A&D IT: F.A.Q.

OS X has been designed for computer sharing — any situation where different groups of people use the same computer. Each user has a special place to set up his or her files/folders, and that place is the user's Home folder.

On computers set up at the School of Art & Design, this folder will have the same name as your University of Michigan Uniqname. This Home folder is where users will save all documents, bookmarks, font collections, and any other files that they accumulate. This folder is located at:

Macintosh HD >> Users >> (uniqname)
where (uniqname) is your University of Michigan Uniqname.

It can also be reached by selecting Home from the Finder's Go menu, pressing the key combination (option + apple + H), or by selecting the Home icon in a window's toolbar.

The hard drive (Macintosh HD) contains the following folders:

• Applications: This folder contains all Mac OS X programs.
• Applications (Mac OS 9): This folder contains all Mac OS 9 (classic) programs.
• Library: This folder contains components for the operating system and programs (sounds, fonts, preferences, help files, printer drivers, etc).
• System: This folder contains all of the Unix code that turns on your Mac and controls its operations.
• System Folder: This folder contains the OS 9 system that is used to run Classic applications.
• Users: This folder stores the Home folders for everyone who uses this machine.

Your Home folder (the same name as your University of Michigan Uniqname) contains the following folders:

• Desktop: When you drag an icon or a file onto the desktop in Mac OS X, it only appears to show up on the desktop--the icon or file actually exists in this Desktop folder, and it is only mirrored on the desktop area. Items on your Desktop can not be seen by other users -- they are only accessible when you are logged in.
• Documents: This folder is the place where you should save your documents.
• Library: The main Library folder described above contains folders for preferences, fonts, help files, etc. The Library folder in your Home folder stores the same things, but these folders contain folders for your preferences, fonts, help files, bookmarks, etc.
• Movies, Music, Pictures: These folders are designed to store your multimedia files. The Mac OS X programs that deal with multimedia files will automatically point to these files--for example, iMovie will initially point to the Movies folder when saving files, and iTunes will initially point to the Music folder.
• Public: Items in this folder can be accessed by any user on the network if you have File Sharing turned on.
• Sites: This folder is designed for use with OS X's built in web server.

There are three different View options available in Mac OS X. The view can be changed using the three small View buttons (next to the Back button on the left of the toolbar) in the open window. From left to right, the three buttons are: Icon View, List View, and Column View. When you select a button, it will be highlighted in blue.

If your window does not have these buttons, or if the toolbar is missing altogether, use the oval button in the top right corner of your window to turn this option on and show the toolbar.

The three pictures below show the three different ways you can display your files and folders.

ICON VIEW:

LIST VIEW:

COLUMN VIEW:

If an application stops responding, or if it will not quit when you choose Quit from it's Application menu, OS X provides a reliable way to end the program without interrupting other running applications.

You can force quit an application by pressing the key combination: (option + apple + Esc), or by choosing Force Quit from the Apple menu. Unlike the Force Quit key combination in Mac OS 9 and earlier, using the command in OS X will pop up a window that allows you to select which currently running program you would like to end. In addition, Force Quit in OS X doesn't require a restart--any other running programs should continue to function normally.

The following information is taken from Apple Support Article 106707: Adding a printer to your printer list in Mac OS X.

How to add a USB printer

If your printer does not appear in the Printer pop-up menu, find and install the appropriate driver. Check the website of your printer's manufacturer for the latest drivers.

Tip: You can also open the Printer List window from Printer Center (Mac OS X 10.2.8 or earlier) or the Printer Setup Utility (Mac OS X 10.3 Panther, or later).

Check the Printer menu again after installing the software. If the printer does not appear, you may need to do this:

1. Make sure the printer is connected to your computer, plugged in, and turned on.
2. For Mac OS X 10.2.8 or earlier, from the Printer menu in the print dialog choose Edit Printer List. The Printer List window appears.
3. For Mac OS X 10.3 or later, choose Show Printer List from the View menu. The Printer List window appears.
4. Click the Add Printer button.
5. Choose USB from the first pop-up menu.
6. Select your printer from the list.
7. Click Add.
8. Close the Printer List window.

