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So, you just bought a second hand Macintosh

Written by: Scott Haneda on Friday March 21st 2008, 12:10 am

Filed under: Hardware, OS X 10.4, OS X 10.5

With every post, I am getting emails or comments from users who are experiencing some small technical problems. I am learning there is one common thread amongst these users.

They have all bought a used Macintosh. Whether it was from eBay, a friend, or a donation, one way or another, they have a less than brand new machine.

Nothing wrong with this at all, everyone needs to eventually get a Mac. I would like to take this time to explain what you need to do to your newly acquired computer, to make sure it is trouble free.
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Third party peripherals on Mac OS X

Written by: Scott Haneda on Wednesday February 20th 2008, 1:30 am

Filed under: Hardware, Misc

Now that the site has been up for a few weeks I am better able to gauge the level of experience of the users we are targeting. Of the many emails that have been sent in, there is one reoccurring theme.

Everyone buys hardware to hook up to his or her computer; many times that hardware comes with software. This software, at times, can cause more trouble than it is worth.
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The importance of an uninterruptible power supply

Written by: Scott Haneda on Thursday January 10th 2008, 3:58 pm

Filed under: Hardware

Time for a small distraction from software related posts.

Everyone’s computer is plugged into his or her home power. Not all home power is the same. Some are clean, some are dirty, some are noisy, and all are potentially problematic.

Ever turn on an appliance only to have the lights dim? If you do not have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), you are sending those power fluctuations down to your computer, and all the parts inside it.
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The elusive power button

Written by: Scott Haneda on Sunday January 06th 2008, 12:50 pm

Filed under: Hardware

Since the introduction of Macintosh hardware, there have been several ways to turn your computer on and off. In the old days there were real mechanical switches. Today’s modern hardware has illuminated, touch-sensitive power buttons that at times can confuse new users. Especially those coming from a non-Macintosh environment.

The easy part… turning your computer on.

If everything is hooked up correct, press the power button once. You will hear what is collectively known as the “startup bong” or “startup tone”. While this button has been placed in some less than ideal locations on certain Macintosh models, most people figure out how to turn on their computer with little hassle.
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