Traveling with MacBook Pro - Getting Connected - Teach Yourself VISUALLY MacBook Pro, 2nd Edition (2014)

Teach Yourself VISUALLY MacBook Pro, 2nd Edition (2014)

Part II. Getting Connected

Chapter 9. Traveling with MacBook Pro

Connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi

When you are away from your home network, you can easily connect to the Internet via wireless networks that use the Wi-Fi standards. Many public places, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses provide Wi-Fi networks you can use, either by paying a fee or simply by agreeing to abide by their terms and conditions. Connecting to the Internet using Wi-Fi is a two-step process. First, you establish the connection between your MacBook Pro and the network. Second, you register your MacBook Pro to access the Internet over the network.

Connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi

Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

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image Click the Wi-Fi menu (image).

Note: If the lock icon appears along the right side of the window for a network, it is secured and you need a password to join it.

image Click the wireless network you want to join.

The MacBook Pro connects to the network. Depending on the kind of network you are connecting to, you are prompted to join the network by providing required information or by accepting fees or terms and conditions.

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image Type in the required information.

image Click Accept or Login.

Typically, you see the home page for the network's provider.

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image Go to any web page.

If the page appears, the MacBook Pro is connected to the Internet, and you can skip the remaining steps.

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image If a page does not appear, Control+click System Preferences (image) on the Dock.

The contextual menu opens.

image Click Network.

The System Preferences application opens and displays the Network pane.

image Click the Network Name pop-up menu (image) and select a different network.

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What does Wi-Fi stand for?

Wi-Fi stands for “wireless fidelity.” It applies to a set of standard protocols used to ensure that wireless devices and the software they use are compatible. The technical specifications fall under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series. The MacBook Pro's wireless capabilities are Wi-Fi or 802.11 compatible so that you can connect to any network or device that uses these standards.

What if there is only an Ethernet connection available?

Some places, such as hotel rooms or meeting rooms, have only an Ethernet connection available. In that situation, you have three options: connect using an Ethernet cable, connect wirelessly through an AirPort Express Base Station connected to the Ethernet network, or connect wirelessly with a broadband wireless modem. You can find more information on the second and third methods later in this chapter.

Connect to the Internet via AirPort Express

An AirPort Express Base Station is a small, portable wireless base station that you can use to easily create your own wireless networks. For example, if you happen to stay in a hotel that offers only wired Internet access in its rooms, you can use an AirPort Express to quickly create a wireless network for your MacBook Pro and your other devices, avoiding multiple access fees.

To set up a temporary wireless network with an AirPort Express, you first connect the device to the wired network. Then you configure the AirPort Express to provide a wireless network.

Connect to the Internet via AirPort Express

Connect the Base Station to the Network

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image Using an Ethernet cable, connect the Ethernet WAN port on the AirPort Express to the wired network.

Note: WAN is the acronym for wide area network, a network that covers a much larger area than a local area network, or LAN.

image Connect the AirPort Express to a power outlet.

Note: This task assumes that the wired network provides an Internet connection using Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, or DHCP, which automatically configures the network settings. Most such wired networks use DHCP for simplicity.

Configure and Access a Wireless Network

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image On the Wi-Fi menu (image), select AirPort Express.

The AirPort Utility application opens and connects to the base station.

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image Type the name you want to give to the wireless network that the base station will provide.

Note: The AirPort Utility application suggests default names for the network and base station.

image Type the name by which you will identify the base station itself.

image Type the network's password in the Password and Verify fields.

image Click Next.

AirPort Utility completes the network configuration and starts providing a wireless network and Internet connection. The MacBook Pro connects to the new network automatically.

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image Click Done.

The base station provides the wireless network. You can quit the AirPort Utility.

Note: If the provider's network now prompts you to log in, type your login information and click Login or Join, as appropriate. If it is fee-based access, you usually have to select the period and fee you want to use.

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How do I correct base station errors?

Click Launchpad (image) on the Dock, type air, and then click AirPort Utility (image), select the base station, and click Edit. Use the resulting sheet to make changes to the base station's configuration. For example, on the Network tab, you might need to change the Router Mode to DHCP and NAT. After you make changes, click Update.

