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Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch) User Manual

Page 127

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Appendix D

Top Ten Questions

127

How does the Mac OS X interface work?

Users new to Mac OS X often have questions about how to carry out certain tasks.

Your best source for Mac OS X information is Mac Help. You’ll find introductory

explanations for new users, users switching from Windows computers, and users

upgrading from Mac OS 9. Open Mac Help by choosing Help > Mac Help from the Help

menu in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Browse the new Mac OS X user

information listed there. Many of the basic tasks users are interested in involve the

Finder, so try searching for “Finder,” too.

How do I make my MacBook Pro battery last longer?

Remember to calibrate your battery when you first use it (see “Calibrating Your Battery”

on page 24). You can conserve battery power by using the Energy Saver preference

pane to specify how quickly the computer should go to sleep or dim the display. Open

System Preferences and click the Energy Saver icon. Choose settings that are optimized

for your type of usage. Using peripheral devices such as hard disks, which get power

from your computer, can also shorten the amount of time your battery lasts. You can

conserve battery power by disconnecting such devices. You can also purchase an

additional battery that you can swap into your computer when power gets low.

For more information about conserving battery power, see “Understanding Battery

Conservation Tips” on page 79.