Congratulations, you and your Mac mini were made for each other.
Say hello to your Mac mini. www.apple.com/macmini Finder Browse your files the way you browse your music with Cover Flow. Mac Help finder Mail Manage all your email accounts in one place. Mac Help mail iCal Keep your schedule in sync.
Mac OS X Snow Leopard www.apple.com/macosx Time Machine Automatically back up and restore your files. Mac Help time machine Quick Look Instantly preview your files. Spotlight Find anything on your Mac. Mac Help quick look Mac Help spotlight iMovie Make a greatlooking movie in minutes. GarageBand Create a greatsounding song with ease. iMovie Help movie GarageBand Help record iLife ’11 www.apple.com/ilife iPhoto Turn your photos into something amazing.
Contents Chapter 1: Ready, Set Up, Go 10 What’s in the Box 11 Setting Up Your Mac mini 18 Putting Your Mac mini to Sleep or Shutting It Down Chapter 2: Life with Your Mac mini 22 24 26 28 28 What’s on the Front of Your Mac mini What’s on the Back of Your Mac mini Using the Apple Remote Using SD Cards Getting Answers Chapter 3: Boost Your Memory 34 Installing Memory Chapter 4: Problem, Meet Solution 44 46 47 48 Problems That Prevent You from Using Your Mac mini Reinstalling the Software That Came with Y
48 50 50 53 54 54 56 Other Problems Using Apple Hardware Test Problems with Your Internet Connection Problems with AirPort Extreme Wireless Communication Keeping Your Software Up to Date Learning More, Service, and Support Locating Your Product Serial Number 59 61 63 65 67 Important Safety Information Important Handling Information Understanding Ergonomics Apple and the Environment Regulatory Compliance Information Chapter 5: Last, but Not Least Looking for Something? 72 Index 6 Contents
1 Ready, Set Up, Go www.apple.
Your Mac mini is designed so that you can easily set it up and start using it right away. If you’ve never used a Mac mini or are new to Mac computers, read this section for instructions about getting started. Important: Before you plug your Mac mini into a power outlet, read all the installation instructions and the safety information starting on page 59. If you’re an experienced user, you may already know enough to get started.
What’s in the Box Your Mac mini comes with the following components: Power cord HDMI to DVI Adapter Follow the steps on the next several pages to set up your Mac mini.
Setting Up Your Mac mini Place your Mac mini right side up on a firm surface. Use only the power cord that came with your Mac mini; other power cords may not work. Important: Cooling air enters your Mac mini through the gap around the bottom cover and exits through the vent on the back. Don’t place your Mac mini on a soft surface (such as a blanket or deep carpet) that interferes with airflow around the bottom cover, and don’t block the back vent.
Step 2: To access the Internet or a network, connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your Mac mini and the other end to a cable modem, DSL modem, or network. ® HDMI Your Mac mini comes with AirPort Extreme technology for wireless networking. For information about setting up a wireless connection, choose Help > Mac Help, and search for “AirPort.
Step 3: Connect the USB cable from your keyboard and mouse. ® HDMI Your Mac mini doesn’t come with a keyboard or a mouse, but you can use almost any USB keyboard and mouse. If your keyboard has a USB (d) port, plug your mouse into the USB port on the keyboard. If it doesn’t, plug the mouse into a USB (d) port on the back of your Mac mini.
You can use Keyboard preferences to change the behavior of the Caps Lock, Control, Option, and Command (x) modifier keys. To open Keyboard preferences, choose Apple () > System Preferences, click Keyboard, then click Modifier Keys and follow the onscreen instructions. If you use a USB keyboard that isn’t specifically designed for the Mac OS, it may not have a Command (x) or Option modifier key, which are standard on Apple keyboards.
Step 4: Connect a display cable to the HDMI port or Mini DisplayPort. Your Mac mini doesn’t come with a display, but you can connect a display that has: ÂÂ A Mini DisplayPort connector. Connect directly to the Mini DisplayPort. ÂÂ An HDMI connector. Connect directly to the HDMI port. ÂÂ A DVI connector. Use the HDMI to DVI Adapter that came with your Mac mini to connect to the HDMI port. ÂÂ A VGA connector. Use a Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter to connect to the Mini DisplayPort.
