Any thing I should know?

It's a smart idea to ask for advice as to how to keep your Powerbook working safely for a while, but it's a better idea to ask for specifics. I'll get you started with some Dos and Don'ts about your Powerbook:


Do:
Update your Powerbook to the latest version of OS X, and keep it running the latest version of OS X until Apple releases something newer. Currently, this is the latest version - 10.3.4.

Similarly, keep all your Apple software up to date. That includes: Quicktime, iTunes, and Mac OS X, as mentioned straight above. Also, check for updates every so often. If you're on a low-speed connection (such as I am), keep all of your downloaded software organized and in folders of their own.


Don't:
Do not install alpha or beta software if you don't need it, or unless you're feeling really lucky. One of the fastest ways to "screw up" any computer is by installing too much buggy software, or software that hasn't been fully tested and debugged properly.

Do not use Software Update (located in: System Preferences > Software Update (third row)) to update your software. Software Update sometimes has problems connecting to the Apple server, and it sometimes deletes downloaded packages on you. Instead, go here to download the latest Apple software. Get to know that link, and keep it memorized it after you have typed it in enough times. But if Apple has announced new software that is available via Software Update but not the downloads page, then use Software Update.

Do not allow your Powerbook's battery to run all the way down to zero! That will hurt your Powerbook's battery life. Keep it charged and above 10% at all times, or you might lessen the capacity of the Li-ion battery. If it happens once in a while, that's fine, but constantly draining your Li-ion battery is not recommended.

 

dont be afraid to keep your book on all night, it wont harm it at all, its actually better because Mac OS X runs some matinence late at night, but if you let it sleep or whatever at might there are other ways to make sure that this matinence gets done with progams like MacJanitor or OnyX.

There are a lot if different bags that you can get for your book. Shop around online and look at the apple store for some ideas.

Versiontracker.com and MacUpdate are two awesome resources for shareware, demos, freeware, ect ect.

Feel free to ask questions here if you have problems (look around the site for answers because most of the time doing a quick search might turn up your answer).

Enjoy your powerbook and OS X.

~Tim

 

i think it is ok to use the software update in os x... i have had problems when it trys to install the package for me, so i always use the download only option and then install the package myself. works everytime.

 

I've never had any problems with software update, Apple recommends using it anyway. If you download something from the downloads page, half the time it tells you to use software update anyway.

 

Invest the $30-40 on a notebook cooling pad. Improves airflow and keeps the machine cool.

 

Unless your machine has specific problems (like, being behind a nasty firewall or something), there is absolutely no reason not to use software update. It's faster and it can be run automatically, instead of having to remember to go check for updates... Why not let it do it's job, rather than forget to go look for weeks or months, and potentially miss an important update.

Set it to check for updates weekly or daily. It's handy.

I agree with the beta software assessment, I've seen a lot of people screw up computers with the most useless beta crap. Most of it winds up being aesthetic enhancements, etc. BTW, 3rd-party aesthetic enhancements are also a good way to screw up your system, because when you upgrade to a new OS, all sorts of nasty things can happen...

paul

 

my wife has a real cool bag for her 12 inch powerbook. i think the name of the brand is macally.

 

From memory, here is what I know I've used the downloads page for:

[1] 10.2.4 combo update
[2] 10.2.8 original (before it was removed, though it worked fine for me)
[3] 10.2.8 updated version
[4] iPhoto 2.0.x
[5] Security Update 04-08-2004 I think is the name
[6] 10.3.2
[7] 10.3.3
[8] 10.3.4
[9] 10.3.4 combo

Out of those 9 items, none of them told me to use Software Update. For programs like Quicktime or iTunes, you need to fill out a short form before downloading.

The other advantage to the downloads page is the browser accepts the file. That means I can tell how long it will take before a file has finished downloading (big help for dial-up users, such as myself), the elapsed time and time remaining (again, handy), and pause the download to restart it later if I want.

 

i have a waterfield vertical sleeve for my 12" pb. fits like a glove and protects is from australopithecines to zebra stampedes. it doesn't take up much extra space in my backpack either (yes, it's a sleeve, so it isn't a carrying bag by itself though it could be, if you order the model with straps). simply an elegant and robust solution imho. not too cheap though.

 

I never had any problems with Software Update. Maybe if you still use 56k or something, it may be annoying when you get disconnected, but you're going to college anyway, and there's broadband there most likely (if not, switch colleges! )

 

Check out my site for people like you

http://macinfo.50megs.com/

 

I've also never had any problem with Software Update. I understand it might not be so great for those not on broadband. For the rest of us, though, it's simple and it checks automatically. I set mine to check daily and to download important updates in the background.