Wellesley College Information Services Documentation Logo

Mac OS X
FAQ
10.2

OS X v. 10.2 Frequently Asked Questions

 

Return to Welcome to OS X v. 10.2


OS X v. 10.2 Basics

The Dock

Applications

Printing

Saving Files and Backing Up

Connecting to the Network and Filesharing

Virus Protection

We're not in OS 9 anymore, Toto...

Getting help with OS X

OS X at Wellesley


What are all of these buttons on my windows?

There are four buttons on the title bar of OS X v. 10.2 windows:

OS X title bar

Red closing button
The red button on the left closes the window. If the window is a document, it closes the active document (and will prompt you to save if you have not already). This is not the same as quitting the application itself. To quit the OS X application itself, you will have to go to the menu with the application name and select Quit [application name], or press APPLE + Q on the keyboard. Leaving many applications open at once might lead to memory problems, so please remember to close out of applications properly when you are done.
Yellow minimizing button
The yellow button minimizes the window and sends it down to the Dock. To bring the minimized window back up to the desktop, click once on the icon of the minimized window on the right side of the Dock.
Green Zoom button
The green Zoom button expands or contracts the window size depending on its current and former position on the screen.
Show/Hide window toolbar button
The button in the upper right-hand corner shows or hides the toolbar at the top of a window.

In the Finder in OS X v. 10.2, there is a toolbar at the top of each window, pictured below.

Finder window toolbar

Back icon Navigates back to the previous window or folder level, much like the back button works in an internet browser.
Forward icon Navigates to the next window or folder level, like in an internet browser.
View icon The three View buttons allow you change the view characteristics of the window to icon, list, or column.
Computer icon Shortcut to the Computer area.
Home icon Shortcut to your Home area.
Favorite icon Shortcut to your Favorites folder.
Applications icon Shortcut to OS Xv. 10.2 Applications folder.
Search field Allows you to search your computer for a folder or file.

Back to the TOP


How do I log out and shutdown/restart?

From the Apple menu choose Log Out, Shut Down or Restart.

If an application or your computer has frozen, you can choose to force quit out of the frozen application. You can do this by choosing Force Quit from the Apple menu, or by using the keyboard shortcut: OPTION+APPLE+ESC

Back to the TOP


Why are their multiple users on my computer? - Who is Emergency Access?

When Apple upgraded from Macintosh OS 9 to OS X v. 10.2, they introduced an operating system that added new security features. Logging into an OS X computer will protect your data from being viewed or altered, as well as protect your system from other people installing unwanted software.

If you would like other people to be able to use your computer, you should create accounts for them. Only people you have created accounts for will be able to access your computer.

Emergency Access (infoserv) is an account created for Information Services (IS) in the case of a serious problem with your computer. This account allows IS staff to access the necessary system files on your computer as well as to install or uninstall applications. Only IS staff know the password for this user account. Deleting this account or changing the password may prevent IS staff from being able to rescue your computer in the event of a problem.

Click here for more information on using multiple accounts.

Back to the TOP


What happened to my apple menu?

OS X Apple Menu

The OS X v. 10.2 Apple Menu works much like the OS 9 Special and Apple Menus combined except without the applications. Applications can be accessed by using the Dock, described below.

The OS X v. 10.2 Apple Menu is where preferences and settings can be modified, users can log in and out, restart or shutdown their computer. Use About this Mac to find out what version of the Operating System the computer is running, the processor speed, and the amount of memory (RAM).

 

 

Back to the TOP


What is the Dock?


Instead of the OS 9 Apple Menu, OS X v. 10.2 uses the Dock, usually located across the bottom of the screen, to hold the aliases to some applications, utilities, the Trash, and open applications and windows. Hovering your mouse over an icon in the Dock displays the name of that item.

Back to the TOP


How do I know what applications are running?

Black triangles below application icons in the Dock indicate which applications are open.

Back to the TOP


How can I change my Desktop background?

    1. From the Apple Menu choose System Preferences.
    2. In the Personal section of the System Preferences window, click once on Desktop.
    3. Use the Collection menu to see different groups of backgrounds.
    4. Click on one of the background images below the Collection menu to select it.
    5. When you have selected a background that you like, from the System Preferences menu choose Quit System Preferences.

Back to the TOP


Why doesn't SHIFT+N work for me to make a new folder? - How can I find the new keyboard shortcuts?