Step 5: Press the power (®) button on the back to turn on your Mac mini. ® ® HDMI Step 6: Configure your Mac mini with Setup Assistant. The first time you turn on your Mac mini, Setup Assistant starts. Setup Assistant helps you enter your Internet and email information and set up a user account on your Mac mini.
If you don’t intend to keep or use your other Mac, it’s best to deauthorize it from playing music, videos, or audiobooks that you’ve purchased from the iTunes Store. Deauthorizing a computer prevents any songs, videos, or audiobooks you’ve purchased from being played by someone else, and frees up another authorization for use. For information about deauthorizing, choose iTunes Help from the Help menu in iTunes.
Putting Your Mac mini to Sleep or Shutting It Down When you finish working with your Mac mini, you can put it to sleep or shut it down. Putting Your Mac mini to Sleep If you’ll be away from your Mac mini for less than a few days, put it to sleep instead of shutting it down. When your Mac mini is in sleep, the display is dark and the disk drive stops spinning. You can quickly wake your Mac mini and bypass the startup process.
2 Life with Your Mac mini www.apple.
Read on for an overview of the features and ports of your Mac mini. The Apple website at www.apple.com has links to the latest Apple news, free downloads, and online catalogs of software and hardware for your Mac mini. You can also find the manuals for many Apple products, and technical support for all Apple products, on the Apple Support website at www.apple.com/support.
What’s on the Front of Your Mac mini Built-in infrared (IR) receiver Slot-loading optical disc drive 22 Chapter 2 Life with Your Mac mini Memory access cover Power indicator light
Built-in infrared (IR) receiver Use an optional Apple Remote (available separately) with the IR receiver to control Front Row, play music from your iTunes library, watch photo slideshows and movie trailers, or play a DVD on your Mac mini—all from up to 30 feet (9.1 meters) away. Power indicator light A steady white light indicates your Mac mini is on; a pulsing light indicates it’s in sleep.
What’s on the Back of Your Mac mini Power port Power button HDMI HDMI Mini DisplayPort port Cool air inlet (around foot) FireWire 800 port 24 SD card slot HDMI ® Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000 Base-T) USB 2.
~ Power port Connect the power cord that came with your Mac mini. HDMI HDMI port Connect a TV or other device that uses an HDMI connector. £ Mini DisplayPort Connect a display that uses a Mini DisplayPort connector. d Four high-speed USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0 ports Connect an iPod, iPhone, iPad, mouse, keyboard, printer, disk drive, digital camera, joystick, external USB modem, and more. You can also connect USB 1.1 devices.
Using the Apple Remote With the optional Apple Remote, you can play music from your iTunes library, watch photo slideshows and movie trailers, play a DVD, control Front Row and Keynote, and more—all from across the room. The Apple Remote can: ÂÂ Navigate in iTunes, iPhoto, and DVD Player. ÂÂ Put your Mac mini to sleep or wake it up. To use the Apple Remote: ÂÂ Press the Play/Pause (’) button to play or pause a song, slideshow, or movie.
Pairing Your Apple Remote To make sure that your Mac mini can be controlled by only your Apple Remote, you can “pair” them. This is helpful if you use your Mac mini where there are other Mac computers, televisions, audio equipment, or other devices that use an infrared remote. To pair the Apple Remote and your Mac mini: 1 Point the remote at the IR receiver on the front of your Mac mini from a distance of 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm).
Turning Off IR Reception If you want to prevent your Mac mini from being controlled by any remote, you can use Security preferences to turn off IR reception. To turn off IR reception: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences from the menu bar and click Security. 2 Select the “Disable remote control infrared receiver” checkbox.