Connect to the Internet with a Wireless Modem

If you travel a lot, consider getting a broadband wireless modem. This is a device that can connect to the Internet anywhere within the network's coverage area. You can choose between a wireless modem that connects to your MacBook via USB and a MiFi device that provides a mobile hotspot to which your MacBook and other devices connect via Wi-Fi. MiFi stands for “my Wi-Fi.” With a broadband wireless modem, you use the same network every time you connect, so you do not have to find and sign onto networks in various locations. You also pay only a single access fee.

Connect to the Internet with a Wireless Modem

Obtain a Broadband Wireless Modem

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image Explore the major cell phone company websites to determine which ones offer suitable modems.

image Choose between a modem that connects via USB and a MiFi device that acts as a mobile hotspot.

image Check that the modem and accompanying software are OS X compatible.

image Check the cost of the modem.

image Check the data allowance and the “overage” charges for exceeding the allowance.

image Choose a suitable contract — for example, two years.

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image Check the coverage area for the provider.

image Purchase the modem and account that makes the most sense to you.

image If required, install the software for the broadband wireless modem using the modem's installer application.

Use a Broadband Wireless Modem to Connect to the Internet

image Turn the device on.

image If necessary, launch the broadband wireless modem's connection application.

Note: If you are using a MiFi device, you do not need to run any software on your MacBook Pro. After you power up the device, it starts providing the network after its startup process is complete.

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image Click Wi-Fi (image).

The Wi-Fi menu opens.

image Click the wireless modem.

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image If prompted, enter the network's password.

image Select the Remember this network check box (image changes to image).

image Click Join.

The MacBook Pro connects to the wireless network and provides you with an Internet connection.

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Why not use a wireless modem all the time?

If a broadband wireless modem provides sufficient connection speeds in the locations you use your MacBook Pro the most, you can use it as your primary Internet connection and avoid getting another account with a cable or DSL provider. If you decide to do this, make sure you get an account with a data allowance large enough for all your Internet activity — ideally, an unlimited data allowance — so you do not have to pay overage charges, which tend to be extortionate. Another consideration is that, even though performance can be fast, a broadband wireless modem is still significantly slower than a cable or DSL connection.

Manage Your MacBook Pro's Power

Your MacBook Pro needs power to operate, just like any other electronic device. Because it has an internal battery, the MacBook Pro does not need to be connected to an electrical outlet to run. As you travel with your MacBook Pro, you need to manage its power so it does not run out at an inconvenient time.

You can take three steps to manage power on your MacBook Pro. First, you can configure the MacBook Pro to use as little power as possible. Second, you can monitor the MacBook Pro's power status. Third, you can build a power toolkit.

Manage Your MacBook Pro's Power

Configure the MacBook Pro to Minimize Power Use

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image Click Battery (image) on the menu bar.

image Click Open Energy Saver Preferences.

image Click Battery.

image Set the controls to configure the MacBook Pro to use as little power as possible when running on the battery.

Note: See Chapter 6 for details on choosing Energy Saver preferences.

image Click Close (image).

The System Preferences window closes.

Monitor the Battery Power

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image Look at the battery icon (image) in the menu bar.

As battery power is used, the filled part of the icon shrinks to give you a relative idea of how much battery power remains.

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image To access more detailed information, open the battery menu by clicking the battery icon (image).

A The Apps Using Significant Energy list alerts you to apps that are using a lot of power.

image To display the percentage of charge remaining next to the battery icon, click Show Percentage.

Build a MacBook Pro Power Toolkit

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image When you travel with your MacBook Pro, bring its power adapter with you so that you can recharge it when an electrical outlet is available.

image If you frequently travel on long plane flights, purchase an airline power adapter or inverter to connect your MacBook Pro to the power outlets provided in some airplanes.

Note: Some airline inverters power the MacBook but do not charge its battery.

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What are some other tips to extend my working time on the road?

