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Our expert staff has answered hundreds of Apple computer and iPod user questions in the Tekserve Mac FAQ. Search for the answer to your question or browse the topics below.

New answers are added every month. If you have questions or answers that might be useful to other Mac users, please send your suggestions to faq@tekserve.com.

The pocket 9th edition of the Tekserve Mac FAQ is available at Tekserve for FREE with any purchase, repair, or upgrade (while supplies last). You can also download the Mac FAQ.

Click on a topic below to view a list of relevant questions:

Introduction

Access our advice for earlier operating systems (Mac OS 8 to Mac OS X 10.3) and older Macs.

Where Do I Go for Help?

Getting started and getting help, plus how to share your screen with a friend over the Internet.

When Should I Bring My Computer To Tekserve?

Does your Mac need a repair? Steps to take before bringing in your computer and more.

The Basics

Tips to keep your Mac trouble-free, finding software updates, preventing spill damage.

I Can’t Start My Mac

Dead Macs, blinking question mark, series of beeps, and stalls on blue or gray screen.

Unexpected Quits, Crashes, Freezes, and Kernel Panics

Plus fixing troublesome applications and what to do when your keyboard or mouse freezes up.

Annoyances

Slow start-ups, slow applications, disk permissions, clock resets, and CDs that won't eject.

Get Ahead by Backing Up

Choosing a backup strategy, backing up before repairs, and all about Time Machine.

Upgrading and Reinstalling Mac OS X

Clean install, archive and install, or upgrade Mac OS X; plus how to copy your files over.

Passwords

Recover after you've forgotten a password, reset your password, and conquering your keychain.

Opening and Saving Files

Applications to open files and play movies, how to create compatible documents, and more.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your work and impress your friends by learning some new keyboard shortcuts.

Avoiding Spam, Viruses and other Deliberately Bad Stuff

Detecting viruses, avoiding scammers on Craigslist and PayPal, plus examples of email scams.

Printing

Adding a printer, sharing a printer, matching the colors of your prints.

Plugging Things In

Which cables to plug in, connecting a new LCD monitor, and how to use a projector.

Memory and Storage

Hard drive full? Do you need more RAM? Find out here.

Portable Computers and Batteries

Longer lasting batteries, running your portable without its battery, and AppleCare advice.

Communications, Internet, and AirPort

Troubleshooting AirPort reception, 802.11n, security, and how to set up a cable or DSL modem.

File Sharing

Network your macs, access files across Macs and across the world, and how to use file sharing.

iPod and iTunes

iPod battery longevity tips, solving iPod issues, avoiding the $30 in-warranty repair fee, and more.

Windows On Your Mac

Windows installation methods and what you should know before adding Windows to your Mac