How to Get Help on a Mac

Stuck with a Mac problem? Here are some steps to get out of trouble. These instructions work for Mac OS 8.0 and later.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer Keyboard (Mac)
• Internet Access
• Mac OS 9.0

1. Read the manual that came with your Mac. The problem may be that simple.
2. Use your Mac's built-in Help function. On extended keyboards, you can press the Help key. Or open the Help menu in the Finder.
3. Choose Show Balloons to turn on Balloon Help. Whenever you point to an on-screen object, you'll see a text "balloon" that describes it.
4. Choose MacOS Help for step-by-step instructions related to the operating system (basic computer tasks).
5. In some OS versions, choose Help Center to see different kinds of help on your computer (including the MacOS Help).
6. Check out Macintosh newsgroups (Usenet) and chat rooms. Some newsgroups include comp.sys.mac.misc (general discussions about the Macintosh); comp.sys.mac.hardware (Macintosh hardware discussions); comp.sys.mac.apps (Macintosh applications discussions).
7. Check out free or for-fee help on the Web. Sites include lowendmac.net/helpdesk.shtml and macfixit.pair.com/.

Tips & Warnings

• Join a MUG - a Macintosh Users Group. They're the best source for help and current information on working with your Mac.
• Subscribe to a Mac magazine.
• For help with specific software, contact the software publisher, either by phone or over the Internet.

Who Can Help:

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