To open Mac Help: 1 Click the Finder icon in the Dock (the bar of icons along the edge of the screen). 2 Click the Help menu in the menu bar, and then do one of the following: ÂÂ Type a question or term in the Search field, and then select a topic from the list of results or select Show All Results to see all topics. ÂÂ Choose Mac Help to open the Mac Help window, where you can browse topics or type a search question.
To learn about See Using SD cards The Apple support page at www.apple.com/support and search for “sd.” Using AirPort Extreme wireless technology The AirPort Support page at www.apple.com/support/airport. Or open Mac Help and search for “AirPort.” Using Bluetooth wireless technology The Bluetooth Support page at www.apple.com/support/ bluetooth. Or open Mac Help and search for “Bluetooth.” Connecting a printer Mac Help and search for “printing.
3 Boost Your Memory www.apple.
Your Mac mini came with at least 2 gigabytes (GB) of memory on a pair of 1 GB memory modules. You can replace these with a pair of 2 GB or 4 GB memory modules, for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. The following pages show you how to install memory modules in your Mac mini. WARNING: Apple recommends that you have an Apple-certified technician install memory. To arrange for installation, contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or an Apple Retail Store.
Installing Memory Your Mac mini has two memory slots in which you can install a pair of 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB memory modules, for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. For best performance, don’t mix modules of different sizes; always install two identical memory modules.
Step 3: Remove the bottom cover. Lay your Mac mini upside down on a soft cloth or towel, and then rotate the bottom cover counterclockwise to the unlocked position. Unlocked Press on the cover to pop up the opposite side, and then remove the cover.
Step 4: Remove the original memory modules. Gently spread the clips at the ends of the top memory module just enough to let the free edge pop up. Retainer clips Pull the module out of the slot. Repeat to remove the second, bottom module.
Step 5: Install the new modules. Carefully press the notched edge of the new memory module into the bottom slot while keeping the opposite edge slightly raised. Notch Press down on the raised edge until the clips snap into place. Repeat to install the top memory module.
Step 6: Replace the bottom cover. Replace the bottom cover, using the alignment dots to place it in the unlocked position. Align the dots Rotate the cover clockwise to lock it in place. Locked WARNING: Don’t connect the power cord or turn on your Mac mini until you replace the bottom cover. Never operate your Mac mini without the cover in place.
Step 7: Reconnect the cables. Reconnect the power cord and any other cables you disconnected. Step 8: Check the new memory. Press the power button to turn on your Mac mini. When you see the Mac OS desktop, choose Apple () > About This Mac and check that the reported amount of memory is correct. If the reported memory size isn’t correct, or if your Mac mini repeatedly sounds three tones, it’s having trouble recognizing a memory module.
4 Problem, Meet Solution www.apple.
Occasionally, you may have problems while working with your Mac mini. Read on for troubleshooting tips to try when you have a problem. You can also find more troubleshooting information in Mac Help, or on the Mac mini Service & Support website at www.apple.com/support/macmini. If you experience a problem working with your Mac mini, there’s usually a simple and quick solution. If you encounter a problem, try to make a note of what you did before the problem occurred.
Problems That Prevent You from Using Your Mac mini If your computer won’t respond or the pointer won’t move ÂÂ Make sure the mouse and keyboard are connected. Unplug and then plug in the connectors, making sure they’re secure. ÂÂ If the problem persists, try to force problem applications to quit. On an Apple keyboard, hold down the Option and Command (x) keys and then press the Esc key. On other keyboards, hold down the Windows and Alt keys and then press the Esc key.
If your Mac mini freezes during startup or you see a flashing question mark ÂÂ Wait a few seconds. If your Mac mini doesn’t start up after a delay, shut it down by pressing and holding the power (®) button for about 5 seconds. Then hold down the Option key and press the power (®) button again to start up your Mac mini. Keep holding down the Option key until your Mac mini starts up, then click the arrow under the icon of the hard disk you want to use as your startup disk.
Reinstalling the Software That Came with Your Mac mini Use the software installation discs that came with your Mac mini to reinstall Mac OS X and any applications that came with your computer. You can install Mac OS X without erasing the target volume, which saves your existing files and settings, or you can erase the volume first, which erases all your data and leaves the computer ready for you to reinstall Mac OS X and applications.
