How to Organize Files on a Mac

Create a new folder (Apple-Shift-N) on your desktop and name it 'Desktop Files To Be Sorted.' Drag all of the files and folders on your desktop into this folder. Create a second folder on your desktop, and name it 'Hard Drive Files To Be Sorted.' Drag all your personal files and folders that reside on your hard drive (which doesn't include the Applications, Library, System and Users folders) into this folder. Apart from the hard drive icon, the only items on your desktop should be these two folders.
Create a third folder on your desktop, and give it a name that indicates that it is your main folder, perhaps something like 'Master Folder.' Double click on Master Folder and create the following folders inside of it:
Admin '
Home '
Work '
This means that every one of your files and folders will reside in one of three of these subfolders. Each of these will have two or more subfolders inside of it that will allow you to find anything quickly. Note that this is the simplest file structure for the home user. Mac users at work or those who freelance might require a more complex file hierarchy.
Customize each of the folders by adding subfolders tailored to your specific needs. For example, 'Admin' subfolders could include insurance information, family records and children's schoolwork and activities; 'Home' subfolders could include financial information, anything to do with hobbies at home (eBay or recipe files, for example) and anything house or home-related; 'Work' subfolders could include freelance work, backup files from your job and resume and job search information.
Open the 'Desktop Files To Be Sorted' folder. Drag the window to the left-hand side of your screen, and open the 'Master Folder.' Drag that window to the right-hand side of your screen. Then start dragging the files into their appropriate folders within the 'Master Folder' (or the appropriate subfolders within the 'Master Folder'). This is also a good chance to trash any unnecessary files and folders. Repeat this process with the 'Hard Drive Files To Be Sorted' folder. When both the desktop and hard drive folders are empty, drag them into the trash.
Use a software package to make a virtual catalog of your files. While Apple's Spotlight program (built into OS X) is decent enough, most users find that a third-party application such as Tri-Catalog makes locating files and folders much faster and much more intuitive.
Back up your files. In the event of hard drive failure or theft, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't take the time to properly back up your files. Professional recovery services can cost thousands of dollars, so avoid it by backing up your files on a regular basis, which is a simple and inexpensive process. A three-tier backup is recommended: An occasional backup of the Master Folder on DVD, a Time Machine backup of the Master Folder to an external hard drive (USB or FireWire) on a regular basis and an online backup using one of the online data backup services, such as Mozy. See the References section below for more information on these backup schemes.
Review your files on an annual basis. You may want to archive files that have no current significance, but are worth keeping, and renew some items (such as an annual medical expense spreadsheet). The idea is to keep your Master Folder streamlined, and avoid the file duplication and clutter that you previously had.
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How to Set Up a Preowned iPad

Connect your computer to a high-speed Internet connection, such as a DSL, cable or satellite connection.
Browse to Apple.com/iTunes/Download and follow the onscreen instructions to download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer. If your computer already has iTunes installed, launch iTunes and follow any onscreen prompts to update to the newest version if these prompts appear.
Sign into iTunes if you have an existing account. Otherwise, click the 'Store' option and create an account by following the directions on your screen. iTunes will require a credit card to keep on file so you can purchase apps (software) for your iPad.
Plug your iPad sync cable into the iPad and a USB port on your computer. The sync cable is the same as your charger cable. Simply pull the cord out of the square wall connector to reveal the USB connector.
Wait for iTunes to recognize your device. It may take a few minutes, but the left panel of iTunes will add a 'Devices' section and the name of your iPad will appear in this list.
Click your iPad's name. This will open the device summary tab.
Swipe the 'Swipe to Cancel' button on your iPad if it starts to sync automatically. After the automatic sync stops, click the 'Restore' button in iTunes. Follow any onscreen prompts to wipe any iPad data and reinstall the operating system.
Click each of the tabs across the top of iTunes, including 'Music,' 'Books,' 'Movies' and 'Photos' and select any of these items you want to sync to your iPad using the iTunes interface. Click 'Sync' or 'Apply' when you are finished.
Disconnect your iPad from the computer after the iTunes window says the sync process is complete. It is now ready to use.
Tap the 'Settings' icon and choose 'Wi-Fi' to set up your wireless network. Just tap the name of your local network when it appears and enter the password, if necessary.
Tap the 'Mail, Contacts and Calendars' setting to set these accounts. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup.
Press the home button to return to your home screen when you finish with the settings. Tap the 'App Store' icon to begin browsing for apps to expand your iPad's capabilities.
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How to Connect a VCR to a Mac

You'll need an Apple DVI-to-video adapter for your Mac. Some MacBooks and older iBooks and PowerBooks were shipped with the adapter, so you may have one available. The DVI-to-video adapter is a small device that essentially makes it possible to feed a signal to the VCR or any device with an S-Video port.
Different Mac models require different video adapters. The good news is that the adapter is relatively inexpensive. iMac models have a mini-DVI port and will use the Apple Mini-DVI-to-video adapter. The MacBook and the 12' PowerBook G4 also use this adapter. The Mac Pros have a standard DVI port and require the Apple DVI-to-video adapter. MacBook Pro, Mac Mini and Power Mac G5 computers will also use the latter adapter.
Connect the DVI adapter to your Mac, then connect the S-Video cable to the S-Video output port of the DVI adapter. If you have a VCR with an S-Video input, simply connect the S-Video cable to the VCR's S-Video input port. Most new VCRs are S-VCRs. Your S-VCR is now ready to record input from your Mac.
If you are using an older VCR without an S-Video input, you will need to purchase an S-Video-to-component video converter. You also might be able to use a digital camcorder as a pass-through device, connecting the S-Video to the camcorder while it is paused in record mode and running S-Video out to the VCR.
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How to Connect a MacBook to the Internet (7 Steps)

Evaluate the type of Internet connection you will use to connect your MacBook to the Internet. There are four types of connections you can use, according to the MacBook User's Guide: AirPort wireless connection, modem, Ethernet or dial-up.
Gather any pertinent information you will need to access the connection. Often wireless and Ethernet or LAN networks require an IP address, and are secured with a user name and password which will be required to gain Internet access.
Open the System Preferences menu from the Apple drop down menu in the top left corner of your screen.
Click on the Networks tab within the System Preferences pane and choose your mode of connection (AirPort wireless connection, modem, Ethernet or dial-up).
Enter any required information such as password. The Set-Up Assistant will help walk you through the process of establishing your Internet connection.
Plug any wires or cables into the computer. This is necessary when you are connecting to a phone line for dial-up Internet or a modem device.
Open your internet browser to ensure you have properly established an Internet connection.
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