Apple MAC MINI User Manual

Mac mini

User’s Guide

Includes setup and troubleshooting information for your Mac mini computer

Apple Computer, Inc.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

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9 Chapter 1: Getting Started

What’s in the Box

Setting up Your Mac mini

Next Steps

Putting Your Mac mini to Sleep or Shutting It Down

21 Chapter 2: Getting to Know Your Mac mini

What’s on the Front of Your Mac mini

What’s on the Back of Your Mac mini

Learning About Mac OS X

Getting Answers Using Mac Help

Customizing Your Desktop and Setting Your Preferences

Connecting a Printer

Keeping Your Software Up to Date

Connecting to a Network

Using the Internet

Transferring Files to Another Computer

Using Applications

When an Application Doesn’t Respond

35 Chapter 3: Using Your Mac mini

Connecting a Display or Video Device

Using the Apple Remote and Front Row

Using USB

Connecting with FireWire

Understanding AirPort Extreme Wireless Networking

Using Bluetooth Wireless Technology

Connecting to an Ethernet Network

Connecting Audio Devices

Using Your Optical Drive

Securing Your Mac mini

57 Chapter 4: Troubleshooting

Problems That Prevent You from Using Your Computer

Reinstalling the Software That Came with Your Computer

Getting Started

Your Mac mini has been designed so that you can easily set it up and start using it right away.

If you have never used a Mac mini or are new to Macintosh computers, read this section for instructions about getting started. If you are an experienced user, you may already know enough to get started. Be sure to look over the information in Chapter 2, “Getting to Know Your Mac mini,” to find out about the features of your Mac mini computer.

Important:

before you plug your computer into a power outlet.

Read all of the installation instructions and safety information (see page 71)

What’s in the Box

Your Mac mini comes with the following components:

DVI to VGA Adapter

AC cord

Apple Remote

Before you set up your Mac mini, remove the protective film from the outside of your computer and power adapter.

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Power adapter

Setting up Your Mac mini

Position your Mac mini so that it’s right side up or on its side, but not upside down. Use the power adapter that came with your Mac mini. Other power adapters don’t work with this Mac mini. Follow the steps on the next several pages to set up.

Step 1: Plug the AC cord firmly into the power adapter, and then plug the cord

from the power adapter into your computer. Plug the power adapter into a grounded power outlet.

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Getting Started

Step 2: To access the Internet, connect an Ethernet cable.

You can also use an external USB modem to access the Internet. Apple External USB Modems are available from an Apple Store retail location or the online Apple Store at www.apple.com/store/.

If you are joining or setting up a wireless network, see Appendix C, “Connecting to the Internet,” on page 81.

12 Chapter 1

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Step 3: Connect the USB cable from your keyboard and mouse.

Your Mac mini does not come with a keyboard or a mouse, but you can use almost any USB keyboard and mouse with your computer. If your keyboard has a USB (d

) port, you

can plug your mouse into the USB port on the keyboard. If it doesn’t, you can plug the mouse into a USB (d

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Getting Started

) port on the back of your computer.

If you use a USB keyboard that is not specifically designed for the Mac OS, it may not have a Command (x The Command (x

) or Option key, both of which are standard on Apple keyboards.

) key on an Apple keyboard is equivalent to the Windows key (the icon on the key looks like a Windows logo) on a keyboard from another manufacturer. The Option key on an Apple keyboard is equivalent to the Alt key on a keyboard from another manufacturer.

You can use Keyboard & Mouse preferences to change the keyboard equivalents. To open Keyboard & Mouse preferences, choose Apple (

) > System Preferences,

click Keyboard & Mouse, click Modifier Keys, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Using a USB mouse or keyboard from another manufacturer may require software drivers. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest software drivers.

To set up an Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse with your Mac mini, follow the instructions that came with the keyboard and mouse.

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Step 4: Connect the DVI cable from your display to the video port.

Connect a DVI display to the video out (£

) port on the back of your Mac mini. To connect a VGA display, use the Apple DVI to VGA Adapter that came with your computer. For more information about connecting a display, see the guidelines in Chapter 2, “Getting to Know Your Mac mini.”

Note:

Your Mac mini does not come with a display.

Important:

Don’t place anything on top of your Mac mini. Objects placed on top may

interfere with the optical drive or the AirPort or Bluetooth® wireless signal.

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Step 5: Press the power (®

16 Chapter 1

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) button on the back of your Mac mini to turn it on.

