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Mac OSX Noob thread of OSX noobs
- Thread starter koam
- Start date
i have an old 2007 black macbook (2ghz c2d, 1gb ram) and the HDD died so i took the opportunity to pop in an SSD.. i went to go buy osx lion and saw that it required 2gb of ram so now i need some way to put leopard back on it but macs dont come with OS recovery discs... is there someway to get an OEM recovery/OS disc for free?
and before you ask, no i dont want to upgrade the ram... 1gb is fine for what i use it for
and before you ask, no i dont want to upgrade the ram... 1gb is fine for what i use it for
Mr. Wonderful
Member
OMG!!!
Been a while, but don't you just delete photos from the events/rolls then they go in the iPhoto trash, then empty that trash? They might then goin your system trash, and empty that.
Make sure you don't just delete from the album, as that just removes it from that album, not from the library.
Yeah this annoys me too. It seems that pages won't let you work directly in a word doc, only export to that format.
Vinterbird
Member
I hope someone can help me, since this is a pretty terrible situation. One of my USB thumbdrives are showing up like this in Finder:
It worked the last time I plugged it into the machine, and now it is just grayed out and I can't do anything to it, which really sucks since it contains work files. (My Windows computer can see the drive just fine and interact with it, same with my office Mac, so it's squarely a local problem).
It worked the last time I plugged it into the machine, and now it is just grayed out and I can't do anything to it, which really sucks since it contains work files. (My Windows computer can see the drive just fine and interact with it, same with my office Mac, so it's squarely a local problem).
OneEightZero
aka ThreeOneFour
I hope someone can help me, since this is a pretty terrible situation. One of my USB thumbdrives are showing up like this in Finder:
It worked the last time I plugged it into the machine, and now it is just grayed out and I can't do anything to it, which really sucks since it contains work files. (My Windows computer can see the drive just fine and interact with it, same with my office Mac, so it's squarely a local problem).
It is most likely formatted NTFS and not FAT32.
wolfmat
Confirmed Asshole
OS X can read NTFS just fine.
Vinterbird, since your Windows computer can see the drive, use that one to access the drive, then do file operations on the Windows computer. Use local network filesharing to transfer the files to your Mac. Do the same the other way around to get altered data back on the drive.
The reason for this recommendation is that there are a lot of possible problems, remote diagnostics with these things is dicey and you should stick to what works. Particularly because going by what you're saying, the data in question seems to be important.
Ok, question about Lion.
What happens if you buy a Mac with a pre-installed purchased copy of Lion (i.e. second hand mac from 2006, updated to Lion).
Are you able to reinstall itself? I mean, does it ask you to log in with whatever previous owner of the MacBooks App store account (for the purchase of Lion)?
Or is it like, once Lion is installed, it severs all ties with the App store account?
I'm wondering about the purchase of a 2006 MBP with Lion, and whether it's a better idea to clean install with SL, or take advantage of the free Lion.
I mean, if it were purchased from the App store, does it ever need that appstore account again?
Maybe just buy a new copy of Lion.
What happens if you buy a Mac with a pre-installed purchased copy of Lion (i.e. second hand mac from 2006, updated to Lion).
Are you able to reinstall itself? I mean, does it ask you to log in with whatever previous owner of the MacBooks App store account (for the purchase of Lion)?
Or is it like, once Lion is installed, it severs all ties with the App store account?
I'm wondering about the purchase of a 2006 MBP with Lion, and whether it's a better idea to clean install with SL, or take advantage of the free Lion.
I mean, if it were purchased from the App store, does it ever need that appstore account again?
Maybe just buy a new copy of Lion.
Ok, I'm trying to install snow leopard on a machine running leopard (and will eventually upgrade to lion). I'm using a disc from a macbook i bought my girlfriend a while ago. When i run the install app I get the message "Mac OSX Snow Leopard cannot be installed on this machine".
WTF. it meets all the system requirements. Is it because the disc is meant for another machine type?
WTF. it meets all the system requirements. Is it because the disc is meant for another machine type?
I googled for the error message, and several results described the following procedure:
1) Boot from SN disc
2) Decrease size of main partition via disk utility (just a few GB, the amount probably doesn't matter anyway)
3) You should be able to install SN now
4) After installing, start disk utility again to reassign the unused disk space to the main partition again
Thanks for helping out and looking this up, but it didn't work. I also tried upgrading from bootup but this did not work either.
I read somewhere online that I can't upgrade from a version of the disc that came with a new machine. I don't know if this was a technical limitation or because I'd be breaking the EULA?
