Home > About the Library > Services and Policies > Laptop Loan > MacBook Checkout Program > MacBook FAQs and Troubleshooting

My MacBook is frozen. What do I do?

• There may be a problem with the application you're currently using. To close the application, simultaneously hold down the Command-Option-Escape keys (the Command key is the one with the apple on it).
  
  If doing that is successful, you will see a dialogue box asking you if you wish to force the application to close. Click "Yes."
• If forcing the application to close does not work, simultaneously hold down the Command-Control-Power keys (the Command key is the one with the apple on it; the power "key" is the button which you use to start the MacBook).
  
  This should cause the MacBook to reboot (and you will probably lose anything that you have not saved).

If neither of these techniques works, please let a staff member know.

I can't seem to go onto the Internet. What do I do?

If You Want to Use the MacBook on the Wireless Network at Vanderbilt

• Make sure AirPort is on.
  
  Instructions for checking the AirPort settings:
  
  
  • Find the AirPort icon in the upper right area of the desktop, left of the clock. It's a fan-shaped icon between a binoculars icon and a battery icon. When it's on, it should look like this:

    

    If it's off, select the icon to get the dropdown menu--

    

    --and turn AirPort on.

  • If AirPort appears to be on, but you are not connected--

    

    --turn AirPort off and turn it back on again. That should fix the problem.
  • If you see a little computer image superimposed over the AirPort icon--

    

    --this means you are connected to a different network. To get connected to the Vanderbilt wireless network, select the AirPort icon, turn AirPort off, and turn it back on again.
• Make sure you're using the MacBook in an area with wireless coverage. On a computer connected to the Internet, check the Wireless LAN Coverage page from Information Technology Services.

If, after following these instructions, you continue to be unable to connect to the Internet, please let a staff member know.

Please note: The MacBooks will not connect to outside networks. If you take a MacBook off-campus and try to connect to a network, then return to campus, you may have to reboot the computer to re-connect to the VU network.

If You Want to Use the MacBook on the Wired Network at Vanderbilt

Connecting the MacBook to an Ethernet port with an Ethernet cable should give you access to the wired network.

However, if you are unable to connect to the Internet, please let a staff member know.

If You Want to Use a Modem Connection

To use Vanderbilt's dial-up access, do the following:

1. Make sure the laptop is connected to a phone jack.
2. Select the telephone icon in the upper right corner of the desktop and choose "Open Internet Connect":

   

3. Enter your VUnet ID in the "Account Name" field and your password in the "Password" field and select the "Connect" button. The "Configuration" dropdown should be either "Main Number" or "Alternate Number."

   

4. When you've successfully connected, the Internal Modem window should look like this (account name and password information have been removed from the image):

   

5. When you are done, select the "Disconnect" button to close the connection.
6. Close the "Internet Connect" application. If you are prompted to save the configuration, DO NOT do so.

To dial-in to another service provider, do the following:

1. Make sure the laptop is connected to a phone jack.
2. Select the telephone icon in the upper right corner of the desktop and choose "Open Internet Connect...":

   

3. From the Configuration dropdown, choose "Other". Fill in the telephone number, account name, and password, and select the "Connect" button.

   

4. When you've successfully connected, the Internal Modem window should look like this (the Configuration dropdown would be "Other" rather than "Alternate Number"; account name and password information have been removed from the image):

   

5. When you are done, select the "Disconnect" button to close the connection.
6. Close the "Internet Connect" application. If you are prompted to save the configuration, DO NOT do so.

I'm in the Peabody Library and I can't seem to print. What do I do?

All print jobs will go to the printer in the Fireplace Reading Room on the first floor of the Peabody Library. You will need to authorize each print job from the print release station situated opposite the printer.

If your job is not showing up on the print release station, make sure you are connected to the network (see "I can't seem to go onto the Internet. What do I do?" for troubleshooting connection problems).

If you are connecting to the Vanderbilt network but still can't print, please let a staff member know.

How much battery life do I have left?

You can get a sense of how much life is left in the iBook battery by looking at the battery icon (between the fan-shaped AirPort icon and the display icon [which looks like a computer monitor]):

The more the battery icon is filled, the more battery life you have. If the battery is running low, a warning box will appear on the desktop. At that point, it is advisable to save your work and plug the MacBook into an electrical outlet.

 

Remember: Should you run into any problems in using the MacBook (e.g., you can't browse the web, an application won't run, etc.), please don't hesitate to notify a staff member.

 

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Last updated November 17, 2005 by Chris Benda.