OS X v. 10.2 has a few keyboard shortcuts that are now different than they were in OS 9. SHIFT+N now opens a new Finder window.

To create a new folder, use SHIFT+APPLE+N

To find more OS X v. 10.2 shortcuts, use the text menus. The keyboard shortcuts for commands that have them are listed next to each option in the menus.

Back to the TOP


How do I take a screen shot?

Using the OS 9 keyboard shortcuts (APPLE+SHIFT+3 - full screen shot, APPLE+SHIFT+4 - screen shot of selection, and APPLE+SHIFT+CAPSLOCK+4) will now take a screen shot directly to pdf. The picture.pdf file will be saved to the desktop. You can use these keyboard shortcuts in both OS X v. 10.2 and Classic Mode.

To save your screen shot as an image file, use Grab.

  1. Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
  2. From the Go menu, choose Applications.
  3. Open the Utilities folder and double-click on the Grab icon.
  4. In Grab, from the Capture menu, choose one of the following options to take a screen shot:

    • Selection - will give you the option to click and drag around the area you want to capture
    • Screen - will capture the entire screen
    • Timed Screen - will give you 10 seconds to arrange the screen as you want it to be captured (This option works well for taking screen shots of Classic applications.)

  5. Once the image is captured it will open in a small window.
  6. From the Grab File menu choose Save.
  7. Give the file a name and choose the location you want to save it in. The file will be saved as a tiff file.
  8. The saved file can be opened in Graphic Converter, Fireworks, Photoshop, etc for editing.
  9. When you are finished taking screen shots, from the Grab menu, choose Quit Grab.

Back to the TOP


What are the icons in my Dock?

The Dock on Faculty/Staff office computers has a standard set of application aliases as well as the Trash. From left to right these applications are:

dock

Finder, FirstClass, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet Explorer, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, FileMaker Pro, Meeting Maker, Fetch, iTunes, Virex, Apple System Profiler, Print Center and Trash.

Back to the TOP


How do I add and remove Dock aliases?

To add an application, file, or folder permanently to the Dock, open the application by double-clicking on the icon in the Applications or Applications (Mac OS 9) folder. When the application finishes opening and has an icon in the Dock, press and hold the mouse button over the icon in the dock. A pop-up menu will appear with the option to Keep in Dock. Select it and the item will remain in the Dock whether the application is open or not. Remember that the icon in the Dock is only an alias to the actual application, utility, folder or file.

To remove an unwanted item from the Dock, drag the item off the Dock. The icon will then disappear in a puff of smoke. Note that dragging the item off the Dock does not delete the item. It only removes the alias from the Dock.

Back to the TOP


How do I resize the Dock?

The Dock can be resized to stretch the entire length of the screen or to shrink down towards the center of the bottom of the screen.

To resize the Dock, click and drag the vertical line dividing the applications from the files and folders. The cursor will become a resizing tool, and the Dock can be enlarged and shrunk by moving the mouse up and down.

Back to the TOP


How do I hide the Dock?

From the Apple menu choose Dock > Turn Hiding On. The Dock will slide off your screen.

To use the Dock, move your mouse to the bottom of the screen where the Dock used to be. After a second, the Dock will slide back on the screen so you can use it.

To reset the Dock to stay on your desktop, from the Apple menu choose Dock > Turn Hiding Off.

Back to the TOP


Where are all of the applications installed?

On Wellesley Faculty/Staff computers Classic applications are stored in the Applications (Mac OS 9) folder. Native OS X v. 10.2 applications are stored in the Applications folder.

To find these two folders, double-click on the Macintosh HD. Both the Applications and Applications (Mac OS 9) folders can be found here.

Back to the TOP


What is Classic? - What is a Classic Application?

One of OS X v. 10.2's most significant new features is the Classic environment where applications run in an OS 9 environment. These applications are known as classic applications. Classic has to be running in order for classic applications to function.

Classic will start automatically when you open any OS 9 application. You do not need to open it separately, although you can if you choose to do so from the Classic preferences in the System Preferences.

When using Classic applications, you will notice the menu bars and window properties revert back to the way they looked in OS 9. You can find some more information about Classic mode by clicking here.

Back to the TOP


What is an OS X Native Application?

Native OS X applications are programs which were designed to run in OS X v. 10.2 (as opposed to those OS 9 applications which must run in Classic mode.)

Your OS X applications can be accessed from the Applications folder, or from the Dock.