• Close the lid to put your MacBook Pro to sleep when you are not using it.

• Dim the screen as far as is tolerable by pressing image.

• Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you do not need them.

• Run as few power-hungry applications as possible. Click Battery (image) on the menu bar and look at the Apps Using Significant Energy list to identify power hogs.

• Carry an external battery pack and plug in your MacBook Pro when the battery is low.

• If you have an iPod, iPhone, or iPad, use it to listen to music or watch video instead of iTunes on your MacBook Pro.

Protect Your Data with FileVault

It is likely you have a lot of personal and sensitive information on your MacBook Pro that you do not want others to access. To protect yourself against identity theft or other security breaches, you can use the OS X FileVault feature to encrypt your data securely. You must also turn off the Automatic Login feature, because this bypasses FileVault. FileVault encrypts your data so that it cannot be used without a password. Even if someone steals or accesses your MacBook Pro, he cannot access its data without the password, so he cannot see or use your data.

Protect Your Data with FileVault

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image Control+click System Preferences (image).

image Click Security & Privacy.

image Click FileVault.

image Click Unlock (image), type your password in the authentication dialog, and click Unlock.

image Click Turn On FileVault.

The Accounts dialog opens, showing a list of user accounts on your MacBook Pro.

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A A check mark indicates the user account is already set to unlock FileVault.

image Click Enable User for a user you want to add, type the user's password, and then click OK.

image Repeat step 6 until you have enabled all the users you want to be able to unlock FileVault.

image Click Continue.

image Make a note of your recovery key. Jot it down on paper and place it in a safe location. Memorize the key if you can.

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image Click Continue.

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image Click Store the recovery key with Apple (image changes to image).

image Choose your security questions and answers, which are required for you to get the key from Apple.

image Click Continue.

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image Click Restart.

Your MacBook Pro restarts and the encryption process begins. This process can take several hours. You can monitor the process on the FileVault tab.

Note: When you are logged into your user account, your data is available. Make sure you log out whenever you are not using MacBook Pro if any risk exists of someone you do not know or trust accessing it. Only when you are logged out is your data encrypted.

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Should I enable all the users on my MacBook Pro to unlock FileVault?

This depends. You should enable only those users you want to be able to start up the MacBook Pro. If you want to control startup yourself, and then allow other users to use the computer, do not enable those other users. For example, you might choose not to enable young children to unlock FileVault.

What happens if I forget my password?

You have to use the recovery key to be able to access your data. If you cannot locate the key, contact Apple to get it, assuming you enabled that option. If you or Apple cannot get to your recovery key, all the data on your MacBook Pro is lost. So make sure you keep your key in a safe location, and you should store it with Apple too.

Tighten Security and Set Up the Firewall

OS X includes a firewall for protecting your MacBook Pro from network and Internet threats. To secure your MacBook Pro against threats from your own network, turn on the firewall and set it to accept only essential connections. When you connect your MacBook Pro to a public network, set the firewall to block all incoming connections. For greater security, you can require a password to wake the MacBook Pro from sleep or to stop the screen saver. You can disable automatic login to avoid others bypassing FileVault. And you can choose which sources of apps to allow.

Tighten Security and Set Up the Firewall

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image Control+click System Preferences (image).

image Click Security & Privacy.

image Click General.

image Select the Require password check box (image changes to image) to require a password to start using MacBook Pro after it goes to sleep or the screen saver activates.

image Click the Require password pop-up menu (image) and select immediately or a short time.

image Select the Disable automatic login check box (image changes to image) to disable automatic login.

Note: Disable automatic login when you set up FileVault to encrypt your data.

image In the Allow apps downloaded from area, select Mac App Store, Mac App Store and identified developers, or Anywhere (image changes to image).

image Click Firewall.

The Firewall pane opens.

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image Click Turn On Firewall.

image Click Firewall Options.