How to add a network printer (AppleTalk or LPR)

Adding an AppleTalk or LPR network printer is very similar to adding a USB printer. In Step 4 above, you would choose AppleTalk or "LPR Printers using IP" from the pop-up menu. From there, the setup differs slightly.

AppleTalk printer

• AppleTalk must be enabled in Network preferences.
• If your network uses AppleTalk zones, choose one from a second pop-up menu that appears.
• Make sure to avoid potential issues with AppleTalk multi-homing.

LPR printer

• You must enter the printer's IP address or DNS name.
• If you're printing to a queue, deselect the checkbox for "Use Default Queue on Server", then type the queue's name. If not, leave the checkbox selected.
• You can select your printer from the Printer Model menu or leave it at Generic. In essence, are selecting a PPD file.

Please click on the appropriate link below to download printer drivers and description files from your printer manufacturer.

Epson - Drivers & Support
HP - Software & Driver Downloads

Currently, there is no way to print remotely to the Copy Center Plotter. All files must be brought to the Copy Center (on disk) and printed from one of the on-site computers.

When a network printing solution is found, we will add instructions here.

To download Epson 4800 printer drivers and ICC Profiles (these are separate downloads) for OS X, please visit Epson's site and select the appropriate driver - if you have an Intel-based Mac, download Printer Driver v3.5aE, and if you have a PPC-based Mac, download Printer Driver v2.69.

Please click to download a PDF of printing instructions for the Epson 4800.

To create a PDF (Portable Document Format) of a document, choose Print... from the application's File menu. In the Print pop-up menu that appears, click the PDF button in the lower left side and select Save as PDF.... You'll be prompted to choose a location (and a name, if desired) for your PDF file - when you're done, click the Save button.

If your computer is equipped with a SuperDrive, you can burn CD-R (CD Recordable), CD-RW (CD ReWritable), DVD-R (DVD Recordable) and DVD-RW (DVD ReWritable) discs using the system software, iTunes, or third-party software programs, such as Roxio Toast. If your computer is equipped with a CD or DVD burner, please follow these instructions to burn CD-R, DVD-R, CD-RW, or DVD-RW discs.

Please note that the first two methods described below (burning discs through the System software and iTunes) create single-session discs — these methods do not support multi-session recording. Once you create a CD using these methods, any unused space on the disc cannot be reused or recovered. Some third-party applications support burning multi-session discs.

To burn DATA CDs/DVDs:

• Insert a blank disc into the optical drive.
• A dialog box will appear on your screen. Choose Open Finder from the Action: pop-up menu.
• An icon for your disc will appear on the desktop. Click the icon to rename your disc. Drag files and folders to the icon. Arrange the files and folders exactly the way you will want them on the finished disc - the order of items, as well as the names of files, folders, and the disc cannot be changed after the disc is burned.
• When you're finished, click once on the disc icon to select it and choose Burn Disc... from the File menu. Progress bars will appear in the different stages of the burning process, and you will be prompted when it is finished.

To burn MUSIC CDs/DVDs:

• Insert a blank disc into the optical drive.
• A dialog box will appear on your screen. Choose Open iTunes from the Action: pop-up menu. The iTunes application should open automatically.
• By default, iTunes is set up to burn Audio CDs - music burned in this format can be played by any standard CD player. Audio files will be converted and recorded on the CD in AIFF (CD audio) format. iTunes can also be configured to burn MP3 CDs or Data CDs - please see the iTunes Help menu for instructions.
• Create a playlist of the songs you would like to burn, in the order you would like to burn them. The order of songs, as well as their names and the name of the disc cannot be changed after the disc is burned. Please see the iTunes Help menu for instructions on how to create a playlist.
• When your playlist is finished, make sure that it is highlighted in the list on the left side of the iTunes window. Then, click the Burn CD button on the top right of the iTunes window. If you are ready to proceed, click the button again to start recording. The burning process may take a while as the application converts, prepares, and burns each song — you will be prompted when the disc is finished.