Ninja Scooter
Member
Well I've made it simpler by not creating a to a word doc copy initially, only once I'm done. Makes it a little less cluttered to not have to deal with 2 copies of every document until I'm ready to export or email it.
Googled again:
I now found out that the disc is not locked to a specific hardware; actually the hardware is locked to a disc with a specific OS X version. So your SN disc is too old for your newer Mac.
You could ask someone at the next Apple Store if they would replace your disc for a newer one.
hmm, that's interesting. The mac i'm updating is older than the disc but the disc is probably a year to a year and a half old? I'm now thinking of doing a clean install of Lion instead. May be a lot more work getting things set up again but it may be good to have a clean machine.
Is this antiquated thinking from my PC days?
cooljeanius
Member
Did you update to the App Store version of Growl? I hear there are compatibility problems between GrowlMail and the App Store version of Growl. Also Growlmail's preferences are within Mail's preferences, check there.
Treefingers
Member
Depends on your RAM. Rule of thumb is if your RAM is ≥ 4GB, go 64-bit.
Thanks, I have 12GB of RAM.
Treefingers
Member
Then yeah definitely 64-bit in order to make use of all that RAM. 32-bit has a limit of 4GB of RAM.
Hey, I just bought a refurbished mac last month. It's been treating me well. But I need some help from you guys because this is irritating as hell.
I have an mBOX audio interface. I made the mistake of installing those drivers onto my Lion OS, before I found out it is not supported. So I've been reading and trying to delete the drivers and plugins. But my garageband STILL crashes because of this. It's really fucking frustrating.
So I'm thinking the hell with trying to find and pinpoint this issue because a lot of people all over the net are having difficulties as well.
I figure I may as well reformat my mac. As I've only had this for a month and nothing of importance is on it.
How do I reformat? And will I lose the iLife suite? How easy is it to get it back? Is there a way to kind of reset this thing back to the way I originally got it?
I'm pissed Digicore did a bad job explaining that their drivers would just fuck shit up on the LION OS. They don't even have faqs on how to fix the problem.
Any help would be really appreciated.
EDIT: Holy shit, everything works again. I just had to restart my computer after making those changes. I'm an idiot!
I have an mBOX audio interface. I made the mistake of installing those drivers onto my Lion OS, before I found out it is not supported. So I've been reading and trying to delete the drivers and plugins. But my garageband STILL crashes because of this. It's really fucking frustrating.
So I'm thinking the hell with trying to find and pinpoint this issue because a lot of people all over the net are having difficulties as well.
I figure I may as well reformat my mac. As I've only had this for a month and nothing of importance is on it.
How do I reformat? And will I lose the iLife suite? How easy is it to get it back? Is there a way to kind of reset this thing back to the way I originally got it?
I'm pissed Digicore did a bad job explaining that their drivers would just fuck shit up on the LION OS. They don't even have faqs on how to fix the problem.
Any help would be really appreciated.
EDIT: Holy shit, everything works again. I just had to restart my computer after making those changes. I'm an idiot!
I have no idea about your issues, since I don't use that software, but I just want to to thank you for posting your problem, and when solving it yourself, letting us know.
I don't know why, but ever since someone pointed it out, I find it kind of frustrating when a problem is presented, only to have it written at the bottom: "edit: nevermind, problem solved".
I always like to know what one did to solve it. It builds a consensus.
Anyone seen this yet?
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1340230
10 Mac programs for $50. I've bought it just for VMWare and the rest is a bonus
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1340230
10 Mac programs for $50. I've bought it just for VMWare and the rest is a bonus
CrudeDiatribe
Member
That's the case with most kernel extension (driver) changes, though I believe it's possible to hot-add/remove them if the person writing the (un)installer knows what they're doing.
Mr. Wonderful
Member
Arrrrg.
So do I stay with Chrome 17 on Mac, or switch back to Safari (5.2)?
With Chrome, I feel like I'm much more on the cutting edge of the Internet browsers, and that Google is pushing everything forward.
On the other hand, Safari is just so much better optimized for Mac OS X, and with 5.2, is just dang fast. I get considerably better battery life in Safari than in Chrome, and as I've said, Chrome clearly isn't fully optimized for OS X.
But I don't want to put myself into the box that is Safari.
What I really wish is that Google would focus on its OS X version of Chrome for a bit. Speed up initial startup, make Flash and Silverlight CPU/power consumption in line with Safari, and maybe make it a 64-bit program, for what that's worth as well.
So do I stay with Chrome 17 on Mac, or switch back to Safari (5.2)?
With Chrome, I feel like I'm much more on the cutting edge of the Internet browsers, and that Google is pushing everything forward.