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A Select the Block all incoming connections check box (image changes to image) when you want to block all incoming connections to your MacBook Pro.

image In the list of applications, click an application's pop-up menu (image) and select the Allow incoming connections or Block incoming connections check box (image changes to image), as needed.

image Deselect the Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections check box (image changes to image) if you want to prevent developer-signed applications from receiving incoming connections unless you specifically allow them.

image Select the Enable stealth mode check box (image changes to image) if you want to turn off responses to network requests.

image To add an application to the list, click Add (image).

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image Click the application you want to add.

image Click Add.

image Click OK.

image Click Close (image).

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Which setting should I choose in the Allow Apps Downloaded From area?

Select Mac App Store (image changes to image) to restrict yourself and other users to installing only apps from the App Store. This is the safest choice. Select Mac App Store and identified developers (image changes to image) if you want to be able to install apps from Apple-registered third-party developers as well. Select Anywhere (image changes to image) if you want to be able to install any apps, even if they are poorly programmed or dangerous.

Find Directions with Maps

The Maps app on your MacBook Pro can pinpoint your location by using known wireless networks. You can view your location on a road map, a satellite picture, or a hybrid that shows street annotations on the satellite picture. You can easily switch among map types to find the most useful one for your current needs. Maps can give you directions to where you want to go. Maps can also show you current traffic congestion in some areas to help you identify the most viable route for a journey.

Find Directions with Maps

Open Maps and Find Your Location

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image Click Maps (image) on the Dock.

The Maps screen appears.

image Click Current Location (image changes to image).

A A blue dot shows your current location.

Change the Map Type and Zoom In or Out

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image Click Standard, Hybrid, or Satellite.

Note: Standard view shows a street and road map. Satellite view shows satellite images. Hybrid view adds street and place names to the satellite images.

image Pinch out with two fingers on the trackpad to zoom in.

Note: You can tap and pinch in with two fingers to zoom out.

Note: You can rotate the map by placing two fingers on the trackpad and turning them to the left or right. To return the map to its default northward orientation, click the compass arrow (image).

Get Directions

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image Click Directions.

B The Directions pane opens.

image Type your start point.

Note: If Maps displays a panel of suggestions for the start point or end point you type, click the appropriate suggestion.

Note: You can type a contact's name, or part of it, and then click that contact in the panel of suggestions to use the contact's address as the starting point or ending point.

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image Type your end point.

Maps displays suggested routes.

C The green pin marks the starting point.

D The red pin marks the ending point.

E The current route appears in darker blue.

F The current route's details appear in the Directions pane.

G You can click another route or its time box to display its details.

image Click one of the directions to zoom in on that part of the route.

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How do I get directions for walking?

Click Walking (image) in the Directions panel to display the distance and time for walking the route. Be aware that walking directions may be inaccurate or optimistic. Before walking the route, check that it does not send you across pedestrian-free bridges or through rail tunnels.

Explore with Maps

Maps is not only great for finding out where you are and for getting directions to places, but it can also show you 3D flyovers of the places on the map. After switching on the 3D feature, you can zoom in and out, pan around, and move backward and forward.

Explore with Maps

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image Click Maps (image) on the Dock.

Note: If Maps does not appear on the Dock, click Launchpad (image) on the Dock and then click Maps (image) on the Launchpad screen.

The Maps screen appears.

image Display the area of interest in the middle of the screen. For example, click and drag the map, or search for the location you want.

image Click Flyover (image changes to image).

The map changes to Flyover view.

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image Double-click or pinch outward with two fingers to zoom in.

Note: You can pinch in with two fingers to zoom out.

image Click and drag to scroll the map.

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image Place two fingers on the trackpad and twist clockwise or counterclockwise.

The view rotates, and you can explore.

Note: Pan and zoom as needed to explore the area.

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A The red end of the compass arrow (image) indicates north. You can click this icon to restore the direction to north.

image Click Flyover (image changes to image).

The map returns to normal view.

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What does Flyover do with the Standard map?

When you tap Flyover (image changes to image) to switch on Flyover with the Standard map displayed, Maps tilts the map at an angle, as you might do with a paper map, and displays outlines of buildings if they are available. For most purposes, Flyover is most useful with the Satellite map and the Hybrid map.