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1. Sometimes my Mac hangs up and everything freezes. How do I force quit the program I'm in and get back to the Finder level?
A. While holding down the Command and Option keys, press the Escape key. This will bring up a dialog asking if you want to force quit the program. You should then restart your computer to avoid further instability.

2. What is the difference between a warm boot and a cold boot?
A. A cold boot is accomplished by powering up the computer from a shut down state. A warm boot is done when you need to restart while the computer is still powered but unresponsive, (for example,during a freeze up that isn't resolved with a force quit). You do this by holding down the Control and Command keys simultaneously then pressing the Power Up key (the on/off key on a powerbook).

3. How do I rebuild the desktop file?
A. Hold down the Command and Option keys when you start up the computer. Continue holding until you get a prompt that asks if you want to rebuild the desktop. Click OK. Another time when you may rebuild the desktop is when you mount a non-startup volume such as another hard drive or partition on the current hard drive. This is accomplished the same way, by holding down the Command and Option keys at mounting. You should rebuild your desktop once a month as a regular maintenance routine.

4. When should I rebuild the desktop file?
A. Rebuilding the desktop allows the computer to inventory all the current files on the computer and determine information important to the Finder. Things such as links between aliases and the files from which they were created, special icons, and the links between programs and the documents created in them. Since the Desktop keeps track of files even after they were deleted, it can become large and cause sluggish operations. Special icons may no longer appear, double clicking a document may not launch it. Many of these issues are caused by a corrupt or bloated Desktop. When you experience any of these problems, Rebuilding the Desktop is indicated.

5. What is PRAM?
A. The Parameter RAM is a special bit of RAM maintained on the motherboard of the computer. It is where the information you set in the control panels is stored so that you don't need to set them each time you use the computer. These include monitor, memory, and mouse settings as well as extensions settings, date and time, your choice of the startup disk, etc. These settings are maintained by batteries on the mother board or by the regular battery in powerbooks (with the exception of the iBook).They can be corrupted over time by improper shut downs, bombs, freezes, etc. Some symptoms of PRAM corruption include not being able to print or use a modem, date and time settings changeon their own, random and persistent Type 11 errors, color settings on your monitor change, etc.

6. What is zapping the PRAM?
A. Zapping the PRAM is a perfectly painless way to clear the Parameter RAM memory so that the control panel settings can be reset. It clears out any corruption in the PRAM.

7. How and when should I do it?
A. You zap the PRAM by holding down the Command, Option, P and R keys during start-up. Hold down these keys until the Mac restarts the second time. Some problems we have had in the office did not go away until we held down the keys for ten or so restarts, although this is unusual. Tech Tools by Micromat Computer Systems is an excellent maintenance tool which includes a utility for zapping the PRAM superior to the key holding procedure described above. If zapping the PRAM doesn't seem to help, you may need to replace the battery that maintains the PRAM. Refer to your owners manual for your specific model for information on what battery to use and where it is located. Zapping the PRAM and resetting your control panel devices is the prescribed treatment for these ailments.

8. What is the minimum setting in the memory setting?
A. The Get Info dialog box contains an area where you see values for suggested, minimum and preferred memory. Suggested memory size is simply the amount suggested by the publisher for the average user. It is not modifiable. Think of this number as a starting point until you know where you would like to set the minimum and preferred settings. The minimum setting is the least amount acceptable to the user for his or her average work session. The preferred setting is what the user prefers. When the computer opens the program it tries to give enough RAM to met the preferred setting. It will give all it has up to that amount. If it doesn't have enough available RAM to meet the preferred setting, it will give all it has over the minimum setting. So the minimum is the low value of the range of acceptable RAM with which to run a program.

9. How do I know what the preferred memory setting should be for the programs I run on my computer?
A. The preferred setting will be based on your own experience and the complexity of the documents you create in that program. If you are running an inventory database in FileMaker with relational links, your setting will be higher than if you are simply running a Christmas card mailing for all of your friends. See System Errors above to learn how to allocate more memory to your application.

10. What is virtual memory?
A. Virtual Memory is the way the computer uses disk space to extend RAM. It is the way the System reads and writes operating instructions so as to maximize the amount of real RAM available to the computer. It is suggested that your virtual memory be on and set for one megabyte more than your built in memory.

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