Mac OS X Laptops Tips

1. Battery Usage- It is important to keep track of the battery charge of the
  laptop. Allowing the battery to lose it’s charge isn’t a huge problem, but
  can cause some settings to be lost and reset. A charge will last 2-4
  hours depending on your usage. Putting the computer to sleep will
  eventually drain the battery- in approximately 2-3 days from a full
  charge. Therefore, if you aren’t going to use the laptop for a couple
  days and are not keeping it plugged in, it is a good idea to shut it down.

   1. When the computer is unplugged the battery menu item will show
    the percentage of battery life remaining (or time if you select that
    option).




    If your computer is shut down, you can push the battery charge
    indicator button on the bottom of the laptop. Green indicator
    lights will show the remaining charge (above).


   2. When the computer is plugged in it will automatically charge the
    battery, whether it is in use, asleep, or shut down. When on, the
    battery charge menu item will show a charging symbol, and can
    show the time remaining or the percentage of the charge.

2. Connection to the Internet/ Network:

  1. Wireless Network (at school): If you are in school (or another
    building with a wireless network) the laptop can connect to the
    wireless network using the Airport card built into the laptop. The
    Airport menu item indicates the signal strength of the connection.
    If there are no bars in the indicator, you may have to select the
    network. (Signal strength depends upon distance from the
    wireless base station, sources of interference, and other factors)
    This network connection allows access to the internet, printers,
    and file servers throughout the school and district.




  2. Dial-Up Connection (at home): If you are outside of school you
    may connect to the school network (and the internet) using a
    phone line. Plug the phone line into the appropriate port and
    choose Connect from the modem menu item. Choose Disconnect
    when you are finished.




    Note- the school connection is quite slow. If you have your own
    Internet Service Provider (ISP) the TIS may be able to setup your
    laptop to use that connection.