Nothing works! Help!
If you've tried the above step or you can't even get in to try, boot into OS9, and delete the /System directory. Then boot with the OSX CD and reinstall the system. Some things will be rearranged but everything should be ok and you can begin adding any customized command line apps and libraries you might have installed previously.
All of my applications are folders. What happened?
This happens sometimes when a previous version of OSX is replaced by a later version instead of a clean install. This can also happen if the user library gets corrupt. To fix this, open the /Users/<username>/Library directory and remove the following files:
LSApplications
LSClaimedTypes
LSSchemes
See the Tech Info Library article on this subject.
All of the disk images I transfer remotely will not mount. Can I fix them?
Your disk images lost their resource forsk in the transfer. Click here to find out how to recover them.
How do I install MacOSX Updates?
Use the Software Update preference panel to upgrade to the latest version of OSX.
Software Updater says I am already up to date. Why's that?
If you've installed a pre-release updater, delete the package for it in /Library/Receipts (i.e. 10.0.1 updater.pkg) and re run the software update. Also, if you are running an international version of OSX, the US updates come out first and other, localized versions trickle out slowly afterwards. Wait about a day and try again.
My machine constantly disconnects from the internet with error 264. Is there anything I can do?
DP machines rarely stay connected via PPP for more than 20 minutes- more like 5 minutes average before they get a 264 error. This used to result in a kernel panic, but Apple fixed the panic in 10.0.1. The following Open Firmware commands litterally DISABLE one of the processors, turning your DP into a single proc machine. Use caution with these steps. MacOSX.org is not responsible for any complications. Thanks to Centauri for the assistance.
1. Boot to open-firmware by holding down option-apple-O-F at startup
Type the following:
reset-NVRAM
reset-all
That should reboot your machine.
2. Allow the computer to boot...
3. Shut down machine... wait 20-30 seconds...
4. Boot back into Open Firmware.
Type the following:
setenv boot-args cpus
mac-boot
You are now set to one processor. To turn it back on:
1. Boot to Open Firmware
Type the following:
setenv boot-argscpus=1
mac-boot
Customization:
How can I change my Icons?
Standard MacOSX system level icons are not easy to change. MacNN.com has a good article on how to complete this process here. Changing applications is much easier. The process is basically the same as it was in OS 9. Copy the preferred icon into the Inspector window (Previously the get Info Window) and apply the changes. Icons can be made or downloaded on the Internet.
How do I change my hostname?
By default, MacOSX uses the reverse DNS address of the computer on which it is running. To change this default setting to a custom hostname, type the following command in the terminal:
hostname -s <newhostname>
I miss my pop up windows. Is there a solution?
Yes, Minimize windows to the do then click on them to bring them back. This is a combination of Window shade and popup windows. Also, you can drag an entire folder to the right side of the dock then right-click/control-click or clock and hold to reveal all items within it in a contextual menu. The same can be done with applications. When right clicking an open application, the menu will list all open windows within that application. There is also a third party utility called PopUpX, which adds the pop up window functionality to OSX.
I miss my Application menu. Is there a solution?
The utility Drop drawers adds the functionality of both an Application menu and a Popup windows, which are highly customizable.
I hate the dock. Is there anything I can do to make it better?
There are several options in the dock, which can make it easier to deal with. The best suggestion is to use it as is for a time before making any modifications. It is hard to get used to but can be very powerful, replacing at least 3 different OS 9 features and bundling them all in one location. Use the Dock preferences to handle the size and minimizing of the dock. The dock can also be moved to any side of the screen though slight modification. See how here.
Communication:
How can I connect to Windows machines?
There are two products available which will allow MacOSX to communicate with Windows machines. Sharity is a client, which allows connectivity to remote PC's. Samba is an SMB (Windows File Sharing) Server and allows full control of domains, browse lists and browesability via the remote PC's Network Neighborhood.
How do I setup Web sharing?
For web sharing, OSX uses apache, a powerful UNIX web server. See here for more information on setting up apache.
How do I setup File sharing?
AppleShare over IP is setup through the Sharing preference panel. Turn sharing on then share directories similar to the manner used in OS 9. Select a directory and get info on it from the File menu. Click to share the directory and its contents and set the privileges.
Where is the FTP Server?
The FTP server can be turned on in the Sharing preference panel. All users are automatically logged into their home folders upon connection.
Can I allow anonymous FTP access?
Yes, click here for a How-To on this topic.
What is NFS? How do I use it?
NFS is Network File System, a UNIX file sharing protocol. It can be used to share directories and drives across the internet via TCP or UDP and can be set to connect to remote shares at boot time. NFS can be accessed through the command line, NetInfo Manager or a neat Utility called NFS Manager. Check versiontracker.com for details.
What is SSH and why do I need it?
SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is used to replace the traditional telnet server on a UNIX machine and allows truly secure remote connectivity.
How can I get SSH?
SSH is now included with the MacOSX 10.0.1 updater. Install this update and turn on the service through the sharing preference panel's option for Allowing remote connections.
I am having trouble connecting to other machines via SSH since I updated to 10.0.4. Why?
The latest version of SSH is not completely compatible with other version of SSH included with some newer Linux distributions. Specify an SSH type 1 connection by using the -1 flag in your ssh connection command or click here to obtain the latest SSH source and install it in one simple step. Type sh fix_ssh.sh as root to initiate the script.
MacOSX Server:
What is the difference between MacOSX and MacOSX Server?
MacOSX Server is essentially MacOSX with slight modifications to make it easier to administer as a multiple user platform as well as several new server daemons that extend the capability of OSX into the enterprise server level.
Can I install OSX Server over top of OSX?
This is not recommended. Enough has changed between OSX and OSX Server to necessitate a clean install.
Advanced Use:
What are shells?
Shells are programs used to allow the user and the kernel to speak directly through a series of commands. Shells provide direct, 2-way communication to the core of the operating system.
How do I install a GCC compiler?
You do not technically need a GCC compiler. MacOSX comes with a modified version of GCC which Apple has renamed to "CC". This compiler is customized for OSX's file structure. Some configures might not work directly with the OSX compiler, however. Top get around this, modify or create an "/etc/make.conf" file with "CFLAGS=-traditional-cpp" in it. This saves having to put it in each Makefile.
How do I get into console mode?
In order to get into the console, log out and type ">console" as the login name. This will open up a direct command line interface with the OS.
How do I create a .cshrc file?
You must create a file in the terminal with your favorite text editor. Click here for more information.
How do I add paths to my PATH variables?
See above.
How do I alias UNIX commands?
See above.