How to Fix a MagSafe Power Adapter (4 Steps)

Make sure the power outlet you plug your power adaptor into is working properly. Test the power outlet by plugging an appliance that you know works, such as a lamp or a television, into it.
It is normal for the power adapter to heat up a little during use. Disconnect your adapter and let it cool off if it overheats. The adapter should function correctly after it has cooled.
Your MagSafe adapter may malfunction due to the pins located in the connector getting stuck. For example, all of the pins may get stuck in a downward position. When a pin gets stuck, unplug the power adapter from the power port and plug it back in. This makes the pins shift and set themselves again into a neutral position. If you are having trouble getting the pins to reset themselves, press them gently sideways with a non-abrasive object such as your finger.
Check the power port on your Apple computer and the adapter connector on your MagSafe for any damage, and clean them both. Clean the computer port or the power adapter plug by taking the adapter out of the outlet or by taking the battery out of the computer. Clean the connectors carefully using small, precise tools, such as a cotton swab or a toothbrush with soft bristles. Ensure no cotton fibers stick to the pins. Use rubbing alcohol if you want to clean the connectors thoroughly. Ensure that all connectors are completely dry before using your adapter or computer.
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How to Find a Lost iPod (6 Steps)

Register your iPod with Apple and keep a record of your serial number to help you find your iPod if it is lost. You can go to Apple's website to register online and create an Apple ID name and password if you don't have one already with iTunes. Type in your serial number, which is found on the back of your iPod, after logging in and fill in your address and phone number. If someone calls Apple to report finding your lost iPod, Apple will call you on the phone number listed in your profile.
Obtain iGuard tracking protection software online through their website. After you pay the fees for the service and register on their website, they can help you locate your iPod if it is stolen. After reporting it stolen, iGuard will contact you via email with the location of the device (IP address, PC user name, ISP and city and state) as soon as your iPod is connected to a computer with an Internet connection.
Register your iPod with the Lost iPods site. With a $5 payment, Lost iPods will provide you with a sticker on your iPod where the person who has found your iPod can contact Lost iPods and if someone reports a serial number of an iPod found on their site, they will immediately contact you.
Purchase protection for your iPod with GadgetTrak and register on their website. Install their agent files onto your iPod and if your iPod gets lost or stolen, simply log into your account on GadgetTrak's website and activate the tracking for your iPod. As soon as your iPod is used on a computer with Internet access, you will be contacted with all the information about the computer and location. You will even be provided with a map pinpointing the exact location of the user of your iPod.
Post an ad in the paper or on Craigslist asking for the return of your lost iPod. Explain exactly when and where you lost your iPod and offer a reward if you can. Though rare, it has happened that people who have found iPods have returned them due to ads they have read in the paper or online.
Report your stolen iPod with the police if you are a victim of theft. Give them the serial number and description of your device when doing so to better your chance of finding your iPod.
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How to Change the Date and Time Zone on Mac OS X

Click on the Apple Menu in the upper left-hand corner of your screen and select 'System Preferences.'
Click on the 'Date and Time' icon in the Preferences Panel to activate the 'Date and Time' preferences.
Click on the 'Date and Time' button at the top-center of the panel. The date and time can be automatically adjusted from a network time server, if your Mac is connected to the Internet, by checking 'Set Date & Time Automatically.' Your computer will adjust its internal clock to a central network server.
Set the date and time manually. If you are not connected to the Internet, de-select the 'Set Date & Time Automatically' check-box and adjust the date and time using the date and time adjustment arrows above the calendar and clock. The date can also be selected by clicking on the corresponding calendar day. The time can also be adjusted by clicking on the time displayed above the clock and entering the correct time using the numbers on your keyboard.
Select your current and correct time zone on your computer. To select the time zone, click on the 'Time Zone' button at the top of the 'Date and Time' panel. Click on the world map to select the city nearest to your location or use the pop-up box to select the closest city to your location. When you've completed your date and time adjustments, close the 'Date and Time' preference pane to save your settings.
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How to Use Newsgroups on an Ipad

