OS X Troubleshooting, El Capitan Edition

No computer provides a trouble-free experience. This handy guide walks you through ways to diagnose, fix, and prevent the most common Mac hardware, software, and operating system problems. You'll learn how to handle problems confidently by using a systematic, iterative process and an array of built-in tools.


• Use startup commands, safe mode, and verbose mode to troubleshoot issues that occur before you log in.

• Degunk your Mac by resetting non-volatile memory and the system management controller.

• Use Activity Monitor, Disk Utility, OS X Recovery, and other specialized tools to analyze and fix problems.

• Diagnose and repair network and internet connectivity issues.

• Speed up a slow Mac.

• Repair file permissions.

• Find and fix deviant system preferences.

• Delete damaged settings from OS X's Library folders.

• Learn where to find online solutions to esoteric problems.

• Covers El Capitan and earlier OS X versions.

• Plenty of tips, tricks, and timesavers.

• Fully cross-referenced, linked, and searchable.


Contents

1. Getting Started

2. Using Startup Commands

3. Resetting the SMC

4. Resetting NVRAM

5. Starting in Safe Mode or Verbose Mode

6. Using OS X Recovery

7. Network Settings and Diagnostics

8. Resetting Network Settings

9. More Network Tricks

10. Slow Computers

11. Permissions Problems

12. Errant System Preferences

13. Exploring OS X's Libraries

14. Finding Solutions on the Web


About the Author

Diane Yee is a technical writer in Sunnyvale, California.