Reinstalling Applications If you erased your hard disk as part of reinstalling Mac OS X, you must reinstall the applications that came with your Mac mini, such as the iLife applications. To install the applications that came with your Mac mini: 1 Back up your important files. 2 Insert the Applications Install DVD that came with your Mac mini. 3 Double-click Install Bundled Software. 4 Follow the onscreen instructions. 5 When the installation is complete, click Close.
Using Disk Utility You can use Disk Utility to repair, verify, or erase the Mac mini hard disk. To use Disk Utility: 1 Insert the Mac OS X Install DVD that came with your computer. 2 Double-click Install Mac OS X. 3 After selecting your language, choose Utilities > Open Disk Utility and then follow the instructions in the First Aid pane to see if Disk Utility can repair the disk. 4 Quit Mac OS X Installer. If using Disk Utility doesn’t help, try reinstalling the Mac mini system software.
If you have trouble ejecting a disc ÂÂ Make sure nothing is placed on top of your Mac mini. Objects placed on top of your computer may keep a disc from ejecting. ÂÂ Quit any applications that may be using the disc, and then press the Media Eject (C) key on your Apple keyboard. On other keyboards, you may be able to use the F12 key to eject a disc. Check the documentation that came with your keyboard.
Using Apple Hardware Test If you suspect a hardware problem, use the Apple Hardware Test application to help determine if there’s a problem with one of the Mac mini components. To use Apple Hardware Test: 1 Disconnect all external devices from your Mac mini, except the keyboard and mouse. If you have an Ethernet cable connected, disconnect it. 2 Restart your Mac mini while holding down the D key. 3 When the Apple Hardware Test chooser screen appears, select the language you want to use.
If you have trouble with your Internet connection, you can try the steps in this section for your type of connection, or you can use Network Diagnostics. To use Network Diagnostics: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences. 2 Click Network and then click “Assist me.” 3 Click Diagnostics to open Network Diagnostics. 4 Follow the onscreen instructions.
PPPoE Connections If you’re unable to connect to your ISP using PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet), make sure you have entered the correct information in Network preferences. To enter PPPoE settings: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences. 2 Click Network. 3 Click Add (+) at the bottom of the network connection services list, and choose PPPoE from the Interface pop-up menu. 4 Choose an interface for the PPPoE service from the Ethernet pop-up menu.
If your ISP provides only one IP address, then you must have a router capable of sharing the connection, also known as network address translation (NAT) or “IP masquerading.” For setup information, see the documentation provided with your router or ask the person who set up your network. You can use an AirPort base station to share one IP address among multiple computers. For information about using an AirPort base station, check Mac Help or visit the AirPort Extreme website at www.apple.
Keeping Your Software Up to Date You can connect to the Internet and automatically download and install the latest versions of free software, drivers, and other enhancements from Apple. When you’re connected to the Internet, Software Update checks to see if any updates are available for your computer. You can set your Mac mini to check for updates periodically, and then you can download and install updated software. To check for updated software: 1 Choose Apple () > System Preferences.
Onscreen Help You can find answers to many of your questions, as well as instructions and troubleshooting information, in Mac Help. Choose Help > Mac Help. System Profiler To get information about your Mac mini, use System Profiler. System Profiler shows you what hardware and software is installed, the serial number and operating system version, how much memory is installed, and more. To open System Profiler, choose Apple () > About This Mac from the menu bar and then click More Info.
Country Phone Website United States 1-800-275-2273 www.apple.com/support Australia (61) 1-300-321-456 www.apple.com/au/support Canada (English) (French) 1-800-263-3394 www.apple.com/ca/support www.apple.com/ca/fr/support Ireland (353) 1850 946 191 www.apple.com/ie/support New Zealand 00800-7666-7666 www.apple.com/nz/support United Kingdom (44) 0844 209 0611 www.apple.com/uk/support Telephone numbers are subject to change, and local and national telephone rates may apply.