Launch the App Store on your iPad by tapping its icon on the home screen.
Tap the 'Categories' button to browse the App Store, or tap the 'Search' button, and enter a search term to find a suitable newsreader app, such as NewsTap, PhoNews or Unison.
Tap the entry for your newsreader app in the search results to open its listing page, and tap the 'Buy' button. Tap the button again to download and install the newsreader app on your iPad.
Launch the newsreader app, and tap the button to add a new newsgroup server's connection details. Consult the app's documentation to locate this button, as each application is different.
Open the list of newsgroups, and tap the entry for the one you want to access. A list of current discussions will be displayed for you to read.
Tap the button to connect to a specific newsgroup if you want to participate. Enter your post into the text box using the iPad's on-screen keyboard, and press the 'Enter' key to post it to the group.
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How to Do a Mac Backup to an External Drive (13 Steps)

Download Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC).
Double-click the DMG file you downloaded to mount the CCC disk image. In the window that appears, drag the CCC icon to the 'Applications' folder alias to copy CCC to your Applications folder.
Launch CCC from your Applications folder. The first time you launch the program, click the 'Agree' button in the drop-down pane to acknowledge the license agreement, then click 'No Thanks' to proceed to the main interface.
Select your Mac's built-in hard drive from the 'Source Disk' drop-down menu, then select your external hard drive from the 'Target Disk' drop-down menu. If your external hard drive is not in the list, power it on and connect it to your Mac, making sure its icon appears on your desktop. Leave the 'Backup everything' option selected in the 'Cloning options:' drop-down menu, unless you only wish to back up some of your Mac's data. You can also choose 'Incremental backup of selected items', then specify which files to copy using the checkboxes in the file list that appears in the left pane of the window. Note that the external hard drive must be formatted using the HFS+ file system to create a backup with CCC (see References 1).
Click 'Clone' to begin the process. Then Enter your administrator password when prompted to do so, and wait until the process completes. Be sure that you have rewiewed the backup scheme you've specified in the 'What is going to happen:' field near the bottom of the window.
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How to Troubleshoot Apple Laptops

Press the button on the MacBook battery, or on the side of the computer (for models with an integrated battery), to see if the battery is charged. Several LED lights indicate a charged battery; a single blinking light means the battery is empty.
Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the MacBook and the wall socket for one minute. Reconnect it first to the wall, then to the MacBook. If the LED on the MagSafe cable turns on, the laptop is now charging. Press the power button to see if the MacBook starts up.
Hold down the control, command, and power buttons for three seconds to attempt to restart your MacBook. You will hear a startup chime if this is successful.
Hold down command, option, and the 'P' and 'R' keys until you hear a startup chime. This resets the 'parameter RAM' or 'PRAM,' which may prevent your computer from starting up.
Reset the system management controller. There are two methods of doing this, depending on your MacBook. Reset MacBooks with a removable battery by disconnecting the power cord and removing the battery, then holding the power button for five seconds. In newer MacBooks with an integrated battery, hold the left-side shift, control, and option keys while pressing the power button. Reconnect the power cable and press the power button to start the MacBook.
Remove any additional RAM you may have installed and determine whether you can start up your MacBook without it. The method of removing RAM varies by MacBook; consult your MacBook's manual for instructions. If you are uncomfortable removing the RAM from your MacBook, skip to the next step.
Schedule a service appointment at an Apple Store or authorized reseller if these steps do not restore your MacBook. They will work through these steps as well, and set up a repair for your MacBook if it needs servicing.
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How to Connect a MacBook to an LCD TV (6 Steps)

Determine what video cable you need for your MacBook. Older plastic MacBooks require a mini DVI to HDMI adapter and aluminum MacBooks require a mini display port to HDMI adapter. Also, 2009 plastic MacBooks use the mini display port to HDMI cable.
Plug one end of the video adapter into the video output jack of your MacBook. The video output port is on the left hand side of your MacBook.
Insert one end of the HDMI cable into the opposite end of the video adapter.
Connect the opposite end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI input jack of your LCD TV. This is usually located on one of the sides or the back of most LCD TVs.
Change the video input source on your TV to the input that your computer is plugged into. Press the 'Source' or 'Input' button on your remote control to change the video input source.
Optimize display settings on your MacBook. Click the 'Apple' menu followed by 'System Preferences.' Click 'Displays' under the 'Hardware' menu. Click the 'Detect Displays' and the MacBook automatically detects the LCD TV and optimizes the display settings.
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