Next Steps

The first time you turn on your Mac mini, Setup Assistant starts. Setup Assistant helps you enter your Internet and email information and set up a user account on your Mac mini. If you already have a Mac, Setup Assistant can help you automatically transfer files, applications, and other information from your previous Mac to your new Mac mini.

Transferring Information to Your Mac mini

Setup Assistant makes it easy to copy your saved settings, files, and folders from your old Mac. It shows you exactly how to connect your old Mac to your new Mac to migrate your network settings, user accounts, documents, photos, applications, and more. Setup Assistant uses FireWire to transfer your files to your new Mac quickly and easily—just follow the onscreen instructions.

You need the following to transfer information:

A standard FireWire cable

Your old Mac must have Mac OS X version 10.1 or later installed

Your old Mac must have built-in FireWire and support FireWire Target Disk Mode

Setup Assistant takes you through the process of transferring your information and doesn’t affect the information on your other Mac. Setup Assistant can transfer:

User accounts, including preferences and email

Network settings

Applications folder

Files and folders on your main hard disk and other hard disks

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If you don’t use Setup Assistant to transfer information when you first start up your Mac mini, you can do it later using Migration Assistant. Open the Applications folder, open Utilities, and double-click the Migration Assistant icon.

Note:

If you transfer information later using Migration Assistant, make sure FileVault is

turned off on the older computer. To turn off FileVault, choose Apple ( Preferences, click Security, and follow the onscreen instructions.

Setting Up Your Mac mini for the Internet

If you didn’t transfer your network settings, Setup Assistant can also take you through the process of setting up your Mac mini to connect to the Internet. For home users, Internet access requires an account with an Internet service provider (ISP). Fees may apply. If you have an Internet account, see Appendix C, “Connecting to the Internet,” on page 81 for information you’ll need to enter.

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) > System

Putting Your Mac mini to Sleep or Shutting It Down

When you have finished working with your Mac mini, you can put it to sleep or shut it down.

Put Your Mac mini to Sleep

If you will be away from your Mac mini for less than a few days, put it to sleep. When your Mac mini is in sleep, its screen is dark. You can quickly wake your Mac mini and bypass the startup process.

To put your Mac mini to sleep quickly, do one of the following:

Choose Apple (

Press the power (®

Choose Apple (

Press and hold the Play/Pause (’

To wake your Mac mini, press any key on the keyboard or any button on the Apple Remote. When your Mac mini wakes from sleep, your applications, documents, and computer settings are exactly as you left them.

Shut Down Your Mac mini

If you won’t be using your Mac mini for more than a few days, shut it down. Choose Apple () > Shut Down.

Warning: Shut down your Mac mini before moving it. Moving your Mac mini while

the hard disk is spinning can damage the hard disk, causing loss of data or an inability to start up from the hard disk.

Chapter 1

) > Sleep.

) button on the back of the Mac mini.

) > System Preferences, click Energy Saver, and set a sleep timer.

) button on the Apple Remote for 3 seconds.

Getting Started

2 Getting to Know Your

Mac mini

This chapter gives you some basic information you’ll need to know about your Mac mini.

Read on for an overview of the different parts of your Mac mini and the features of Mac OS X, including information about common tasks such as getting answers when you need help, customizing the way your desktop looks, connecting a printer, using the Internet, and more.

For the Latest Information

Because Apple frequently releases new versions and updates to its system software, images shown in this book may be slightly different from what you see on your screen.

The Apple website at www.apple.com links you to the latest Apple news, free downloads, and online catalogs of software and hardware for your Mac mini.

You can also find the manuals for many Apple products and technical support for all of Apple’s products on the Apple Service & Support website at www.apple.com/support/.

What’s on the Front of Your Mac mini

AirPort antenna

Slot-loading optical drive

22 Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini

Built-in infrared (IR) receiver

Power indicator light

Built-in infrared (IR) receiver

Use your Apple Remote and the built-in IR receiver to work seamlessly with your Mac mini.

Power indicator light

A steady white light indicates your Mac mini is on; a pulsing light indicates it’s in sleep.

Slot-loading optical drive

Your Mac mini has a DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive or a DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW SuperDrive. Each drive can read CD-ROM discs, standard audio discs, and other kinds of media. The Combo drive can also read DVD discs and movies and write music, documents, and digital files to CD-R and CD-RW discs. In addition to those files, the SuperDrive can read and write to DVD±R, DVD±RW, and DVD+R Double Layer (DL) discs.

