"The Macintosh operating system enjoys a near-absence of the types of malware and spyware that affect Microsoft Windows users. This is largely due to the small user base, which focuses the attention of malware designers on larger user-base systems. However, viruses as well as potential vulnerabilities were noted in February 2006, which led some industry analysts and anti-virus companies to issue warnings that Apple's Mac OS X is not immune to viruses, as is commonly misconceived." ~Wikipedia: Macs

Macs are very dependable, and the biggest problem is that they are not shut down often enough (putting it to "sleep" is just so much easier, I know). Shutting down your computer at night (or when you sleep) is an excellent way to avoid crashes. The most common crash is when the Mac will run flawlessly, and then for no reason at all it will lock up, allowing the mouse to function, but the Force Quit (Option-Command-Esc) to be un-executable. When this error happens there is often an error that happens when you restart the computer. The startup process getting to the point where you would usually see the Apple logo with a spinning circle beneath (indicating that it is loading) being replaced by a folder with a "?" on it is the most common indicator of unsuccessful restart. To Correct this error follow these steps:

Resetting PRAM and NVRAM

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys.

Your computer's PRAM and the NVRAM are reset to the default values. The clock settings may be reset to a default date on some models.

If Resetting the PRAM on the computer does not correct the error then there is little else that you can do besides call tech support and pay cash for it to work, but doing this yourself saves you the hours of questions, and un-needed conversations with tech support.

Another Common Error is when a CD is stuck in those o' so lovely "Slot Load Mechanisms." They look so nice, but when a CD gets stuck in there its a pain not to have that button that you can press to manually eject the drive.

Open Firmware Mode

1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option,O, and F. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-O-F keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer opens to a screen where you can input commands.
6. Release the keys.

Once in OF (Open Firmware) you will be able to enter commands. Type: eject cd and wait for the CD to eject.Type mac-boot and the Mac will reboot with no CD stuck in the drive.
If the CD does not eject when OF mode is used, then most likely you have shaken loose the connection between the motherboard and the CD drive. If you are on a PowerBook, or iBook, (Most apple laptops included) and you don't mind a little do it yourself work then have a screwdriver ready. Shut Down the Computer. Pull down on both tabs on your keyboard (Top Left and Right of keyboard). Lift the keyboard up and out, (making sure not to sever the think wire connecting the motherboard to the keyboard. To access the Motherboard you will need to remove the wireless card. Push in and lift on the metal brace holding the wireless card in place. Unplug the metal prong plugged into the back of the wireless card, then gently ease the wireless card out of its port. After the Wireless card has been removed take out the screw holding in the tray where the wireless card used to be. Once you have removed the tray you will see a square prong plugged into the motherboard. press gently on the prong to ensure that it is plugged in, and that the CD drive is getting power. Screw back on the tray, put the wireless card back in, and re-attach your keyboard. Turn on the computer and check to see if the CD drive is properly functioning.

Accessing Programs: How annoying is it to have set a block on a program, or an installation file because of other people using your computer, or being restricted by a authority, and being unable to access it. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to just open it? Now you can. Bypassing the admin set locks is an easy procedure if you are at all familiar with text based commands (allot less common after the inventing of the GUI).

Force Open Programs:

1. Open the program Terminal (/Applications/Utilities)
2. Type open -a (add a space after -a)
3. Drag any application file (.app) into the Terminal screen
4. Press Return.

In doing this all blocks and filters are bypassed because the computer has received a direct command, and goes straight to the root file, not looking for blocks. A definite advantage over GUI.
(Some admins are very annoying, and persist on making your computer use boring, and 100% educational/work based. If they are aware of this nice little trick then odds are that terminal is blocked, but have no fear, there is another solution.)

Force Opening Terminal

1. Open the program X11 (/Applications/Utilities)
2. Type open -a terminal.app (add a space after -a)
3. Press Return.

Now Just follow the Force open programs guide and get ready to rock out whatever program you would like.

Hope you enjoyed my guide, please leave constructive comments if you would like.

This post was edited by SpamBam on Jun 24 2007 01:46pm