5 Last, but Not Least www.apple.
For your safety and that of your equipment, follow these rules for handling and cleaning your Mac mini and for working more comfortably. Keep these instructions handy for reference by you and others. NOTICE: Incorrect storage or use of your computer may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Important Safety Information WARNING: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire, electric shock, or other injury or damage.
ÂÂ Limit the amount of time you use earbuds or headphones at high volume. ÂÂ Avoid turning up the volume to block out noisy surroundings. ÂÂ Turn the volume down if you can’t hear people speaking near you.
Do Not Make Repairs Yourself Your Mac mini doesn’t have any user-serviceable parts, except for memory. To install memory, follow the instructions in Chapter 3. Except for memory, do not attempt to replace or repair any components inside your Mac mini. If your Mac mini needs service, consult an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple. See “Learning More, Service, and Support” on page 54.
Turning on your Mac mini Never turn on your Mac mini unless all of its internal and external parts are in place. Operating your Mac mini when parts are missing may be dangerous and may damage your Mac mini. Carrying your Mac mini Before you lift or reposition your Mac mini, shut it down and disconnect all cables and cords connected to it.
Understanding Ergonomics Here are some tips for setting up a healthy work environment. Keyboard When you use the keyboard, your shoulders should be relaxed. Your upper arm and forearm should form an approximate right angle, with your wrist and hand in roughly a straight line. Change hand positions often to avoid fatigue. Some computer users might develop discomfort in their hands, wrists, or arms after intensive work without breaks.
Display Arrange the display so that the top of the screen is slightly below eye level when you’re sitting at the keyboard. The best distance from your eyes to the screen is up to you, although most people seem to prefer 18 to 28 inches (45 to 70 cm). Position the display to minimize glare and reflections on the screen from overhead lights and nearby windows. If possible, use a tiltable display stand.
Apple and the Environment Apple Inc. recognizes its responsibility to minimize the environmental impact of its operations and products. More information is available on the web: www.apple.
Regulatory Compliance Information FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. See instructions if interference to radio or television reception is suspected.
FCC Bluetooth Wireless Compliance Taiwan Wireless Statements The antenna used with this transmitter must not be colocated or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter subject to the conditions of the FCC Grant. Bluetooth Industry Canada Statement This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
External USB Modem Information When connecting your Mac mini to the phone line using an external USB modem, refer to the telecommunications agency information in the documentation that came with your modem. ENERGY STAR® Compliance As an ENERGY STAR® partner, Apple has determined that standard configurations of this product meet the ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR® program is a partnership with electronic equipment manufacturers to promote energy-efficient products.
Disposal and Recycling Information This symbol indicates that your product must be disposed of properly according to local laws and regulations. When your product reaches its end of life, contact Apple or your local authorities to learn about recycling options. For information about Apple’s recycling program, go to www.apple.com/environment/recycling. Brazil—Disposal Information Battery Disposal Information Dispose of batteries according to your local environmental laws and guidelines.
Looking for Something?
Index A AirPort base station 53 AirPort Extreme 30 troubleshooting 53 Alt key Mac equivalent 14 AppleCare 55 Apple Hardware Test 50 Apple Remote battery 27 pairing 27 using 26 Apple Wireless Keyboard 14 applications forcing quit 44 iLife 29, 47 reinstalling 47 audio in port 25 audio out port 25 B battery Apple Remote 27 disposal 70 internal backup 49 Bluetooth 30 72 Looking for Something? C cleaning 62 D Disk Utility 48 E ejecting a disc 49 environment 65 ergonomics 63 Ethernet port 25 exhaust ve
S SD cards 28, 30 SD card slot 25 serial number 56 service and support 54 shutting down your computer controlled 18 forced 44 sleep 18 slot-loading optical disc drive 23 Specifications 30 SuperDrive.
KKApple Inc. © 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Apple. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. Apple is not responsible for printing or clerical errors. Apple 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014 408-996-1010 www.apple.com The Apple logo is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.