect to
the printer and print wirelessly.
Chapter 2 The Basics 25
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.
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, open iTunes and see the onscreen Help.
To learn more about your optical drive, see “Using Your Optical Drive” on page 43.
Warning:
damage your hearing.
26 Chapter 2
Listening to music at high volume over extended periods of time can
The Basics
Connecting a Camera or Other FireWire or USB Device
If you have a 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 34. For more information about USB, see “Universal Serial Bus (USB)”
on page 32.
Connecting to a Network
If you want to connect your PowerBook to an Ethernet network or a wireless network,
see “Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T)” on page 39 and “AirPort Extreme Wireless
Networking and Internet Access” on page 38 for more information about setting up an
Ethernet or AirPort connection. Also open Mac OS Help and search for “Ethernet” or
open AirPort Admin Utility and choose Help > AirPort Help.
Keeping Your Software Up to Date
You can connect to the Internet and automatically download and install the latest free
software versions, drivers, and other enhancements from Apple.
When you are connected to the Internet, Software Update checks Apple’s Internet
servers to see if any updates are available for your computer. You can set your Mac to
check the Apple server periodically and download and install updated software.
To check for updated software:
1 Open System Preferences.
2 Click the Software Update icon and follow the directions on the screen.
• For more information, search for “Software Update” in Mac OS Help.
• For the latest information on the Mac OS, go to the Mac OS website at
www.apple.com/macos.
Chapter 2 The Basics 27
Using the Internet
During the initial setup, you were instructed on how to connect to the Internet. If you
need to change to a different type of connection, such as DSL, cable modem, Ethernet
local area network (LAN), or AirPort Extreme network, you can find more information in
Appendix C, “Connecting to the Internet,” on page 73.
Transferring Files to Another Computer
If you want to transfer files or documents to or from your PowerBook, there are several
ways of doing it.
• You can transfer files via the Internet using .Mac or another Internet account.
• You can transfer files to another computer on a network. You can access another
server or computer by clicking Network in the Finder Sidebar, or by choosing
Go > Connect to Server from the Finder menu bar.
• You can create a small Ethernet network by connecting an Ethernet cable from your
PowerBook to another computer’s Ethernet port. For more information, open Mac OS
Help and search for “connecting two computers.”
• You can also connect to another Mac using a FireWire cable. Your PowerBook appears
as a disk drive on the other computer and you can transfer files. For information
about using FireWire to transfer files, see “FireWire Target Disk Mode” on page 35.
• You can connect to an AirPort Extreme 802.11g or 802.11b wireless network to transfer
files. For more information, see “AirPort Extreme Wireless Networking and Internet
Access” on page 38.
• If you have access to devices that communicate via Bluetooth wireless technology,
you can transfer files using Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information, see
“Using Bluetooth Devices” on page 37.
For general information about transferring files and documents, open Mac OS Help and
search for the type of connection you need.
28 Chapter 2 The Basics
When an Application Freezes
On rare occasions, an application may freeze on the screen. Mac OS X provides a way to
quit a frozen application without restarting your computer. Quitting a frozen
application may allow you to save your work in other open applications.
To force an application to quit:
1 Press Command (x)-Option-Esc or choose Force Quit from the Apple (K) menu.
The Force Quit Applications dialog appears with the application selected.
2 Click Force Quit.
The application quits, leaving all other applications open.
If needed, you can also force the Classic environment to quit, which closes all Classic
applications. You can also restart the Finder from this dialog.
If you’re experiencing other problems, see Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting,” on page 59.
Chapter 2 The Basics 29
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