In Mac OS 9, system settings and some user preferences were customized in Control Panels. In OS X, this functionality has been taken over by the System Preferences application. By default, OS X places a shortcut to System Preferences in the Dock. Clicking the Dock icon once will open the application.

 

Categories

As you can see above, the System Preferences window is divided into four categories:

• Personal?
• Hardware
• Internet & Network
• System

The Personal category contains the items (called pref panes) which control each user's personal account settings. These settings determine the look and behavior of Mac OS X when you are logged into your account.

The Hardware category contains the pref panes you can use to set your personal preferences for the performance of your system's hardware.

The Internet & Network category contains the pref panes used to set up internet and network settings. File sharing preferences are also stored here.

The System category contains the pref panes necessary to control settings which affect your computer at a more technical level.

NOTE: It is recommended that you do not attempt to alter system settings unless you feel completely comfortable doing so. If you would like help or have questions regarding System Preferences, contact a Computer Support specialist at x.3832 and we can help you figure out the best way to configure your computer's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I change my desktop background?
2. How do I get an application to open automatically when I turn on my computer?
3. How do I change my login password?
4. How do I set up a screensaver?
5. How do I change my screen resolution?
6. Where do I change my computer's sleep settings?
7. I seem to be having problems using internet, e-mail, or Appletalk devices. How can I check my network settings?
8. How do I set up File Sharing?
9. How do I use my OS 9 applications?
10. Where do I change date and time settings?
Other questions

1. How do I change my desktop background?

In the Personal category, click once on the Desktop pref pane. The window will look something like this:

 

You will see a pop-up menu labelled "Collection." This pop-up menu allows you to browse and select a folder of your choice which may contain images. Once you select a folder, the images will be shown below. Click on an image and it will immediately be applied as the desktop background. There is also a check-box at the bottom of the window which gives you the option of having your desktop automatically cycle through all the images in the folder you selected.
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2. How do I get an application to open automatically when I turn on my computer?

This is handled by the Login Items pref pane. The Login Items window will look similar to the image below:

 

Clicking the Add button will allow you to browse your Applications folder. Find the icon for the application you would like to open on startup and click the second Add button. Any application you select will now show up in a list. Checking the box next to an item will keep the application hidden until you click it in the Dock.
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3. How do I change my login password?

To change your login password, first click on the My Account pref pane. The window will look like this:

 

Next to My Password, click the Change button. This will bring up a new window, where you will be prompted to type in your current password, a new password, and a password hint for the event that you might forget your password at some time. Once you have entered all the appropriate information, click OK to save your new password settings.
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4. How do I set up a screensaver?

OS X comes with many great screensavers built in. To select a screensaver, open the Screen Effects pref pane. The window will look like this:

 

The Screen Effects tab shows a list of available screensavers. Highlight one screensaver from the list to select it. Next, click on the Activation tab. The window will look like this:

 

You are given a choice as to how long the computer sits idly before the screensaver turns on. You are also given the option of a password prompt on waking the computer. The Hot Corners tab opens the window shown below:

 

Checking one of the four boxes in this window will make one of the corners of your screen active ("hot"). This means that if you move your mouse all the way into that corner of the screen at any time, your screensaver will be immediately activated. This can make your computer secure while you are away, if you selected to have a password prompt on waking.
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5. How do I change my screen resolution?

To change the resolution on your monitor, click the Displays pref pane. The window will look like this:

 

Click your preferred resolution on the left. Make sure Colors is set to Millions. Unless you are comfortable doing so, do not change the Refresh Rate settings. You will also see a tab labelled Color. Do not make any changes in this tab. Your computer knows what to do by default.
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6. Where do I change my computer's sleep settings?

To change sleep settings, click the Energy Saver pref pane. This will bring up the window shown below:

 

Here you can set sleep settings for your computer, display, and hard drive. Clicking the Options tab will bring up a window that looks like this:

 

It is recommended that you check the box next to Wake for network administrator access. This can help prevent known issues relating to important network activity.
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7. I seem to be having problems using internet, e-mail, or Appletalk devices. How can I check my network settings?

Network settings are found by clicking the Network pref pane. Once you have opened the window, set Location: to Automatic, and set Show: to Built-in Ethernet. The window will look like this:

NOTE: Your window will display numbers for IP Address, Router, and Ethernet Address.

 

Next, set Configure: to Using DHCP. Now, look at IP Address. If it shows a number beginning with 169 (example: 169.34.45.156), there could be a problem. In this case, call the Computer Support department at x.3832 and we will be glad to help you resolve the issue. Otherwise, your internet and e-mail should be working.

Next, click on the AppleTalk tab. The window will look similar to this:

NOTE: Your window will display your computer name.

 

Checking the box next to Make AppleTalk Active will allow your computer to look for devices on the network using the AppleTalk protocol. If you choose to check this box, make sure Configure: is set to Automatically. The computer will automatically discover your AppleTalk Zone.
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8. How do I set up File Sharing?

To open File Sharing settings, click on the Sharing pref pane. The window will look like this:

NOTE: Your window will display Computer Name, Rendezvous Name, and Network Address.

 

Under the Services tab, there is a list of options. Checking the box next to Personal File Sharing will allow you to share files with other Macs. Checking the box next to Windows File Sharing will allow you to share files with Windows users. (For questions regarding other items in the list, contact Computer Support at x.3832.)

To turn File Sharing on, click the Start button. To turn it off again, click the same button, which will now say Stop. (For questions regarding the Firewall and Internet tabs, call Computer Support at x.3832.)
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9. How do I use my OS 9 applications?

Most OS 9 applications can still be used in OS X, using a program called Classic. Classic is essentially an interface which simulates OS 9 within OS X, allowing you to run your old applications. Settings for Classic are found by clicking the Classic pref pane. The window will look similar to the image below:

 

In this window you can click buttons to Start, Stop, Restart, or Force Quit Classic mode. If you would like Classic mode to open when you start your computer, check the box next to Start Classic when you log in.

NOTE: If you double-click an OS 9 application, Classic will automatically be opened. If you have questions regarding the Advanced and Memory/Versions tabs, call Computer Support at x.3832.
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10. Where do I change date and time settings?

Date and time settings are changed in the Date & Time pref pane. This pref pane is quite simple so here you will find only a basic explanation of the tabs:

• Date & Time: Set the current date and time.
• Time Zone: Select your time zone.
• Network Time: Advanced users may want to set the date and time using a network server.
• Menu Bar Clock: Chose how time is displayed in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

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With any questions about System Preferences or pref panes not covered in detail here, contact Computer Support at x3832.

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