Basic projection set up:

1. Attach a VGA (male-male) cable connecting your laptop's external display port to the projector's video input. On newer laptops, you may need to use a DVI-to-VGA adapter for this connection; if your adapter is unavailable, contact a&dit@umich.edu to make arrangements to borrow one.
2. If your presentation requires sound, attach a mini-stereo cable from the computer's "headphones out" to the "audio in" on the projector.
3. Open System Preferences (under the Apple menu on the left of your screen) and check the "Show Displays in Menu Bar" checkbox. A monitor icon should appear on the upper right section of your menubar.
4. Click the Displays icon in the menubar, and choose "Detect Displays". At this point, the external monitor/projector should begin projecting something. You may also see the resolution of your laptop screen shift as it tries to match the native resolution of the external display.
5. If you want the external display to match what your computer screen shows, click the Displays icon in the menubar, and choose "Turn on Mirroring".
6. To adjust resolution for each display, click the Displays icon again, and select appropriate resolutions for each of your monitors. Generally, your laptop's LCD will be listed first, as "Color LCD".

See Apple's instructions on how to use your iPod to transfer all of your music between computers.

Your PowerBook can connect to the internet in several ways:

• by dialing in through its internal modem
• by using an Ethernet cable over a broadband network
• by using its AirPort card to connect to a wireless base station

On campus, you can use your computer to connect to the UM Wireless Network in many buildings, including the Art & Architecture building. Some campus buildings may have different wireless setups - please contact a system administrator in that building for details. Some campus buildings (like the Residence Halls) may also provide ethernet access.

Off-campus, you can choose to purchase high speed internet access from Cable or DSL service providers - please speak to your service provider for details.

Note: Due to decreased usage, U-M dial-in service is scheduled to be discontinued on January 2nd, 2007.

As a student at the University of Michigan, you are automatically given a University of Michigan Computing Environment (UMCE) account and a set of computing services called the "Basic Computing Package" at no charge. This means that you can use your computer's modem to connect to the internet from any phone line.

To view your dial-in modem settings, open System Preferences by selecting System Preferences from the Apple menu. Click on the Network tab.

In the Show: pull-down menu, select Internal Modem.

In the PPP tab, refer to the following image for instructions:

Under Account Name: enter your full University of Michigan e-mail address, in the form: <uniqname>@umich.edu. Be sure to substitute your University of Michigan Uniqname where it says <uniqname>.
Under Password: enter your University of Michigan password. You can check the Save Password box so you don't have to enter the password each time you dial in.
Under Telephone Number: enter 489-2222. This number can be used to dial in from any local (Ann Arbor) phone line.

In the TCP/IP tab, select Using PPPfrom the Configure: IPv4 menu.

In the Proxies tab, check the Use Passive FTP Mode (PASV) box.

In the Modem tab, refer to the following image for instructions:

Click the Apply Now button to apply your new Internal Modem settings.

To dial in to the internet, connect a standard phone cord from the wall outlet to the internal modem input on the back of your PowerBook. Click the phone icon on the top right of your screen to reveal the Modem menu. In this menu, make sure that Internal Modem is checked, then select Connect. You should hear your modem dialing in. If you encounter any problems, phone 764-HELP for assistance.

Note: Generally, only faculty, staff, and graduate student computers can access the School's ethernet network.

You can use your computer and the Ethernet cable that came in your package to connect to any broadband network. The following instructions describe how your computer should be set up to use the network in the Art & Architecture building - to connect in other campus buildings or schools, contact their System Administrator. For help setting up your computer to connect to the network in a University dormitory, please contact ResHall Network Support at 647-1133.

To view your ethernet settings, open System Preferences by selecting System Preferences from the Apple menu. Click on the Network tab. Select Built-in Ethernet from the Show: menu.

In order to use the Network in the Art & Architecture building, you only need to verify one setting - in the TCP/IP tab, make sure that the Configure: IPv4 menu is set to Using DHCP (see the picture below). Click the Apply Now button to save changes.

