Sunday, December 16, 2007

FAQ about the MacBooks



How do I turn the computer off?
Click on the Apple in the upper left hand corner of the menu bar and click on Shut Down. Make sure you wait until the screen goes black before closing lid.

How do I get on the Internet?
In the Dock, located at the bottom of the screen, click on Safari, its icon is a compass.
The county would like us to use Firefox as our browser. ( To be honest, I forgot why. When I remember I'll let you know. ) You can add it to the Dock by opening Macintosh HD. Open Applications and drag the Firefox icon to the dock. It's icon is a blue globe with orange fire around the southern hemisphere.

Where do I go to change my desktop pattern and/or add a screen saver?
Click on the Apple, click on System Preferences, Click on Desktop and Screen Saver.

While you're in System Preferences, check out what you can do with the Dock. It's another way to personalize your Mac.

How do I make a folder?
If you need a folder, you're most likely already in the Finder. In the Finder, (Just click on the desktop and the Finder menu bar pops up.) Click on File and click on New Folder. To use the the keyboard shortcut, press Shift, + Apple + N.

How do I create a shortcut to my Webmail?
Go to the Webmail page. Notice by the address: https://webmail.dreamsbeginhere.org, there is an icon to the left that looks like a globe. Drag this icon to your desktop and you now have a shortcut. Too easy! You'll have to do this again in February when we change to duvalschools.org

How do I add a Favorite?
They're called Bookmarks on the Mac. Click on Bookmarks in the menu bar of Safari or Firefox and click on Add Bookmark. Keyboard command is Apple + D.

If I add a Bookmark in Foxfire will it show up in Safari?
Nope! Better make make up your mind pretty quickly which one you're going to use or you'll get confused.

What are the main differences between a Mac and a PC?
There is no right click on the mouse. No backspace key. You need to actually quit the applications...clicking on the red "x" closes the window, but not the application. F9 shows open applications. No internal clip art...you must get it off free web sites, buy it, or create it yourself.

Use only regular size CDs DVDs...the small ones will ruin your computer!

Does this Mac come with a gradebook program?
No, but there is a template found in the application "Numbers". Just open Numbers...click on Education...click on Gradebook...then you can erase their information and input yours. The district is in the process of purchasing a gradebook for you. Hopefully, we will have it by the Fall of '08.

Will the Mac applications read my Microsoft Office documents? How to transfer?
Yes. Pages will open Word documents. Numbers will open Excel documents. Keynotes will open Powerpoint documents. If you have your documents backed up on a flash drive or CD just transfer them to your Mac by opening your Macintosh HD and click on the Documents folder and then drag and drop your selected files from your open external flash drive or CD (either should show up on your desktop when you input). After transfering, when you double click on a file, the appropriate Mac application will open your file.

Will I be able to use the wireless connection?
Yes, if you have a wireless router at home or you can use it at any WiFi place. Just click on the wireless icon on the title bar at the top (looks like a wave signal, right next to the volume icon) and then click on "Turn Airport On". Choose your wireless network name and input any passcodes. You should then be able to use your laptop wirelessly. :-)

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Mac Tips

Ctrl + Click is the right click on the mouse.
Ctrl + 2 fingers pushing up on the touch pad will zoom in on the screen.
Ctrl + 2 fingers pulling down on he touch pad will zoom out on the screen.
Ctrl + Apple + D = will bring up the dictionary on a highlighted word.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Macs Are Here!

Your MacBooks will be given to you on Friday, December 14th. Be ready to play over Christmas! Trainings will begin in January. so, be patient.