To view the Applications folder containing OS X v. 10.2 applications, click on the Finder icon in the Dock and from the Go menu and select Applications.

Back to the TOP


How do I know if an application is Classic or OS X? - How do I know I am in Classic?

When using Classic applications, you will notice that the menu bars and window properties revert back to the way they looked in OS 9.

On Wellesley Faculty/Staff computers Classic applications are stored in the Applications (Mac OS 9) folder. OS X v. 10.2 applications are stored in the Applications folder.

Back to the TOP


Can I put an alias to a Classic application in the Dock?

Yes, you can put aliases for both OS X v. 10.2 and Classic applications in the Dock. Click here to learn how to add aliases to the Dock.

Back to the TOP


Can I still install OS 9 applications?

You can install many OS 9 (Classic) applications on your OS X v. 10.2 Mac. Not all OS 9 applications will run in Classic mode on your OS X v. 10.2 Mac, so check with the software company for information on compatibility. Usually this information can be found on the software company's website or by contacting their tech support.

Back to the TOP


Are there any applications known to not work with OS X or Classic?

Not all OS 9 applications will run in Classic Mode on your OS X v. 10.2 Mac. Information Services has been testing the software we use on campus, but there are other applications and peripherals (scanners, printers, etc.) that are not compatible.

You can check with the software/peripheral companies for information on compatibility. Usually this information can be found on the companies' websites or by contacting their tech support.

Back to the TOP


How do I set up a new printer?

    1. Click on the Print Center icon in the Dock.
    2. In the Printer List window that opens, click on the Add Printer button. A new window shade will appear.
    3. Make sure IP Printing or LPR Printers using IP is selected in the pull-down menu at the top of the shade.
    4. In the Printer's Address field, type the queue name of the printer (e.g., PGRN1A).
    5. When you have finished typing the queue name, the message "Incomplete or invalid address" will disappear or may be replaced by "Complete and valid address."
    6. Make sure Use Default Queue on Server is checked.
    7. From the Printer Model pull-down menu, select the printer manufacturer. A new area with a list of possible models will appear.
    8. Select the correct printer model. If the printer's model is not listed, select Generic in the Printer Model field.
    9. Click Add. The window shade will disappear, and the new printer will appear in the list of printers in the Printer List window.
    10. The new printer is listed by its queue name. This can be cryptic especially if you have many printers listed. You can change the name of the printer by:
      1. In the Printer List window, click once on the printer to select it.
      2. Under the Printers menu, select Show Info.
      3. A Printer Info window will appear. Change the name of the Printer in the Printer Name field.
      4. Click the Apply Changes button.
      5. Close the Printer Info window.
    11. From the Print Center menu, select Quit Print Center.

Back to the TOP


How do I delete a printer?

    1. Click on the Print Center icon in the Dock.
    2. In the Printer List window that opens, click once on the printer you want to delete to select it.
    3. Click on the Delete button.
    4. From the Print Center menu, select Quit Print Center.

Back to the TOP


How do I print duplex?

Setting up the duplex option for a printer:

    1. Click on the Print Center icon in the Dock.
    2. In the Printer List window that opens, click once on the printer you want to set up to select it.
    3. From the Printers menu choose Show info
    4. Click on the Installed Options tab, choose Duplex Unit and click Apply Changes.
    5. From the Print Center menu, select Quit Print Center.

Printing a double-sided document:

    1. Select File > Print to print a document.
    2. In the dialog box that appears, click on the Copies & Pages menu and select Duplex.
    3. Check the box for Print on Both Sides.
    4. Select the direction you would like the double-sided pages to print.
    5. When you are finished selecting your print settings click Print.

Back to the TOP


How do I set a default printer?

    1. Click on the Print Center icon in the Dock.
    2. In the Printer List window that opens, click once on the printer you want to set as your default to select it.
    3. Click on the Make Default button.
    4. From the Print Center menu, choose Quit Print Center.

Back to the TOP


Where should I save my documents?

It is a good idea to store all of your personal files, such as Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and other non-system files within your Documents folder in your Home folder. You can create subfolders in your Documents folder to organize your files more efficiently.

To open your Documents folder:

  1. Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
  2. From the Go menu, choose Home.
  3. In the window that appears, double-click on the Documents folder.

Back to the TOP


How do I back up the files on my computer?

Click here for complete instructions on backing up your OS X v. 10.2 computer.

