new to mac, few questions

[rd93]

hi, i just got a macbook air, and this is my first mac, and have some questions.

1. how to i turn off? like in my windows laptop i just used to close the screen, and it just locked. is this okay for macbook air? or am i supposed to click on the apple symbol and shut down? or log off and then close my screen? or hold the power button? what's the best/safest way?

2. also, i downloaded silverlight so i could use netflix. now silverlight is showing up in my desktop, like it's the only window, how do i get rid of it (or is it supposed to be there?) like i don't want to uninstall it, but i think it would look better if it wasn't on my desktop. when i right click, it has an eject silverlight option, what will this do? should i?

thanks

 

[Intell]

You can just close it like you did your Windows laptop. It is safe to eject Silverlight. Most Mac programs come in the form of a virtual disk image.

 

[rd93]

thanks! another question, how do i charge my macbook air? there are two cords that came with it, one that can connect to the laptop, and then plug it in, and another thicker one that you can connect to the charger. is the thick one just to make it longer? or is it like a surge protector thing? is it safe to just use the single short one? thx

 

[DeltaMac]

Yes, the second cord can be used if you need more distance to your mains socket. It also (IMHO) makes the charger physically easier to use in a variety of locations. There's no requirement to use the longer cord, if you are OK with the little fold-out plug (which is called a duck-head, btw )

The only power option that you should NOT use is holding the power button. That's just for emergencies, when nothing else will power your laptop off. You do run some risk of corrupting files that might be left open incorrectly. So sleep by closing the lid, or through the Apple menu, or shut down through that same menu. That choice is yours.

 

[rd93]

alright thanks!

and another question, do i need to close the application before closing down the lid? like let's say safari and Xcode are on, do i need to minimize or close them before closing the lid? like if i won't use the macbook for 20 hours, can i just close the lid without closing any applications, and then 20 hours later open the lid an go back to work? like it won't damage the laptop or anything, or make it slower? thanks

 

[glenthompson]

alright thanks!

and another question, do i need to close the application before closing down the lid? like let's say safari and Xcode are on, do i need to minimize or close them before closing the lid? like if i won't use the macbook for 20 hours, can i just close the lid without closing any applications, and then 20 hours later open the lid an go back to work? like it won't damage the laptop or anything, or make it slower? thanks

When in sleep mode with the lid closed it does use some power. The amount varies among models. Most will last 2 or 3 days easily. No need to shutdown apps but you should save any work in progress. Save early, save often is a good mantra.