If you need to use an AppleTalk network printer or connect to an AppleTalk server from your Ethernet connection, make sure that the Make AppleTalk Active box is checked in the AppleTalk tab.

You can use your computer's AirPort Card to connect to any accessible wireless network. The following instructions describe how your computer should be set up to use the wireless network in the Art & Architecture building - to connect to a wireless network in other campus buildings or schools, contact a System Administrator.

To view your wireless settings, open System Preferences by selecting System Preferences from the Apple menu. Click on the Network tab. Select AirPort from the Show: menu.

In order to use the wireless network in the Art & Architecture building, you only need to verify one setting - in the TCP/IP tab, make sure that the Configure: IPv4 menu is set to Using DHCP (see the picture below). Click the Apply Now button to save changes.

To set up Apple's Mail application to access your UM mail, please refer to the following page: ITCS: E-mail Configuration.

In August, 2005, the Art & Architecture building activated Bluesocket in order to maintain the building's wireless access. You will need to open a web browser and log in to our wireless network using your uniqname and password before using other internet applications (like e-mail).

To connect to the wireless network in the Art & Architecture building, select "UM Wireless Network" from the Airport menu at the top of your screen. Then, just open a web browser and go to any web page. You will see a login prompt that looks like this:

Type your uniqname in where it says "User Name" and your kerberos password where it says "Password", then click on the "Log In" button. You should now be connected to the wireless network.

Please see the IFS Overview for more information on your IFS space.

The Institutional File System (IFS) lets you access your documents and files from different computers at different locations. IFS is a central file storage, sharing, and retrieval system that you can access from Macintosh, Windows, and Unix computers.

Your personal storage space on IFS is called your "home directory." Students who are listed by their department as "Active in Program" and all faculty and regular staff on the Ann Arbor campus automatically receive an IFS home directory as part of their Basic Computing Package.

IFS is essentially a file storage medium; it gives you a central, convenient place to store files and documents. Here's what you can do with your IFS space:

• Web publishing. You can publish your own home page on the web by using the Public folder inside your home directory. Create a folder called html inside your Public folder, and put your web page inside.
• File storage and access from multiple locations You can access files in your IFS home directory from any computer with an Internet connection and the appropriate software installed. This means you don't need to carry diskettes or other storage media around with you. You don't have to worry about files on diskettes being damaged or lost, either. A benefit of IFS is that the files are backed up regularly for you.
• File sharing. You can put files in your IFS home directory, or in other directories on IFS, for others to share. This is a good alternative to sending e-mail attachments, particularly when several people need access to the same file. IFS can serve as a shared work space for a group of people.

Uploading and downloading files to/from your IFS requires the use of SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocal; regular (non-secure) FTP is no longer supported. You can use free SFTP applications like Fugu or Cyberduck to access your IFS space - simply download the one of the programs from the links above, install, and enter the appropriate information to connect to your IFS space:

• Server Name: sftp.itd.umich.edu
• Login: your uniqname
• Password: your kerberos password
• Directory: (leave blank to access the root directory of your IFS space)

You can also use UM's new online file management tool, mfile, to store, transfer, and share files using your IFS space over the web - please see Using your IFS Home Directory Over the Web with mFile for instructions.

If you don't yet have a personal web site at U of M, click check out the ITCS guide to get started. This guide will walk you through all of the necessary steps to publishing a web site on your IFS space.

Publishing your web site requires the use of SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocal; regular (non-secure) FTP is no longer supported. You can use free SFTP applications like Fugu or Cyberduck to publish your web site - simply download the one of the programs from the links above, install, and enter the appropriate information to connect to your IFS space:

• Server Name: sftp.itd.umich.edu
• Login: your uniqname
• Password: your kerberos password
• Directory: (leave blank to access the root directory of your IFS space)

You can also use UM's new online file management tool, mfile, to store, transfer, and share files using your IFS space over the web - please see Using your IFS Home Directory Over the Web with mFile for instructions.

In the Finder, choose Connect to Server from the Go menu at the top of the screen. The Connect to Server window will pop up.