Click here for complete instructions on backing up your OS 9 computer for a move to OS X v. 10.2

Back to the TOP


How do I put files back on my computer?

Click here for complete instructions on restoring your files to your OS X v. 10.2 computer.

Click here for complete instructions on retoring your old OS 9 files on your new OS X v. 10.2 computer.

Back to the TOP


How do I connect an OS X computer to the Wellesley network?

Information on connecting your personal OS X v. 10.2 computer to the Wellesley College network can be found in the DormNet documentation.

Back to the TOP


How do I connect to servers like NTM and Alice?

    1. Click on the Finder icon in the Dock.
    2. From the Go menu, choose Connect to Server. A Connect to Server window will appear.
    3. In the Address field, type smb://computer name

      For example: If you would like to connect to NTM you would type smb://NTM in the Address field.


    4. Click Connect.
    5. Enter your domain name and password and click Connect.
    6. Choose the share folder you would like to work with and click OK.
    7. The share folder will appear on your Desktop.

Back to the TOP


What virus definitions should I be using?

You should be installing the Virex 7 definitions files. For the most recent update, look in the Anti-Virus Updates conference in the Computing Questions conference in FirstClass.

For more information about Virex 7, scanning your computer, or updating your definitions, click here for the Virex documentation.

Back to the TOP


I tried running the virus definitions and I got a window of nonsense text!

Instead of double-clicking on the update file, save the file to your Desktop (drag the file to the Desktop or Control+click and choose Save attachment.) When the file has completely downloaded to the desktop, double-click on it. It will unstuff a package file on your desktop. Double-click on the package icon to run the definitions update.

For more information, see the instructions included in the definitions update message.

Back to the TOP


What happened to the Control Panels?

The Control Panels in OS 9 are now called System Preferences in OS X v. 10.2. To access the System Preferences, go to the Apple Menu and choose System Preferences This is where you can find preferences for Date/Time, Energy Saver, Network (formerly called AppleTalk and TCP/IP), and Classic.

By clicking on the item you want to change, you will be taken to a new window that will bring up the preferences. To go back to the main System Preferences window that shows all the system preferences, click on the Show All button located in the upper left hand side of the window.

Back to the TOP


Does OS X v. 10.2 use extensions and preferences?

OS X v. 10.2 stores preferences and files needed by applications in the Library folders. There is a main Library folder for system settings as well as individual Library folders for each user set up on your computer.

Inside the Library folder you will find separate folders for Application Support, Fonts, Preferences, etc.

OS X v. 10.2 does not use extensions.

Back to the TOP


Why do I have two application folders and two system folders?

OS X v. 10.2 maintains separate system folders for both OS X v. 10.2 and Classic (OS 9). The OS 9 System Folder still contains all of the fonts, preferences and extensions that are necessary for Classic applications to run.

The two separate applications folders (Applications and Applications (Mac OS 9)) are an easy way to separate Native OS X v. 10.2 and Classic applications. We recommend you install Classic applications in the Applications (Mac OS 9) folder and applications which run in OS X v. 10.2 in the Applications folder. However, if you accidentally install an application in the wrong folder, it will still run.

Back to the TOP


Getting help with OS X v.10.2

Wellesley is offering support for OS X v. 10.2 at this time. Click here for more information on getting help with OS X.

Back to the TOP


Can I have OS X v.10.2 installed on my office computer?

Faculty and staff can request to have OS X v.10.2 installed on their computer. Anyone interested should call the Faculty/Staff Computing Helpdesk at x3333.

Back to the TOP


Do the labs and classrooms have OS X v. 10.2?

All of the Public Computing Labs and Classroom Instructor Stations have been upgraded to OS X v. 10.2 as of the summer of 2003.

Some science labs and other computers may still be running OS 9.

If you would like to request an upgrade for a classroom, lab or public computer in your department, please call the Faculty/Staff Computing Helpdesk at x3333.

Back to the TOP


Is OS X supported on student computers?

Yes, OS X v. 10.2 is supported on student computers. For more information, see the ResNet documentation.

Back to the TOP


Will I have problems exchanging files with others who don't have OS X v. 10.2?

No, you will be able to exchange files with others who are using OS 8 and 9 as well Windows 95 and higher.

Disks and CDs holding files from your OS X v. 10.2 computer will need to be PC formatted if you want to share them with Windows computers.

Back to the TOP


Computing at Wellesley

Macintosh Documentation

PC Documentation