This article contains iMac commonly asked questions, and information regarding technical issues that may be encountered with an iMac. If the link to the answer to your question is not here, try using the Knowledge Base Search function, or visit the iMac Discussion Board to find more current information.

Links to Knowledge Base articles regarding the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) included in this article:

1. Some of my menu options, such as Sleep, Restart, Get Info, and View Options are no longer listed. What is causing this symptom?

2. What type of random-access memory (RAM) and video random-access memory (VRAM) do I need for my iMac?

3. How do I upgrade the memory in my iMac?

4. Why is there a hole in the I/O door?

5. My modem dials automatically. How do I get it to stop?

6. How do I change my default browser and email application?

7. How do I register the ClarisWorks application that came with my iMac?

8. What books do you recommend to learn about the Macintosh computers in general, Mac OS, and iMac?

9. Certain CD-ROM discs make a vibrating noise when used in my iMac. What is causing this noise and how can I eliminate it?

10. I am having some difficulty in connecting to my Internet service provider (ISP). Sometimes I will connect successfully, but the connection is dropped after a few minutes. What can I do to resolve this issue?

11. I get intermittent freezes and type xx errors. What should I do?

12. Where can I get the software updates mentioned here?

Question 1: Some of my menu options, such as Sleep, Restart, Get Info, and View Options are no longer listed. What is causing this symptom?

Answer: See the following articles:

• article 30157: " Mac OS 8: No Sleep Choice in Special Menu "
• article 58047: " Mac OS 8.5: Keyboard Commands Disabled by Simple Finder "

Question 2: What type of random-access memory (RAM) and video random-access memory (VRAM) do I need for my iMac?

Answer: See the following articles:

• article 58007: " iMac: Type of Memory to Order to Upgrade RAM and VRAM "
• article 43011: " iMac: About Memory, DRAM and Video Memory Configurations "

Question 3: How do I upgrade the memory in my iMac?

Answer: See the following articles:

• article 58466: " iMac (Slot Loading): Memory: Specifications and Upgrades "
• article 43012: " iMac: Installing Memory (1 of 2) "
• article 43013: " iMac: Installing Memory (2 of 2) "
  

Answer: The hole is for using a finger to open the door.

• article 58055: " iMac: Hole in I/O Door Not For Cables "

Question 5: My modem dials automatically. How do I get it to stop?

Answer: There are numerous settings to automate a connection to the Internet. Most settings are listed in the following article:

• article 24877: " Modem Dials Automatically "

Question 6: How do I change my default browser and email application?

Answer: Apple recommends using the Internet control panel.

• article 58041 " iMac: Changing Internet Settings and Applications "

Review the following articles for further tips:

• article 24679: " Mac OS 8.5: Internet Control Panel or Internet Config? "
• article 24676: " Mac OS 8.5: Mac OS Help Crashes With Type 3 Error "
• article 58168: " Mac OS 8.5: Error Opening Internet Control Panel or File Exchange "
• article 24736: " Sherlock: Internet Config Conflict "

Question 7: How do I register the ClarisWorks application that came with my iMac?

Answer: article 30702: " iMac: ClarisWorks Registration Information "

Question 8: What books do you recommend to learn about Macintosh computers in general, Mac OS, and iMac?

Answer: Your local book store has many excellent books covering those subjects. Here are a few books recommended by Macintosh users like yourself.

• "The Little Mac Book"
• "Sad Macs, Bombs, and Other Disasters : And What to Do About Them"
• "Beyond the Little Mac Book"
• "The Little iMac Book"
• "The Macintosh Bible (Bible Series)"
• "Mac OS 8.5 for Dummies (For Dummies)"
• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Macintosh OS 8.5"
• "Mac Answers!"

• "The iMac for Dummies"
• "Sam's Teach Yourself iMac in 10 Minutes"
• "The iMac Book "
• "Quick Start Your iMac Training CD - Macintosh (1 of 1) Vol. 1"

Question 9: Certain CD-ROM discs make a vibrating noise when used in my iMac. What is causing this noise and how can I eliminate it?

Answer: It is normal to get a slight vibrating noise with certain CD-ROM discs when using a high-speed CD-ROM drive like the drive in the iMac. The artwork on a CD-ROM disc may cause the CD's center of gravity to be slightly off center. Because the CD is spinning at such a fast rate, the CD will wobble, which in turn causes a slight vibration. This is perfectly normal and does not damage your computer or CD-ROM drive in any way.

If you are using a CD with a removable, sticky label, remove the label prior to using the CD.

Also install iMac CD Update 2.0. This software update improves the way the CD-ROM drive handles unbalanced CD-ROM discs. It may reduce the amount of vibration for most CD-ROM discs.

The software is available from the Apple Software Updates site:

• article 20233: " Macintosh Computers: 8x-Speed (or faster) CD-ROM Drive & Vibration "

Question 10: I am having some difficulty in connecting to my Internet service provider (ISP). Sometimes I connect successfully, but the connection is dropped after a few minutes. What can I do to resolve this issue?

Answer: See the following articles:

• article 30893: " iMac: Troubleshooting Modem Not Responding Error "
• article 24789: " iMac: Troubleshooting "No Dial Tone " "
• article 24803: " iMac: Troubleshooting Unreliable Modem Connections "
• article 58046: " iMac: ISP Compatibility With v.90 Specification "
• article 30734: " V.90 Protocol: Connectivity Discussion "
• article 24482: " 56Kbps Modems: Getting the Fastest Connection "

Question 11: I get intermittent situations where the computer stops responding and I receive type xx errors. What should I do?

Answer: For information on troubleshooting these situations, refer to page 9 of the Emergency Handbook provided with your iMac. Also see:

• article 1749: " Macintosh System Error Codes Explained "
• article 16473: " Mac OS: Troubleshooting Startup Problems "

Question12: Where can I get the software updates mentioned here?

Answer: The following article can help you locate the Apple software updates mentioned here:

• article 14724: " Where To Find Apple Software Updates" Lists online services for free Apple software updates. To locate iMac specific updates search "iMac."