There are some basic things that are crucial to know about your new (or old) system. This way, you not only become knowledgeable about your own system, but it helps us give you the most complete support. In most cases, even if you know nothing about your computer aside from these things, you’ll be fine!

1) The version of the OS (e.g.. OS 9, OS X--10.3, 10.4): This information helps us a great deal, because your options for software and hardware can vary, depending on the OS you have. For example, some software can only run on OS X, like Quicken 2005 or PrintShop. Combine this info with the name of your computer (iMac, eMac) or the style (all-in-one machine, separate screen & computer), and we are that much closer to helping you meet your needs. If you are able to provide a description of what the computer looks like, this is beneficial, but not a fail-safe way for us to know what your computer can handle.

2) Your Administrator password (also known as System password): OS X requires a system password that you will select when you set up your computer the first time. It may be helpful for you to write it down for future reference; even if you do not set up your computer to ask you every time you start up, it is needed for application installs, diagnostics, etc. We need this information whenever we take in a computer to be serviced. A convenient template to use to keep track of all of your important info can be found on Apple’s Support website: http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/cheatsheet (just don’t forget to put it in a safe place when you’re done). Note: If you are not using OS X (OS 9 and prior), you will not have a system password.

3) Type of Drive: If you have a newer computer, chances are you either have a Combo Drive or a SuperDrive. These types of drives are called Optical drives (or commonly called “CD” drives); both are able to burn CDs, however, only the latter can burn a DVD. If your computer is a bit older, you may only have a “ROM” drive, which cannot burn media, or you may have a combination of the above.

4) Your hardware connections: Depending on the computer’s age, you will have different connection ports for your hardware. Prior to 1999, systems used ADB (keyboards & mice), Serial (printers) and SCSI (various drives & scanners) connections, whereas newer computers use USB or FireWire connections. Peripherals using ADB, Serial and SCSI will not be compatible with a new system. (For reference, ADB has a round end with 4 pins, Serial connections have a round end with 9 pins, SCSI cables have a bulky rectangular end with pins, USB connections have a thin rectangular shape, and FireWire cables have either a six-sided shape (for FireWire 400, the most commonly used FireWire connection) or a thicker rectangular shape (for FireWire 800, used on higher-end machines)). Also, if you have a desktop or tower system with a seperate display, it is important to know what type of connection your monitor uses. There are several types of video connections, the oldest of which is Mac VGA (a 15 pin connector comprised of two rows of pins), standard VGA like PCs use (also a 15 pin connector, but it is comprised of 3 rows of pins). New connectors include ADC and DVI. ADC connections were used exclusively for Apple Displays. PowerMac computers over the last several years have this connection as well as VGA or DVI. A DVI connector is slighly wider than VGA (and about the same size as ADC) and consists of about 30 flat pins spaced very closely together. PowerBooks and PowerMacs over the past several years have this connection.

5) Internet Service Provider (ISP): Knowing what internet provider (CheshireNet, Verizon, Time Warner (roadrunner), AOL, etc.) you have and the type of service (dial-up/DSL/cable) can help us in many ways. For one, many people use an email service that is part of their ISP, so knowing who you use is imperative when trying to migrate emails into a new system. Also, when we perform service on a machine that has internet or email issues, we need the account username, password and phone# to dial (if applicable).

For more information, visit Apple’s Support page-- it provides troubleshooting help, tips, tricks, downloads and other valuable info for Mac users. There’s even information for “switchers” (i.e. former PC users)!