AirPort Extreme wireless technology (inside)

Connect to a wireless network using built-in AirPort Extreme technology. To avoid interference, keep the area around the AirPort antenna free from obstruction.

Bluetooth® wireless technology (inside)

◊

Connect wireless devices, such as Bluetooth mobile phones, PDAs, printers, and the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse (you can purchase an Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse at www.apple.com/store/).

Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini 23

What’s on the Back of Your Mac mini

FireWire 400

port

Power

button

Power port

Ethernet port (10/100/1000 Base-T)

24 Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini

Video out port

USB 2.0

ports (4)

Security slot

Headphone out/optical digital audio out port

Audio in/ optical digital audio in port

Security slot

Attach a lock and cable to discourage theft (available at www.apple.com/store/).

Headphone out/optical digital audio out port

Connect headphones, external powered speakers, or digital audio equipment.

Audio in/optical digital audio in port

Connect your Mac mini to a line-level microphone or digital audio equipment.

Four USB 2.0 ports

Connect a mouse, keyboard, printer, iPod, external USB modem, and more.

Video out port

Connect displays that use a DVI connector. Connect displays that use a VGA connector using the DVI to VGA Adapter that came with your computer. You can also use a DVI to Video Adapter, available at www.apple.com/store/ to connect a TV, VCR, or other video device.

Ethernet port

Connect to a 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet network or connect a DSL or cable modem.

Power port

Connect the power cord from the power adapter.

Power button

Turn on your Mac mini or put it to sleep. Press and hold to reset during troubleshooting.

FireWire 400 port

Connect high-speed devices, such as an iSight video camera or a hard drive.

Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini 25

Learning About Mac OS X

Your Mac mini comes with Mac OS X Tiger and the iLife suite of applications. Learn more about Mac OS X and iLife in the Welcome to Tiger booklet that came with your Mac mini. You can also open Mac Help (see page 27) 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 screen.

Mac OS X includes:

Â Spotlight, a powerful search engine that automatically indexes all of your files Â Dashboard, an interface for putting handy “widgets” or mini-applications at your

fingertips

Â Exposé, which tiles and neatly displays all your open applications

For information about software applications you can use with Mac OS X, or to read more about Mac OS X, check the Mac OS X website at www.apple.com/macosx/.

26 Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini

Getting Answers Using Mac Help

Most of the information about using your Mac is available in Mac Help.

To open Mac Help:

1 Click the Finder icon in the Dock (the group of icons along the edge of the screen).

2 Choose Help > Mac Help (click the Help menu in the menu bar and choose Mac Help).

3 Click in the search field, type a question, and press Return on your keyboard.

Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini 27

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.

System Preferences is your command center for most settings on your Mac mini. As you get to know your Mac mini, explore the various system preferences. For more information, choose Help > Mac Help and search for “System Preferences” or for the name of a specific preference.

28 Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini

Connecting a Printer

You can connect most printers using a USB cable; others may require a network connection, such as Ethernet. If you have an AirPort Express or AirPort Extreme Base Station, you can connect a USB printer to the base station (instead of connecting it to your computer) and print wirelessly. Follow the instructions that came with your printer to install any required software and connect the printer. The drivers for most printers are built into Mac OS X.

When you connect a printer, your Mac mini usually detects it automatically and adds it to the list of available printers. You may need to know the network name or address of a printer connected to a network before you can print to it.

To set up a printer:

1 Open System Preferences and click the Print & Fax icon.

2 Click Printing and then click the Add (+) button to add a printer.

3 Select the printer you want to use, and then click Add.

4 Use the Add (+) and Remove (–) buttons to choose which printers

appear in the printer list.

Monitoring Printing

After you send a document to a printer, you can monitor printing, including halting your print job or putting it temporarily on hold. To monitor printing, 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, open Mac Help and search for “printing.”

Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini 29

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. Your Mac mini is set to automatically check once a week but you can set it to check daily or monthly. You can also check for updates yourself, at any time.

To check for updated software:

1 Open System Preferences.

2 Click the Software Update icon and follow the directions on the screen.

30 Chapter 2 Getting to Know Your Mac mini

+ 68 hidden pages

Apple MAC MINI User Manual

Contents

Getting Started

What’s in the Box

Next Steps

For the Latest Information

Getting Answers Using Mac Help

Customizing Your Desktop and Setting Your Preferences

Connecting a Printer

Monitoring Printing

Keeping Your Software Up to Date