Use the Favorite Servers: area in the lower part of the window to navigate to a server; if the server you need to connect to is in this list, select it and click the Connect button on the lower right of the window. If you need to access a different server, use the Server Address: field to type in the server's full address, then click Connect.

• In a few seconds a new window that says Connect to the file server "[server name]" should pop up. If you are a registered user of the server, select the Registered User radio button and enter your username and password in the appropriate fields. If the server allows guest access, select the Guest radio button. Click the Connect button on the lower right of the window.
• A new window will appear asking you to select the volume you wish to mount. Make your selection and click the OK button.
• If everything worked correctly, the server icon will appear on your desktop in a few seconds. If you encounter an error message, your authentication may have failed or the server might be malfunctioning--contact the server administrator for help.

You can navigate through the server in the traditional way--double click the server icon to view it's directories and subdirectories, drag items to/from folders on the server to upload/download them. To disconnect from the server, simply drag the server icon to the Trash icon on your Dock, which will change to an Eject icon. The server icon should disappear from your desktop. Alternately, you can unmount the server by clicking once on it (so that it's highlighted) and selecting Eject from the File menu.

The data on your computer should be backed up on a regular basis. If the computer is used daily, backup should be performed daily. The external hard disk and a piece of software called Backup My Computer have been provided to make the process simple and quick so that daily backups will not be a chore. To perform a backup, just follow these steps.

Note: these instructions apply only to Mac OS X, version 10.3.9 or newer. If you have an older operating system, or do not have the "Backup My Computer" application installed, please visit the A&D IT Office for assistance.

• Connect your FireWire Hard Drive to the PowerBook G4 using the provided FireWire cable. Wait for the FireWire Hard Drive icon to show up on your desktop.
• Launch the Backup My Computer software. It can be found in the right side of the Dock, or in Macintosh HD /Applications/Utilities/Backup My Computer.
• The main window should look like the following image:
  
  
  
  
• As discussed in the introductory computer class, the volume that you're using to backup your computer needs to be named "Backup", or this procedure will fail.
• Click on the Synchronize button. A message stating "RsyncXapplet requires that you type your password" will be displayed. Authenticate using your account name/password, and click the "OK" button. The backup should begin at this point.
• When the backup has finished, the RsyncX window will say "RsyncX Backup Complete". Make sure that you unmount your firewire drive before unplugging it, either by dragging the drive to the trash, or by clicking the "eject" symbol next to the volume in a Finder window.

The first time you run a backup, it may take quite a while, depending on the amount of data on your hard drive. Successive backups will only transfer changed or new files, so they should be much faster (depending on how often you run them).

The data on your computer should be backed up on a regular basis. If the computer is used daily, backup should be performed daily. An external hard disk and a piece of software called SuperDuper! have been provided to make the process simple and quick so that daily backups will not be a chore. To perform a backup, just follow these steps.

Note: these instructions apply only to Mac OS X, version 10.5 or newer, and to students, Faculty, and staff who have the SuperDuper! application installed.

• Connect your external hard drive to the PowerBook G4 using the provided FireWire cable. Wait for the FireWire Hard Drive icon to show up on your desktop.
• Launch the SuperDuper! software. It can be found in Macintosh HD /Applications/Utilities/SuperDuper! or Macintosh HD /Applications/SuperDuper!
• The main window should look like the following image:
  
  
  
  
• Your computer's hard drive should appear in the "Copy" drop-down menu (in this image, it's called Macintosh HD), and your external Backup drive should appear in the "to" drop-down menu (in this image, it's called Backup). If the drop-down menu on the left does not show your internal hard drive, or if the drop-down menu on the right does not show your external backup drive, choose the appropriate volumes before proceeding!
• The "using" drop-down menu should read Backup - all files.
• If you click the Options... button, it should look like the following image:
  
  
  
  
• If everything looks okay, click on the Copy Now button. A message stating "SuperDuper! requires that you type your password" will be displayed. Authenticate using your computer account name/password, and click the "OK" button.
• At this point, one more window should open. It should say, "You are about to Smart Update Backup", then give a complete description of the steps it will take to perform this backup. If everything looks good, click the Copy button, and SuperDuper! will start backing up your computer.
• When your backup is finished, you can Quit SuperDuper! Before unplugging your firewire drive, make sure you unmount it, either by dragging the drive to the trash or by clicking the "eject" symbol next to the volume in a Finder window.