On the other hand, Safari is just so much better optimized for Mac OS X, and with 5.2, is just dang fast. I get considerably better battery life in Safari than in Chrome, and as I've said, Chrome clearly isn't fully optimized for OS X.
But I don't want to put myself into the box that is Safari.
What I really wish is that Google would focus on its OS X version of Chrome for a bit. Speed up initial startup, make Flash and Silverlight CPU/power consumption in line with Safari, and maybe make it a 64-bit program, for what that's worth as well.
wolfmat
Confirmed Asshole
Generally speaking, you should make a Time Machine backup when your computer is in a sane state. You should use that backup to have a point to revert to when things break.
If you're making periodical backups, like hourlies or something, then you will have to determine which state to go back to. Time Machine makes this comparatively easy.
If push comes to shove, you can of course format your HDD, install SL from disc and use the last working Time Machine backup to bring your data up to speed.
However, usually, whatever is broken is fixable. I wouldn't recommend formatting without just cause. So what's your trouble?
If you're making periodical backups, like hourlies or something, then you will have to determine which state to go back to. Time Machine makes this comparatively easy.
If push comes to shove, you can of course format your HDD, install SL from disc and use the last working Time Machine backup to bring your data up to speed.
However, usually, whatever is broken is fixable. I wouldn't recommend formatting without just cause. So what's your trouble?
Thanks for the answer my friend. I'm not having any trouble, I was just wondering if I could 'speed up' my Mac a little bit more. I'm having the idea that it is not as fast as it used to be.
This leads me to another question GAF: what do you do to keep your Mac running fast and smooth? Any maintenance tips? I keep reading about zapping PRAM, clearing cashes, etc. etc. However the opinions differ on this. So what';s the best way to keep your Mac clean and well?
This leads me to another question GAF: what do you do to keep your Mac running fast and smooth? Any maintenance tips? I keep reading about zapping PRAM, clearing cashes, etc. etc. However the opinions differ on this. So what';s the best way to keep your Mac clean and well?
wolfmat
Confirmed Asshole
Open a Terminal. Type "purge" without the quotes and press Enter. Wait a few seconds until it's done. This frees inactive memory.
You need the developer tools installed for this to work.
Close all your programs once in a while. This will free unused reserved resources. (CMD-Q)
Get an SSD and install the operating system to it instead of to a mechanical HDD. Most slowdowns are related to HDD operations, so you want to get a fast HDD to eliminate these bottleneck operations, and SSDs are the fastest on the market.
Get more RAM.
Run your software in 64-bit mode, if applicable.
You shouldn't have to get rid of cache. Cache is generally indexed, which means that lookups are made in linear time. As a result, cache lookups shouldn't really kill your system.
Kill Flash in the Activity Monitor (you might have to figure out which process is responsible for keeping Flash alive, this differs from browser to browser). Block Flash in your browser (use something like Flashblock for Firefox, for example).
Identify the key software that slows your system down, and try to avoid it if you can. Try to find alternatives. For example, I do all my on-the-fly text editing with vim on a Terminal because it's fast, awesome and really lightweight. Can't say the same for TextEdit. And TextWrangler does too much for a lot of text editing contexts. So optimize your workflows.
Go through all processes in the Activity Monitor, find out what they do, and if you find out you don't need the service, get rid of the process. This is rather generic advice that's not actually helpful in and of itself; you'll have to search for information on how to get rid of certain processes.
If you're having a session with a resource-intensive software, try to avoid having too many programs open. As an example, when I have Xcode running, I don't use iTunes on the same computer, and I don't use Firefox on the same computer. Instead, I use my iPod for the music and my Windows PC for browsing the web. (Late 08 white MacBook with Lion installed.)
So try to distribute your computing when it's not manageable otherwise. (Provided you have multiple devices for your entertainment and research tasks, but most people do nowadays)
If you're playing an OpenGL game, close all other programs beforehand. Activate Vsync. Consider reducing the resolution, deactivating features like anti-aliasing and so on.
Not sure about the PRAM zapping. Might make a difference, I doubt it though.
I'm not saying you should do all of these things, but you can pick some that apply to your personal situation. If you can articulate what your woes are with your computer's performance, along with its specifications, we could be more helpful.
You need the developer tools installed for this to work.
Close all your programs once in a while. This will free unused reserved resources. (CMD-Q)
Get an SSD and install the operating system to it instead of to a mechanical HDD. Most slowdowns are related to HDD operations, so you want to get a fast HDD to eliminate these bottleneck operations, and SSDs are the fastest on the market.
Get more RAM.
Run your software in 64-bit mode, if applicable.
You shouldn't have to get rid of cache. Cache is generally indexed, which means that lookups are made in linear time. As a result, cache lookups shouldn't really kill your system.
