OS X FAQs



Can I change my account name? There are two parts in an account name on a Macintosh. There is the user name or long name sometimes referred to as the "full name" or "real name". This name can contain no more than 255 bytes depending on the character set used. There is also the short name which can be longer than the long name despite what its called. Its meant for system-level tasks, becomes the name of your home folder (NOTE: which means you MUST NOT change the name of your home folder or dire results will occur), cannot contain capital letters or spaces and cannot be changed once created. Its tied into all the UNIX functions that exist behind the scenes so you must be careful on what you choose. Changing the short name is a long and arduous process and not always successful nor recommended. The best way is to either create a new account and log into that one, moving your data with it or just leave it alone. You can use either to log into the machine or to install software if you're an admin.
How do I create a PDF? PDF creation is built into OS X. To create a PDF from almost any application, just go ahead and begin the process to print a page. While in the Print dialog box, look for the PDF button (location may vary). Then just select from one of the many PDF options available.
How do I run OS X updates? Go to the top of your screen to the Apple menu. Click on the Blue Apple and select "Software Update". Run all updates particularly system updates. Mac OS X logs your recent updates; you can see the log by going into your System Preferences and clicking on "Software Update". The logs are displayed in the "Installed Updates" tab. In the Update Software tab, you can adjust the frequency that are updates are checked. While the computer is on campus, it is recommended to keep it at the default of "weekly".
How do you set which folder opens in the Finder window by default? By default, your mac is set to open it in your Home folder. To change this: Click on Finder. Go to the top menu to Finder>Finder Preferences. Click on the menu underneath "New Finder windows open:" and select other if what you want isn't already in that list. Navigate to the folder you want to see every time a new Finder window opens. Select it once to highlight it and then hit the "Choose" button. Close the Finder Preferences window.
How do you restart a Mac? How do you shut one down? There are several ways: Go to Apple menu and select Restart or Shutdown. Press the power button briefly and choose Restart or Shutdown from the resulting dialog window.