The first time you run a backup (or, if it's been quite a while since your last backup), it may take quite a while. Successive backups will only transfer changed or new files, so they should be much faster (depending on how often you run them).

Art & Design IT Support:

A&D IT Staff will provide general hardware and system software support for your PowerBook computer. If you have issues with your PowerBook, the A&D IT Office should be your first stop. A&D IT Staff can examine the computer, help transfer your data to a loaner laptop if necessary, and assist with additional repair steps.

Please understand that fixing problems with the computer may involve erasing the internal hard drive and reinstalling the software, making regular backups of your data even more important.

Although we will make every effort to address your problems, please note that we may not be able to provide application-specific support or provide support for peripheral devices.

The Art & Design IT Office (room 2023 in the Art & Architecture Building) is usually staffed from 9:00 – 5:00, Monday – Friday. Depending on the immediacy of your issue, you can contact the IT staff in one of three ways:

E-Mail Assistance. For general questions, issues not needing immediate attention, or any issue not resolved by other methods, you can get assistance by sending questions and requests to a&dit@umich.edu.

Direct Assistance. For issues that require the technical support staff to work directly with you and/or the computer, you can schedule a time to bring the computer in to the Help Desk. Appointments can be scheduled by e-mail (preferred) or in person.

Phone Assistance. To reach IT Staff by phone, please call (734) 763-6504 during office hours.

4-HELP Connectivity Assistance: For most needs concerning internet connectivity, telephone support is available from ITCS by calling 764-HELP (764-4357, or 4-4357 on a campus phone). They support the internet connectivity software distributed on the University Blue Disk, which includes dial-in access, Netscape, Internet Explorer, Mulberry, Pine and other internet tools.

ResHall Network Support: The staff at the ResHall center can help you with any problems relating to internet connectivity in any University Dormitory – getting your computer on the network, connecting, and configuring your system. Call 647-1133 to speak with a consultant.

ITCS Accounts Office:The ITCS Accounts Office can assist with computing accounts, subscriptions, uniqnames, passwords, and billing inquiries regarding ITCS services (including dial-in and U-M Online). Phone: 734-764-8000.

ITCS Online Documentation: Visit the Information Technology Central Services website to find answers to frequently-asked questions, links and tools to help you use your computer on campus, like:

• configure different email clients to read your U-M mail
• publish web pages on your U-M IFS space
• change your Kerberos password
• download and transfer files to/from your IFS account
• use the campus directory
• learn about anti-spam services on campus
• learn about anti-virus resources on campus
• learn about the U-M Basic Computing Package
• find a Campus Computing Site
• purchase discounted hardware and software for personal use

The following information applies to laptops that were purchased by students. Faculty, staff, and graduate student laptops are owned by the University of Michigan, and are covered under different warranty/insurance policies - please contact A&D IT staff if damage or theft occurs.

The computer you have purchased comes with a 4-year AppleCare warranty. This warranty covers manufacturer's defects, but does not cover accidental damages (such as damage incurred by dropping, bumping, or spilling liquid on your laptop) or theft. For this reason, we strongly recommend that all students purchase an insurance policy.

The School of Art & Design is unable to offer an insurance policy for students' personal computers. As the owner, you are free to purchase any policy you like from any insurance company you like. Again, purchase of an insurance policy is strongly recommended.

You (or your parents) may be able to amend an existing homeowner's insurance or car insurance policy to cover your property against damage and or theft while at college - your insurance agent should be able to answer any questions regarding homeowner's insurance and/or a personal articles policy.

Please consult the terms of your AppleCare agreement (see the documentation that came with your computer (or Apple's coverage page) for details on the terms and conditions of this warranty.

