Mac 101: Keep all your service info close to hand
More Mac 101, our series of tips and tricks for novice Mac users.
As reliable and fantastic as your Mac is, chances are it will occasionally need service. When you're speaking with a representative on the phone or standing at the Genius Bar with your lovely, you'll be asked to provide some basic information, like the model, OS and so on.
That's the easy stuff we know off the top of our heads. Other specifics, like serial number, the kind of processor, the date of purchase and so on are harder to remember. Fortunately, Apple has produced some cheat sheets that you can print, fill out and store away until they're needed.
There are three documents available: "My Mac Hardware," "My Mac OS X Software and my Apple ID," and "My Internet Connection." Print them, fill them out and keep them stashed somewhere safe. It'll only take a minute and when you need them, you'll be glad they're there.
Share
Categories
More Mac 101, our series of tips and tricks for novice Mac users. As reliable and fantastic as your Mac is, chances are it will...
Add a Comment
"Print, fill out, and..."
lol! print!
Apple, About My Mac, More Info, gets you System Profiler (or via Spotlight).
Then File, Print -
Gives you a PDF with all manner of details.Print, save as a PDF, then just email yourself it, gets most info that way.
Gives you:
Hardware detailsSoftware Applications list, all sorts of things.
Or you could save it using the File Menu.
August 30 2010 at 12:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNo. They need this information, or they need you to change the admin password to something they have access to. Even when doing a hardware repair, they may need to test the component (for example, the fan if they replaced it.)
If a Master password comes on after a screensaver, they may be locked out of your machine and unable to complete the repair.
„My Mac OS X account password is: …“
„If my account is not an admin account, which account is an admin and what is its password?“
„My master password for this computer (if set) is: …“
„My Apple ID password is: …“
Are the joking?
Depending upon the problem the information could be useful. Besides encouraging people to write that info down can be helpful simply because so many forget.
However Apple should be putting people on notice to closely guard such info. Besides that any computer you take into a shop for servicing shouldbe inspected afterwards and the pass words changed. The security risks are real which is one reason that do as much as possible myself. Really sensitive info should never be kept on a laptop anyways.
Dave
Deals of the Day
more deals- Cases for New iPad at HandHeldItems: Extra 20% off, $2 credit, from $3 + $3 s&h
- $15 Apple iTunes Gift Card for $8 for new Saveology customers
- Philips Fidelio Docking Speaker Station for iPhone / iPod for $38 + $6 s&h
- Retro 80's Case for iPhone for $11 + $2 s&h
- HHI 360 Dual-View Stand Case for new iPad w/ $2 credit for $12 + $3 s&h
- HHI ReElegant Smart Cover Companion Case for new iPad from $5 + $3 s&h
Software Updates
more updatesFeatured Stories
more stories
Popular Stories
TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
6 Comments