Contents

Getting Started

Tools and Practices

Lesson 1. Reference Materials

One-Stop Shopping

Finding Support Information

Upgrade Information

Resources for Locating Trouble

Resources for Resolving an Issue

Lesson Review

Lesson 2. Software Tools

Software Tools

System Profiler

Quick Fix Tools

Diagnostic Software

Other Apple Troubleshooting Tools

Lesson Review

Lesson 3. General Troubleshooting Theory

Goals and Processes

Troubleshooting Process

Gather Information

Verify the Issue

Try Quick Fixes

Run Diagnostics

Systematic Fault Isolation

Research in Additional Resources

Escalate the Issue

Repair or Replace the Faulty Item

Verify the Repair

Inform the User and Complete Administrative Tasks

Lesson Review

Lesson 4. Safe Working Procedures and General Maintenance

ESD Prevention

CRT Safety Procedures

Liquid Coolants

iMac Power Supply

Booting to EFI

General Maintenance

General Best Practices

Lesson Review

Lesson 5. Hardware Tools

Using the Right Tools

Tools Common to Desktops and Portables

Desktop Tools

Portable Tools

Lesson Review

Common Hardware and Technologies

Lesson 6. Power Management

Power Management Components

Power Conservation

Troubleshooting

Lesson Review

Lesson 7. Wireless

Required Tools and Equipment

Basic Terms

AirPort Hardware Overview

AirPort Extreme Card

AirPort Extreme Base Station

AirPort Extreme Base Station (PoE/UL 2043)

AirPort Express Base Station

Setting Up a Wireless Client

Creating a Computer-to-Computer Network

Configuring Base Stations for Internet Access

Interference Sources

Basic AirPort Security

Bluetooth

Lesson Review

Lesson 8. Network Troubleshooting

Network Components

Troubleshooting Tools

Troubleshooting Steps

Lesson Review

Desktops

Lesson 9. About iMac Models

The iMac G4 Models

The iMac G5/Intel Models

Lesson Review

Lesson 10. Upgrading an iMac

Identifying the System

Do-It-Yourself (DIY)

Required Tools and Equipment

Upgrading RAM on an iMac

Lesson Review

Lesson 11. Taking Apart an iMac (24-inch)

Required Tools and Equipment

Taking Apart the iMac (24-inch)

Lesson Summary

Lesson 12. Troubleshooting an iMac (24-inch)

Startup Key Combinations

Diagnostic LEDs

SMC Reset

Symptom Charts

Lesson Review

Lesson 13. About Mac mini Models

Mac mini

Lesson Review

Lesson 14. Upgrading a Mac mini

Required Tools and Equipment

Opening a Mac mini

Removing the Hard Drive

Installing RAM

Lesson Review

Lesson 15. Taking Apart a Mac mini

Required Tools and Equipment

Preliminary Steps

Logic Board

Lesson Summary

Lesson 16. Troubleshooting a Mac mini

Status LED

Resetting PRAM and NVRAM

Resetting the SMC

Symptom Charts

Lesson Review

Lesson 17. About Mac Pro

Mac Pro (August 2006)

Lesson Review

Lesson 18. Upgrading a Mac Pro

Required Tools and Equipment

Before You Do Anything

Opening a Mac Pro

Installing RAM

Installing a Hard Drive

Adding a PCI Express Card

Lesson Review

Lesson 19. Taking Apart a Mac Pro

Required Tools and Equipment

Taking Apart a Mac Pro

Lesson Summary

Lesson 20. Troubleshooting a Mac Pro

General Information

Symptom Charts

Lesson Review

Portables

Lesson 21. About MacBook Models

MacBook (13-inch)

Lesson Review

Lesson 22. Upgrading a MacBook

Required Tools and Equipment

Before You Do Anything

Opening a MacBook

Installing RAM

Upgrading the Hard Drive

Closing a MacBook

Lesson Review

Lesson 23. Taking Apart a MacBook

Required Tools and Equipment

Taking Apart a MacBook

Lesson Summary

Lesson 24. Troubleshooting a MacBook

Symptom Charts

Lesson Review

Lesson 25. About MacBook Pro Models

MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro (17-inch)

Lesson Review

Lesson 26. Upgrading a MacBook Pro

Required Tools and Equipment

Before You Do Anything

Removing the Battery

Installing RAM

Lesson Review

Lesson 27. Taking Apart a MacBook Pro

Required Tools and Equipment

Taking Apart the MacBook Pro

Lesson Summary

Lesson 28. Troubleshooting a MacBook Pro

General Information

Symptom Charts

Lesson Review

Index