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iMac Discussion Board: Frequently Asked Questions (2 of 2)

  • Last Modified: June 21, 2004
  • Article: TA27223
  • Old Article: 88014
This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.
This document contains frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding iMac, with answers to those questions, and information regarding technical issues that may be encountered with an iMac. Additional iMac Discussion FAQs are listed at the end of this technical document.

Products Affected

iMac

Questions answered in this document:
  1. Some of my menu options, such as Sleep, Restart, Get Info, and View Options are no longer listed. What is causing this symptom?
  2. What type of random-access memory (RAM) and video random-access memory (VRAM) do I need for my iMac?
  3. How do I upgrade the memory in my iMac?
  4. Why is there a hole in the iMac I/O door?
  5. My iMac modem dials automatically. How do I get it to stop?
  6. How do I change my default browser and email application?
  7. How do I register the ClarisWorks application that came with my iMac?
  8. What books do you recommend to learn about Macintosh computers in general, Mac OS, and iMac?
  9. Certain CD-ROM discs make a vibrating noise when used in my iMac. What is causing this noise and how can I eliminate it?
  10. I am having some difficulty in connecting to my Internet service provider (ISP). Sometimes I connect successfully, but the connection is dropped after a few minutes. What can I do to resolve this issue?
  11. I get intermittent situations where my iMac stops responding and I receive type xx errors. What should I do?
  12. Where can I get the software updates mentioned here?

Question 1: Some of my menu options, such as Sleep, Restart, Get Info, and View Options are no longer listed. What is causing this symptom?

Answer: Refer to the following technical documents:

Question 2: What type of random-access memory (RAM) and video random-access memory (VRAM) do I need for my iMac?

Answer: Refer to the following technical documents:

Question 3: How do I upgrade the memory in my iMac?

Answer: Refer to the following technical documents:

Question 4: Why is there a hole in the I/O door?

Answer: The hole is for using a finger to open the door.

Question 5: My modem dials automatically. How do I get it to stop?

Answer: There are numerous settings to automate a connection to the Internet. Most settings are listed in the following technical document:

Question 6: How do I change my default browser and email application?

Answer: Apple recommends using the Internet control panel.

If you choose to use Internet Config instead of the Apple Internet control panel use the latest version of Internet Config.

Review the following technical documents for further tips:

Question 7: How do I register the ClarisWorks application that came with my iMac?

Answer: technical document 30702: "iMac: ClarisWorks Registration Information"

Question 8: What books do you recommend to learn about Macintosh computers in general, Mac OS, and iMac?

Answer: Your local book store has many excellent books covering those subjects. Here are a few books recommended by other Macintosh users.

    • "The Little Mac Book"
    • "Sad Macs, Bombs, and Other Disasters : And What to Do About Them"
    • "Beyond the Little Mac Book"
    • "The Little iMac Book"
    • "The Macintosh Bible (Bible Series)"
    • "Mac OS 8.5 for Dummies (For Dummies)"
    • "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Macintosh OS 8.5"
    • "Mac Answers!"
Here are some iMac-specific titles:
    • "The iMac for Dummies"
    • "Sam's Teach Yourself iMac in 10 Minutes"
    • "The iMac Book "
    • "Quick Start Your iMac Training CD - Macintosh (1 of 1) Vol. 1"

Question 9: Certain CD-ROM discs make a vibrating noise when used in my iMac. What is causing this noise and how can I eliminate it?

Answer: It is normal to get a slight vibrating noise with certain CD-ROM discs when using a high-speed CD-ROM drive like the drive in the iMac. The artwork on a CD-ROM disc may cause the CD's center of gravity to be slightly off center. Because the CD is spinning at such a fast rate, the CD will wobble, which in turn causes a slight vibration. This is perfectly normal and does not damage your computer or CD-ROM drive in any way.

If you are using a CD with a removable, sticky label, remove the label prior to using the CD.

Also install iMac CD Update 2.0. This software update improves the way the CD-ROM drive handles unbalanced CD-ROM discs. It may reduce the amount of vibration for most CD-ROM discs.

The software is available from the Apple Software Updates Web site at http://www.apple.com/swupdates.


Question 10: I am having some difficulty in connecting to my Internet service provider (ISP). Sometimes I connect successfully, but the connection is dropped after a few minutes. What can I do to resolve this issue?

Answer: Refer to the following technical documents:

Question 11: I get intermittent situations where the computer stops responding and I receive type xx errors. What should I do?

Answer: For information on troubleshooting these situations, refer to page 9 of the Emergency Handbook provided with your iMac. Also refer to technical document 16473: "Mac OS: Troubleshooting Startup Problems"

Question12: Where can I get the software updates mentioned here?

Answer: The following technical document can help you locate the Apple software updates mentioned here 14724: "Where To Find Apple Software Updates" Lists online services for free Apple software updates. To locate iMac specific updates search "iMac."

Part 1 of this FAQ can be found in technical document 30808: "iMac Discussion Board: Frequently Asked Questions (1 of 2)

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