Other hardware items (the Epson multifunction printer, the FireWire hard drive, etc) will only be covered by their manufacturer's warranty - these generally only cover manufacturing defects, and are generally for a short period of time after purchase. As the owner of these hardware items, you will be responsible for sending them in for repair, and for replacing them if they break out of warranty. You will receive the warranty/coverage information for each piece of equipment with the actual equipment, and you will be responsible for mailing in any necessary documentation/warranty cards.

To apply updates to Apple software, you can use the Software Update panel in System Preferences. You will need to be connected to a high-speed network to download these large software updates, so make sure you are using your Ethernet or Airport connection in a broadband-enabled location, like the Art & Architecture building or your University dormitory. Check to make sure that your computer has plenty of free hard drive space before applying large updates. Always make sure you have a current backup of your hard drive before you apply updates; if your computer encounters a problem while updating, your data could be damaged.

Open Software Update by selecting Software Update from the Apple menu. You can also access Software Update by opening System Preferences and selecting the Software Update panel (this panel will also let you choose to check for updates automatically, at specified intervals, as seen below).

To check for new updates, click the Check Now button. The system will pause for a few seconds while it connects to Apple's servers and looks for available updates that specifically apply to your system. A new window will open, listing all available updates. To install all checked updates, click the Install button. You may need to click through several installation agreements, and enter your username and password to authorize the updates. A status bar will indicate the progress of the selected installations. When all installations have completed, you may be asked to click a button and restart your computer. After restarting, please run Software Update again – some updates may still need to be installed.

From Apple's web site:
"Apple has determined that certain lithium-ion batteries containing cells manufactured by Sony Corporation of Japan pose a safety risk that may result in overheating under rare circumstances.
The affected batteries were sold worldwide from October 2003 through August 2006 for use with the following notebook computers: 12-inch iBook G4, 12-inch PowerBook G4 and 15-inch PowerBook G4.
Apple is voluntarily recalling the affected batteries and has initiated a worldwide exchange program to provide eligible customers with a new replacement battery, free of charge."

Visit the Battery Exchange Program page to request an exchange, or to get more information.
Still have questions? Visit the Battery Exchange Program FAQ

Keep in mind that this not only affects the battery that originally came with your laptop, but also may affect any replacement battery you may have gotten since you received your laptop. To see if your battery is affected, you will need to remove the battery from your laptop (if your laptop is on, we recommend you shut it down before doing this) and see if the model and serial number on it matches those covered by the recall (which are listed on the web page mentioned above). If your battery is one of those affected by the recall, fill out the form on the web page listed above and follow Apple's instructions for obtaining a replacement. Also, we would appreciate it if you'd let us know, so we have some idea how many people are affected by this.

If you are not sure how to remove the battery in your laptop, Apple has a few web pages with instructions:
Titanium model and 17" aluminum model PowerBooks
12" and 15" aluminum model PowerBooks (the instructions are for the 12" but the process is the same for the 15")

Be aware that all of the web pages listed above will likely be under heavy load as word of this gets out, and therefore may take longer than normal to reach.

If, after reading these pages, you still aren't sure how to remove your battery, bring your laptop by our office in room 2000 A&A Bldg, and we'll help you figure it out.

The A&D Laptop Initiative, started in 2003, has required every entering freshman student to purchase a laptop computer (with appropriate hardware and software). Recently, the School installed equipment to allow building-wide access to the UM Wireless Network. Now that any classroom can function as a de facto "computer lab", we have been able to get rid of some of the dedicated computer labs in the Art & Architecture building, freeing up space for student studios and expanded classrooms.

There is still a public computing site in the Art & Architecture building:

Room 2109: ITCS Campus Computing Site
This public computing site contains 18 Windows workstations, 8 iMac workstations, and 1 ErgoPod workstation; a scanner station, and several printers. These computers are loaded with a full complement of software - please see the ITCS Software list for more information. Please note that this site is also used as a classroom - please check the posted schedule for reserved classroom times.