Learn how to find out if you have a 32-bit or 64-bit Intel-based Mac.[...]

Learn about the startup key combinations you can use with Intel-based Macs.[...]

Learn which versions of Mac OS X ship with Intel-based Macs. If you have a PowerPC-based Mac, see Mac OS: Versions, builds included with PowerPC Macs (since 1998) instead. Important: Do not use a Mac OS X version earlier than the one included with the computer.[...]

Use Remote Install Mac OS X on the partner computer whose optical disc drive you want to share when you want to do one of the these tasks on your MacBook Air or Mac mini: Reinstall Mac OS X, Mac OS X Server, or other software that came with your computer Reset your password Use Disk Utility to repair the hard disk Note: You can also do these tasks using a MacBook Air SuperDrive (available separately from Apple).[...]

Apple authorizes the companies listed in this article to train Apple Authorized Service Providers, dealers, and customers, to repair Apple products. The Apple Authorized Training Centers (AATCs) deliver training and administer tests within the Apple Certified Service Technician Program, using Apple developed training materials and certification tests. Apple recommends using these AATCs to train service technicians for the Apple Certified Macintosh Technician exams.[...]

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit editions work with certain Intel-based Macs via Boot Camp, which is included with Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard and Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard.  64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows 7 work only on computers with Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard..[...]

Learn what the video requirements are for Quartz Extreme and Core Image in Mac OS X v10.4 and later. If you use Mac OS X v10.6, your Mac already meets the requirements for Quartz Extreme and Core Image graphics.[...]

Does the cursor on your Mac notebook move while you're typing? Do you notice that sometimes the cursor arrow doesn't appear when you use the trackpad, or you touch the edge of the trackpad and the cursor doesn't move?[...]

This article lists firmware updates that were released for Intel-based Macintosh computers. They update the firmware that originally shipped from the factory. If your computer does not appear on this list, an update from the factory firmware is not necessary. Some firmware updates for Intel-based Macs may not be displayed automatically using Software Update. If they do not appear in Software Update, they must be manually downloaded from the Apple Downloads site. If you are unsure whether your computer needs a particular update, simply download and open the update installer. The installer will alert you if the firmware update is already installed or not needed.[...]

Hard drives that have become non-functional through normal use, and have had data recovery performed on them by DriveSavers or Ontrack Data Recovery can be returned to Apple for warranty service. This includes products covered by the AppleCare Protection Plan. The cost of any data recovery attempts is not covered by the Apple Limited Warranty. Apple will process warranty service for hard drives originally installed in Apple products that have been subject to data recovery services by DriveSavers or Ontrack Data Recovery, third-party companies specializing in data recovery services. Apple has worked with both of these companies to ensure that their data recovery methods meet Apple's standards, and will fulfill its warranty obligations if the returned drive has a DriveSavers or Ontrack Data Recovery label indicating that the respective company worked with the drive for data recovery purposes. Typically, if the factory seal on the hard drive is broken or removed, the hard drive will be excluded from coverage, however, if an authorized DriveSavers or Ontrack Data Recovery label is on such a hard drive, Apple will not exclude coverage on that basis. [...]

When using a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2009) with Microsoft Windows 7 via Boot Camp, your MacBook Pro might not be able to use a wireless network when running Windows 7.[...]

Find answers here to frequently asked questions about using the Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI adapter to connect your Mini DisplayPort Macintosh computer to an external monitor.[...]

Learn how to locate, download, and apply a firmware update to an Intel-based Macintosh computer. Firmware updates can be found at Apple Downloads or by choosing Software Update from the Apple menu.[...]

Your rights to use this update are subject to the terms of the software license agreement that follows and accompanies the update. Please read through this document and scroll down. At the bottom is an "Accept and Download" button. By downloading or using this update, you accept the terms of the software license agreement.[...]

Liquid Contact Indicators (LCI) have been added to specific locations on current Mac portables and desktop keyboards to help determine if systems have been exposed to liquid. Damage due to liquid exposure is not covered by the Apple one (1) year limited warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP).[...]

In addition to regular cleaning of your computer and input devices (keyboards, trackpads, and mice), you may find it necessary to disinfect them. When a single computer is being used by multiple people either in a home, school, or another setting you may wish to disinfect the parts of the computer that people come into contact with, such as the the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad.[...]

With Mac OS X you can share your music, printers, files, and even your screen with other computers on your network.  Previous to Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, items shared by your Mac were only available when your Mac was awake.  With the new Wake on Demand feature in Mac OS X v10.6 and an AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule, you can see and access shared items even if your Mac is asleep.  This helps you save energy and reduce costs while still ensuring full access to all your shared files and devices, even remotely across the Internet. Note: This service requires an Apple AirPort Base Station or Time Capsule with firmware 7.4.2 or later installed. To use Wake on Demand wirelessly with a WPA or WPA2 network, the AirPort base station or Time Capsule must be hosting the network.[...]

Learn about the available ports and connectors for the MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008).[...]

Use the trackpad to move the cursor and click, scroll, tap, double-tap, and drag. Unlike typical trackpads, this MacBook and MacBook Pro trackpad is a button in itself; you can click almost anywhere on the trackpad. The speed of the pointer is dependent on how quickly you move your finger across the trackpad. [...]

