Home / Topics / Mac & Chromebook
Mac & Chromebook
Fixes and how-tos for MacBooks, iMacs and Chromebooks. 26 guides in 4 sections.
Download the Mac & Chromebook handbook (PDF)
Mac problems
Mac: my Mac is slow or shows the spinning wheelThe spinning rainbow wheel means your Mac is busy and cannot keep up with what you have asked it to do.Mac: my Mac will not start upIf your Mac does not start, do not panic.Mac: storage is full and what is System DataA message saying your startup disc is almost full can stop updates and slow your Mac.Mac: Wi-Fi keeps dropping or will not connectWhen the Wi-Fi on your Mac stops working, the fault is often with the router or the connection, not the Mac itself.Mac: how to close a frozen app (Force Quit)When an app stops responding, you can close it without restarting your whole Mac.Mac: sound, microphone or camera not workingIf you cannot hear anything, or people cannot hear or see you on calls, the cause is usually a setting rather than a fault.Mac: how to set up and fix printingMost modern printers work with a Mac without any extra software.Mac: how to use Safe ModeSafe Mode starts your Mac with only the essentials.Mac: forgotten your Mac passwordForgetting a Mac password is common, and Apple provides official ways to get back in.
Mac updates, backup & how-tos
Mac: how to install macOS updates safelyUpdates keep your Mac secure and working well.Mac: Time Machine backup basicsTime Machine is the backup tool built into every Mac.Mac: how to take screenshots and record your screenA screenshot is a picture of what is on your screen.Mac: useful keyboard shortcuts for everyday useKeyboard shortcuts save time and make a Mac feel easier to use.Switching from Windows to a Mac: what is differentMoving from Windows to a Mac can feel strange at first, but most things have an equivalent.
Chromebook problems
Chromebook: it will not turn on or chargeA Chromebook that seems dead is often just out of battery or has a charging problem.Chromebook: how to speed up a slow ChromebookChromebooks are built to be quick, but they slow down when memory, storage or the browser gets overloaded.Chromebook: Wi-Fi problems and how to fix themWhen the internet fails on a Chromebook, the cause is often the router or a simple setting.Chromebook: sign-in problems and school or work managed accountsSign-in problems on a Chromebook are usually about the Google account, not the device.Chromebook: storage full and how to free spaceChromebooks often have small storage, so they can fill up quickly.Chromebook: keyboard, touchpad and screen problemsIf part of your Chromebook is misbehaving, a few simple checks fix most problems.
Chromebook updates, apps & how-tos
Chromebook: how to update ChromeOSChromeOS updates itself in the background, but it does help to check, especially if something is not working properly.Chromebook: how to Powerwash (reset) safelyA Powerwash is a factory reset for a Chromebook.Chromebook: how to connect a printerChromebooks can print to most modern printers that connect by Wi-Fi, without needing any special software.Chromebook: using Android apps and Google PlayMany newer Chromebooks can install Android apps from the Google Play Store, such as games and other tools.Chromebook: how to take screenshots and record your screenScreenshots are pictures of what is on your screen.Chromebook: automatic update expiry (AUE) explainedEvery Chromebook has an end date for updates, called the Auto Update Expiration (AUE) date.
No guides match that. Try fewer words, or email us and we will help.