iMac For Dummies

From iMac For Dummies, 5th Edition by Mark L. Chambers

To operate your iMac quickly and easily use the keyboard shortcuts for Mac OS X Leopard, follow a recommended maintenance schedule, and, if you run into a problem, use troubleshooting steps.

Mac OS X Leopard Finder Shortcut Keys

Keyboard shortcuts help make working in the application Mac OS X Leopard on your iMac quick and efficient. Key combinations provide easy options for performing common tasks on your iMac.

iMac Recommended Maintenance

Following a recommended maintenance schedule for your iMac will help you avoid problems and keep your computer running smoothly. Use this iMac maintenance guide as a handy reminder:

Task	Application	How Often?
Check for software updates	Software Update	Daily
Repair disk permissions	Disk Utility	Weekly
Full antivirus scan	Virus Barrier X	Weekly
Back up	Time Machine	Automatic
Empty Trash	Finder	Daily
Defragment	TechTool Pro	Monthly
Remove inactive user accounts	System Preferences	Monthly
Check for orphaned files	Spring Cleaning	Monthly
Check hardware status	TechTool Pro	Monthly

iMac Troubleshooting Steps

Anyone can troubleshoot, so if you run into a problem with your iMac, don’t dismay. Follow these troubleshooting steps to get your iMac back up and running:

Reboot.
Investigate recent changes you made to your hardware or software.
Run Disk Utility and repair your disk permissions.
Check all cables.
Check the contents of your Trash for files you might have deleted accidentally.
Check your Internet, wireless, and network connections to make sure they’re still working.
Run a virus scan, using your antivirus application.
Disable your account’s Login Items and reboot.
Turn off your screen saver.
Run System Profiler and check the status of your hardware. (If you’ve invested in TechTool Pro, use it to run a full system diagnostic.)