New to working with Macbooks? This beginner's guide to MacBooks highlights the most important/commonly used features and programs.
General Troubleshooting Solutions
Restart the program, then machine - Fixes most issues, as restarting the machine will grab any software updates that are missing. If this does not fix missing programs or outdated software, see Software Installation Issues and Troubleshooting.
Make sure everything is connected and plugged in
Unplug and plug the machine back into the power bar/outlet - General fix for when a power surge occurs and the machine does not start up when the power button is pressed.
Forget saved credentials and locally saved data - See below.
PC to Mac Equivalents
To help you navigate or explain an unfamiliar OS/interface, visit the Apple support page Mac tips for Windows switchers.
The following table is a quick reference guide for common application names:
PC Application Name | Mac Application Name |
|---|---|
Command Prompt | Terminal |
Control Panel | System Preferences |
Windows Key | Command Key |
Start Menu | Dock |
Explorer | Finder |
Search | Spotlight |
Event Viewer and Error Logs
When troubleshooting a problem, event/error notices are useful. If no event/error notice appears when the problem occurs, you can check the Event Viewer (Windows) or Console (Mac) logs. These utilities should give you a detailed explanation of the problem.
Forgetting Profiles, Deleting Locally Saved Credentials
Issues with connecting to Eduroam, receiving email in Outlook/Mac Mail, and general printer are sometimes caused by outdated credentials. Any saved credentials or local data can be found in the following directories:
For Mac machines
CREDENTIALS: Keychain Access. Keychain access allows you to manage any saved credentials and certificates. From Keychain Access, deleting credentials is usually the best solution to authentication problems so that users are prompted to enter them again when necessary.
APPLICATION DATA AND SETTINGS:
~/Library/Application Supportand~/Library/Preferences. Local and user data for applications like browsers.
For PC machines
CREDENTIALS: Control Panel Items - User Accounts, Email, Network and Sharing Centre, and Windows Credential Manager.
APPLICATION DATA AND SETTINGS:
C:\Users\[userid]\AppData.