Kill Flash in the Activity Monitor (you might have to figure out which process is responsible for keeping Flash alive, this differs from browser to browser). Block Flash in your browser (use something like Flashblock for Firefox, for example).
Identify the key software that slows your system down, and try to avoid it if you can. Try to find alternatives. For example, I do all my on-the-fly text editing with vim on a Terminal because it's fast, awesome and really lightweight. Can't say the same for TextEdit. And TextWrangler does too much for a lot of text editing contexts. So optimize your workflows.
Go through all processes in the Activity Monitor, find out what they do, and if you find out you don't need the service, get rid of the process. This is rather generic advice that's not actually helpful in and of itself; you'll have to search for information on how to get rid of certain processes.
If you're having a session with a resource-intensive software, try to avoid having too many programs open. As an example, when I have Xcode running, I don't use iTunes on the same computer, and I don't use Firefox on the same computer. Instead, I use my iPod for the music and my Windows PC for browsing the web. (Late 08 white MacBook with Lion installed.)
So try to distribute your computing when it's not manageable otherwise. (Provided you have multiple devices for your entertainment and research tasks, but most people do nowadays)
If you're playing an OpenGL game, close all other programs beforehand. Activate Vsync. Consider reducing the resolution, deactivating features like anti-aliasing and so on.
Not sure about the PRAM zapping. Might make a difference, I doubt it though.
I'm not saying you should do all of these things, but you can pick some that apply to your personal situation. If you can articulate what your woes are with your computer's performance, along with its specifications, we could be more helpful.
Ken Masters
Banned
So when using Safari every time I open up a youtube video it either plays like shit or locks up Safari entirely, then when I switch to google chrome it's fine
anyone else have this issue?
anyone else have this issue?
Last years MacUpdate bundle was better, came with apps I actually use and included the far superior Parallels instead of VMWare.
I'm about to order a Synology DS411J (8TB) NAS but will I be able to use it with both Windows and Macs?
Will I just connect it with an Ethernet cable to my routher, and then I can wirelessly access it through my MacBook Air, Windows computer, Mac Mini etc. ?
I think I'll order today if so.
Will I just connect it with an Ethernet cable to my routher, and then I can wirelessly access it through my MacBook Air, Windows computer, Mac Mini etc. ?
I think I'll order today if so.
anonymous_abc
Member
I love papers, but I've never used it with word, or other text editors for that matter, I only use LaTeX, but from what I understand it will create its own bibliography file for a word document that you are editing, and it seems very plausible that it does not update when you update papers.
annoying though...
edit
rats, sorry I totally misread your post xD
I need to erase it from my computers, just in case the police turns up, so that her reports has been false, and then she is the one in trouble, not me.
Anyone?
jts
...hate me...
Send it over for a quality check... just kidding, drag it to the trash in iPhoto, then empty the trash.
Before that, you can right click on it, locate it in finder, make a copy to a DVD, CD, thumbdrive, etc
Unless your ex is underage, why would the police give a crap and waste their time on a stupid case?
Anyway, deleting stuff from iPhoto is exactly the same as deleting from the Finder. Backspace (Delete) to delete it. Then Command+Shift+Delete to empty the trash. This is how it works in Mail too.
But seriously. Why would the police care about a sex tape unless she's a big celebrity whose reputation would be slightly hurt temporarily while her popularity rises for a few weeks? Or she's under age.
sweetvar26
Member
Alright, need to figure this out.
My MacBook Air 2011
HD Capacity - 120GB
HD Available - 5.5GB
Music - 15GB
Movies - 53GB
Pictures - 12GB
Downloads - 3GB
Documents - 6GB
Applications - 5GB
I'm missing around 20GB worth of free space, anyone have any clue as to where it would go missing? How much space does the OSX take(If it is not already included in the application space)? I have Lion installed on it.
I have no iOS devices backups, I don't use time machine and my Recycle Bin is empty.
Any clue guys?
My MacBook Air 2011
HD Capacity - 120GB
HD Available - 5.5GB
Music - 15GB
Movies - 53GB
Pictures - 12GB
Downloads - 3GB
Documents - 6GB
Applications - 5GB
I'm missing around 20GB worth of free space, anyone have any clue as to where it would go missing? How much space does the OSX take(If it is not already included in the application space)? I have Lion installed on it.
I have no iOS devices backups, I don't use time machine and my Recycle Bin is empty.
Any clue guys?
CrudeDiatribe
Member
CrudeDiatribe
Member
FYI, using soft links you can move it if you wish. I have my Steam stuff installed to /Volumes/Games/ on my Mac Pro.