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Mac OS® X

What is the Mac OS® X? 

Mac OS® X is the standard operating system that was created by Apple in 2000.  A version of this operating system comes pre-installed on most MacBook®, iMac®, and Mac Pro® computers today.  Mac OS® X was the first version of the Mac operating system to run on Unix and contain the Dock that most Mac users recognize today.  Subsequent releases of the Mac operating system have been named after large cats.  Mac OS® X versions include Cheetah, Puma, Jaguar, Panther, Tiger, Leopard and most recently Snow Leopard.

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Is there a cost associated with Mac OS® X?

Clemson Faculty and Students can purchase a copy of Mac OS® X version 10.6(Snow Leopard) or upgrades at the Apple Store. Departments should contact their TSP for purchasing upgrades.

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Can I download the Mac OS® Clemson recommended Software? 

Yes. Visit the CCIT Mac Software Installers page to download the Clemson recommended Software for Macs.

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How do I use Mac OS® X?

There are multiple versions of Mac OS® X being used on Clemson's campus. Listed below are tutorials and help documentation for the three most recent releases: Mac OS® X Tiger, Mac OS® X Leopard and Mac OS® X Snow Leopard.

Mac OS® X Tiger

  • Quick Reference Card (.PDF)
  • Mac Basics (.HTM)
  • Mac 101 (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X v.10.4 Tiger Support (.HTM)
  • Welcome to Tiger (.PDF)
  • Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts (.HTM)
  • Tiger Discussion Forum (.HTM)
  • Mac Higher Learning: The Next Steps (.HTM)
  • Bootcamp Overview (.HTM)

Mac OS® X Leopard

  • Mac 101 (.HTM)
  • Mac Basics (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Support(.HTM)
  • Welcome to Leopard (.PDF)
  • Connecting to the Internet using AirPort(.HTM)
  • Bootcamp Support (.HTM)
  • Time Machine Support(.HTM)
  • iChat Support (.HTM)

Mac OS® X Snow Leopard

  • What's New in Snow Leopard (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X Overview (.HTM)
  • Mac FAQs (.HTM)
  • Mac Basics (.HTM)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Review the Mac Discussion Boards for answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about Mac OS X.

  • Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Discussion Board (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard Discussion Board (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger Discussion Board (.HTM)

Quick Assist: Get Help with a Mac Activity is another great resource to use to find answers to frequently asked questions.

Some frequently asked questions from Clemson Mac Users are:

  • Question:  What is the Finder?
    • Answer:  The Finder is similar to My Computer on a Windows computer. The Finder shows your files, programs, drives, etc.
  • Question: What is System Preferences? 
    • Answer:  The System Preferences area on a Mac is similar to Control Panel in Windows.  The System Preferences allow you access to your system settings, to reset your password, to change your background, etc.
  • Question:  How do you close a program on a Mac? 
    • On a Mac the close button is in the upper left corner.  The application menu is always located at the top left of the screen for each application.  Select the name (when it is highlighted), and select "Quit".  Clicking the red X does not close the application.
  • Question:  How do you turn off or restart a Mac? 
    • Answer:  Click the Apple logo in the upper left hand corner and select "Shutdown" or "Restart" from the pulldown menu.
  • Question:  How do you right click on a Mac laptop? 
    • Put two fingers on the touchpad and then click.
  • Question: How do you get your CD out of a Mac (no hardware eject button)? 
    • Answer:  There is an eject key on the keyboard, or you can open the Finder and there is an eject key on the CD drive.  You can also drag the CD to the Recycle bin.
  • Question:  How do you boot into Windows on a Mac set up for dual boot? 
    • Answer:  Hold down the Control key when you start and it will give you a choice of Windows or Mac.
  • Question:  How can you get to your U: drive from your Mac? 

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Do we offer Instructor-Led training for Mac OS® X?

Yes.  CCIT currently offers instructor-led training for both employees and students(SILT).  Please view our training calendar to register for these available classes.  

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System Requirements

Review the Mac OS X System Requirements and Technical Specifications to ensure that your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements. 
  • Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard Technical Specifications (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard Technical Specifications (.HTM)
  • Mac OS X v10.4 Tiger System Requirements (.HTM)

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Additional Resources

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Research & Articles

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Mac®, Apple®, iLife® and iMovie® are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.