Powerbooks & iBooks Tips
Read these 13 Powerbooks & iBooks Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Macintosh tips and hundreds of other topics.
More Tips on Password Security (PowerBook)
If you're using Password Security with Mac OS 9, the cursor will temporarily freeze when you turn the utility on or off. This is due to the operating system resetting the ATA bus and is perfectly normal.
If you're using this security option and it doesn't seem to want to accept your password, make sure the Caps Lock button is not on. The password protection is case sensitive.
Password Security doesn't work on desktop computers or the iBook. To protect these computers you'll need to use the Multiple Users protection utility that's incorporated in Mac OS 9.
Also, the Password Security control panel will only protect the start-up partition. If you've set up your hard drive with more than one partition, and one of the other partitions contains a valid System Folder on it, your computer can start up from that partition. Or you can start up from a CD and access the non-protect partition.
"Memory Effect"
According to some sources, NiCad and NiMH batteries experience a problem known as "memory effect:" if you don't fully discharge the battery before recharging it, you'll lower its capacity. There are dozens of conflicting claims on this subject. The most authoritative information is that the "memory effect" occurs only if the battery is repeatedly discharged to the same "non-zero" level and then recharged -- and you have to hit the same level to within two to three percent every time. Therefore, "memory effect" is unlikely to be a problem.
Take an Extra Battery
If you travel with your laptop Mac, it would probably be worth your while to purchase an extra battery for longer trips. Pop one battery into your book and charge it, then wrap it in a soft cloth and store it in your purse, notebook carrier or pocket. Put in the other battery and charge it up, leaving it in the notebook. Twice the power when you're on the go!
"It Can't Happen to ME!"
Think your computer can't/won't be stolen? The Federal Bureau of Investigation stated: “ONE OUT OF EVERY TEN NOTEBOOKS WILL BE STOLEN WITHIN THE FIRST TWELVE MONTHS OF PURCHASE, AND 90% OF THEM WILL NEVER BE RECOVERED.”
Don't take the chance. Check out the tips and links in the SECURITY category to prevent this terrible loss!
Multiple Users
If you need to protect the data on your laptop from prying eyes, utilize the Multiple Users protection utility that's incorporated in Mac OS 9 to password-protect it.
Airport Security Checks
When traveling with your notebook, have it visually inspected rather than running it down the conveyor. X-rays? No problem. However, some people have reported problems caused by the magnets in the motor of the conveyor belt.
Make 'Em Last!
Getting Every Extra Minute of Battery Life
-- Dim the screen as much as you can.
-- Don't use the CD-ROM unless you have to.
-- It helps to have as much RAM as possible, to reduce hard drive access.
Password Security Control Panel
One of the best ways to make sure your PowerBook and its contents are secure from data theft is to activate the Password Security control panel. This utility (available on Powerbooks but not iBooks) requires you to enter a password each time you launch your computer and if you choose, when you wake up your PowerBook from sleep.
When you enter your password into the Password Setup section be sure to enter a hint for remembering the password that will easily remind you of the code -- if you forget the password you can't simply reset it. You'll have to take your computer, along with a proof of ownership, to an Apple Authorized Service provider. They'll then bypass the password security and deactivate the utility for you ... and charge you for this service.
It's a good idea to activate this option while in sleep mode, if you don't particularly trust your coworkers or if you're using the laptop in a common area.
The final section of the dialog box allows you to display information about yourself when the utility requests a password. This is presumably so someone can contact you and tell you they've found your lost or stolen PowerBook. While it seems a good idea, we suggest you forgo the address info. After all, if the person stole your laptop, you don't want to invite them to your house for a little more plundering, now do you? Instead, we suggest you enter an email address and possibly a mention of a nice fat reward.
Check out "More Tips on Password Security " for further information.
Battery Types Recommended by Apple
These are the battery types that Apple suggests you use for your PowerBook or iBook.
Lead Acid -- PowerBook 100
Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) -- PowerBook 140, 145,150, 170, 160, 165, 180
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) -- PowerBook 190, 500, 5300, 1400
Lithium Ion (LiIon) -- PowerBook 2400, 3400, G3
Batteries - Time for a New Battery?
Pay attention to how long your computer runs with each charge. When run time starts getting noticeably shorter, it's time for a new battery … even the best ones don't last forever.
Before you go out the door ...
Fully charge your battery the night before, when you know you're going to need it. Take a backup battery along, just in case.
Storing Laptop Batteries
If you're going to store a battery for a long period of time, discharge it fully before you put it away. Just let your computer run on battery power until it shuts itself off. Store batteries in a cool, dry place.
Prolonging Battery Life
A good technique for maintaining battery life is fully discharging and recharging your battery occasionally. This can be beneficial because it helps prevent the build up of crystals inside the battery. To fully discharge a battery, simply leave your laptop on until it shuts itself down.
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| Carma Spence-Pothitt |
