How to Set an Alarm on MacBook
Apple’s MacBook line of laptops was introduced in 2006. In addition to its top-tier hardware, Apple also develops software for its computers; many of these programs are part of the Mac OS X operating system. Users of MacBooks, as well as other models of Macs,) are able to set alarms using iCal, Apple’s calendar and scheduling software that comes standard on every Mac running OS X.
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Instructions
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1
Connect your MacBook to the Internet and select “Software Update…” from under the apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. This allows you to update your software and ensures that your software is current.
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Reboot your computer when prompted. Upon reboot, click the "System Preferences" icon in your dock and click the “Date & Time” icon. Confirm that the date and time on your computer is correct. Make sure “Set date and time automatically:” is enabled. Click the Time Zone tab to verify that your computer is set to the correct time zone.
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3
Open the "Applications" folder and drag the "iCal" icon into the dock if it is not there already. Open "iCal." The default page should be the current date. Customize your view by selecting "Day," "Week" or "Month" at the top of the window.
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4
Select “New Calendar” under the "File" menu in iCal if you do not have a calendar already established. The list of established calendars is in the list on the left side of the iCal window. Users generally name calendars that indicate what it is used for -- "Home," "Work," "Kids" or some else descriptive.
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Highlight which calendar in the list on the left you want to add your event to. In the calendar itself, double-click the date of the event you are creating the alarm for or select “New Event” from under the "File" menu.
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Fill in your event’s information in the pop-up window. This includes the name of the event, the date, the time, the location, any invitees -- this will send an email invitation -- notes and any attachments that might be required.
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Pull down the “Alarm” menu in the event window and select how you want to be notified. The options are "Message," "Message with Sound," "Email," "Open File and Run Script." In most cases, selecting either "Message" or "Message with Sound" is adequate. You may choose how far in advance to be notified. Close the event window.
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Tips & Warnings
You can configure your iCal preferences to add a default alarm for all new events.
If your MacBook is missing iCal, download it from Apple.
If you choose an audio alert, confirm that the speakers on your computer are not muted.