The external ports and connectors of a MacBook can be found on the left side of the computer.[...]

If you stack certain MacBook or MacBook Pro computers on top of each other, one or more of the stacked computers may go to sleep unexpectedly. Depending on when this happens it may appear that the computer is having difficulties starting up. Stacking the computers can result in the top computer going to sleep before it's completely started up. [...]

All iBook G4, PowerBook G4, MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini, and many iMac optical disc drives are called slot-loading drives, which means the disc is drawn directly into the computer rather than being put on a tray that is pulled into the computer.  Apple computers come with several different types of optical disc drives, including CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM/CD-RW "Combo drives", and DVD-R/CD-RW "SuperDrives".[...]

A gray progress bar may appear below the Apple logo each time the computer starts up. The bar may remain a few minutes before the Finder or login window appear.  Learn what to do if this happens each time you start up the computer. If this happens each time your Mac starts up, it probably indicates Mac OS X v10.6 is attempting to diagnose and resolve an issue with your hard disk or the data on it.[...]

Apple has discontinued support for certain technologically obsolete and vintage products.[...]

In May 2006, Apple introduced the first generation black or white MacBook computer. A unibody aluminum MacBook was subsequently introduced in October 2008. Then in October 2009, a unibody polycarbonate MacBook was introduced.  Use the information below to help you determine which model you have.[...]

Certain MacBook and MacBook Pro computers may not display the Startup Manager (Boot Picker) when configured with supported versions of Windows (using Boot Camp) and Mac OS X.  In such cases, setting the startup disk may not start up the computer into the desired volume.[...]

Learn about recommendations and guidelines for cleaning your Apple computer, display, or peripheral device.[...]

The System Management Controller (SMC) is responsible for many low-level functions on Intel-based Macs. These functions include: Responding to presses of the power button Responding to display lid opening and closing on portable Macs Battery management Thermal management The SMS (Sudden Motion Sensor) Ambient light sensing Keyboard backlighting Status Indicator Light (SIL) management Battery status indicator lights Selecting an external (instead of internal) video source for some iMac displays It is possible that the SMC could encounter a problem that may cause unusual system behavior typically related to the symptoms described below. In some cases, resetting the SMC may be the only correct method to resolve the issue, however, an SMC reset should only be attempted after all other standard troubleshooting has been performed.[...]

Learn what to do if you can't eject a CD or DVD (stuck media) from a drive tray.  Note: Troubleshooting slot loading optical drives is addressed in another article.[...]

Learn which power adapter, power cord, and plug are appropriate for each Intel-based Apple portable. Keep in mind that size, shape, and color of replacement adapters and cords may vary. Power adapters for Intel based Apple portables are available in 45W, 60W, and 85W varieties. Although you should always use the proper wattage adapter for your Apple portable, you can use an adapter of a higher wattage without issue. For instance If you have a MacBook (13-inch Late 2009) that normally uses a 60W adapter, you can also use an 85W adapter with that computer. You would not use a 45W adapter with that computer; it would not provide enough power for that MacBook. Note: Using an adapter of higher wattage than the adapter that came with the computer will not cause the computer to charge more quickly or otherwise operate any differently than using the adapter that came with the computer.  If you are looking for a PowerPC-based power adapter please use the article PowerPC-Based Apple Portables: Identifying the right power adapter and power cord. Note: This document applies only to the United States. Part numbers are different in other locations. This article is for identification purposes only. If you are looking to troubleshoot a MagSafe adapter issue, please refer to Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe Adapters.[...]

Beginning with the PowerBook G4 (12-inch, 1.5GHz), PowerBook G4 (15-inch, 1.67/1.5GHz),  PowerBook G4 (17-inch, 1.67GHz), and iBook G4 (Mid 2005), Apple portable computers feature a Sudden Motion Sensor. Intel-based Apple portables such as the MacBook, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air also make use of the Sudden Motion Sensor. Sudden Motion Sensor technology is built-in protection for the hard disk, designed to help prevent disk issues if the computer is dropped or if it senses unusually strong vibration. Apple has adjusted this feature carefully to provide the best balance between protecting the hard drive and preventing unwanted activation of the Sudden Motion Sensor. Most Apple portable owners never need to turn this feature off. Apple suggests that you not modify the settings unless absolutely necessary. In some environments, such as live concert halls, recording studios, or dance clubs, external vibrations may be major enough to cause the module to unexpectedly park the hard drive heads, resulting in interrupted sound or video playback. In these situations, you may find that you want to disable the feature temporarily.[...]

Unlike typical trackpads, the new MacBook and MacBook Pro glass trackpad surface is a button in itself; you can click almost anywhere on the trackpad.  Learn about some helpful tips to use your trackpad.[...]

If you have several Mac computers or an Apple TV that use the Apple remote, or other devices with integrated infrared ("IR") receivers in one room, you can "pair" your Apple Remote with a specific Apple device so it doesn't interfere with other Apple devices or IR devices nearby. (For example, you may have one or more Mac computers, an Apple TV, and a remote-controlled TV in the same room.) Pairing allows you to set the receiving Apple device so that only it can be controlled by one remote. Learn how to pair your Apple Remote.[...]

If the Apple Remote doesn't seem to be working as expected, here are some things you can check for to determine if the remote is working properly.[...]