User Guide For MacBook & iMac
Summary
Thank you from Alt Eco.
Your purchase has saved around 70% CO2 compared with an equivalent new device.
Thank you for choosing Alt Eco for your purchase. Alt Eco is a company specialized in the refurbishment of computer devices since 2014. We are committed to providing high-quality products through a circular, sustainable, and viable economy. You will find in this guide general help and advice on the use and maintenance of your products.
After-sales service: If you have consulted this manual and still haven’t found the answer to your question, our after-sales service team will be delighted to assist you.
Please follow this link: Contac Service
Preliminary safety information
Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures (-20 to +45°) or water.
Do not attempt to disassemble the device yourself.
Use only the accessories provided or recommended by the manufacturer
Getting started with the product and operating system: tips and usage for MacOS
First boot
MacBook
- To turn on your device, press the power button, usually located at the top right of the keyboard.
- When you start your device for the first time, the Setup Assistant guides you through the setup process.
- If your MacBook does not start, plug in the AC adapter to charge the battery and try again.
iMac
- To turn on your device, press the power button, usually located at the back. It is recommended to connect your peripherals before setting up your iMac.
- Use cables to connect a keyboard and a mouse, or pair them by turning on the device and following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- When you start your device for the first time, the Setup Assistant guides you through the setup process.
Below, you will find the setup links for the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro and the iMac. Don’t forget to select the operating system version at the top left of the page to follow the advice appropriate to your device.
To setup a MacBook Air: Get Started With MacBook Air
To setup a MacBook Pro: Get Started With MacBook Pro
To setup an iMac: Get Started With iMac
First steps with your Mac: Tips for New iMac Users
Basic use
Here are several tips for former Windows users: Tips for Apple Begginers
MacBook et iMac
Your Mac has a catalog of applications for daily tasks available from the start. These can be found in the Applications folder on the toolbar at the bottom of the screen (the ‘Dock’) with scrolling icons.
You can also access them by going to the desktop, then in the window at the very top (the menu bar), press ‘Go’ and then ‘Applications’.
- The menu bar displays contextual menus according to the screen window.
- To browse the web, the default is Safari (the blue clock)
- The Finder is the equivalent of the file manager. You can access it by clicking on the blue icon in the Dock.
- To install applications (both free and paid), you can use the App Store, which is accessible from the Dock.
Keyboard shortcuts
Copy: Command-C
Cut: Command-X
Paste: Command-V
Cancel: Command-Z
Close the window: Command-W
Screenshot: Shift-Command-3
Connectivity
MacBook
Connectivity MacBook models have been equipped with USB-C ports since 2015. You can use this port to connect your device to other peripherals: mouse, keyboard, phone, etc. You might need an adapter to connect SD cards, Ethernet cables, and certain devices that do not have a USB-C port. This is also the port used to charge your MacBook.
For some marketed devices, a specific connector for the MagSafe magnetic charger (also called ‘type L’), MagSafe 2 or MagSafe 3 will be necessary. You can find complete help to identify your power adapter at this link: What Power Adapter Do I Need?
Your MacBook has an audio output on the right side, which allows you to connect your headphones, headsets, and other audio output devices that have a 3.5 mm (jack) audio cable.
You can find all existing ports on MacBook at this link: All Ports MacBook
iMac
The iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer that plugs into a standard power outlet with the provided cable. iMac models have been equipped with USB-C ports (Thunderbolt/USB-4) on four-port models since 2021 and with Thunderbolt 3 ports from 2017 to 2020. You can use this port to connect your device to other peripherals. Use one of the ports bearing the Thunderbolt symbol to connect an external display. All 27-inch and 21.5-inch iMacs since 2010 have a slot for SDXC cards. On some models, the Ethernet port is located on the power adapter. The ports are mainly located at the back of the device. For more information on the ports specific to your device, please visit this page: What Ports Do I Have?
Updates
Updates allow you to benefit from security patches and Apple’s new features for MacOS and integrated applications. Many software problems can be solved by updating your system. They also help maintain maximum security on your devices.
Before doing an update, it is advisable to back up your Mac’s data (Read This), keep your device charged, and leave it connected to the Internet.
Go to System Preferences (gray gear icon) > Software Update > Check for updates.
More details about updates and compatible devices are available at this link: Devices Compatibility
Security and Health
- Make sure your device is protected by a robust password (minimum 12 characters and impossible to guess). You can set it up in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
- You can also enable the Find function so that your device remains permanently geolocated, maximizing the chances in case of loss or theft.
- On MacOS, activate the firewall in System Preferences -> Security & Privacy > Firewall.
Understand the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which the human body absorbs radiofrequency (RF) energy from devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and other wireless communication equipment. It is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg). The SAR value indicates how much RF energy is absorbed by the body when using a wireless device. Regulatory agencies worldwide, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in Europe, have set safety limits for SAR values to ensure that devices are safe for consumer use.
To minimize exposure to RF energy, consider the following precautionary measures:
- Use Hands-Free Devices: Utilize hands-free options such as speakerphone, wired headphones, or Bluetooth headsets to keep the device away from your head and body.
- Limit Device Use: Reduce the duration of calls and the amount of time spent using wireless devices.
- Keep Distance: Hold the device away from your body when not in use and avoid keeping it in your pocket or close to your skin.
- Text Instead of Call: Send text messages instead of making voice calls when possible.
- Use Airplane Mode: When the device is not needed for communication, use airplane mode to disable wireless transmissions.
- Optimize Signal Strength: Use the device in areas with good reception, as lower signal strength can increase RF exposure.
Potential dangers
While scientific studies have not conclusively proven that RF energy from wireless devices causes adverse health effects, there are potential risks associated with long-term exposure:
- Thermal Effects: RF energy can cause heating of body tissues, leading to thermal effects. High SAR values can result in significant tissue heating, potentially causing burns or heat-related injuries.
- Non-Thermal Effects: Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to low levels of RF energy may lead to non-thermal biological effects, such as changes in cell function or stress responses, though these findings are still under investigation.
- Increased Risk for Certain Groups: Children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain health conditions may be more susceptible to RF energy exposure. Extra caution is recommended for these groups.
SAR values and regulatory limits
To ensure consumer safety, devices must comply with the SAR limits set by regulatory agencies. For example:
- United States (FCC): The SAR limit for mobile devices is 1.6 W/kg, averaged over 1 gram of tissue.
- Europe (ICNIRP): The SAR limit is 2.0 W/kg, averaged over 10 grams of tissue.
Manufacturers are required to test their devices and provide SAR information to demonstrate compliance with these safety standards.
These tips are general and may vary depending on the specific version of MacOS you are using. For more detailed instructions, please consult the Apple website or the specific user guide for your device, available on the manufacturer’s site and/or platform.
Best Practices
To reduce your environmental footprint and extend the lifespan of your product in the spirit of sustainability, please follow these practices
- Keep the device clean and away from dust and heat sources to avoid overheating problems.
- Recycle your old devices responsibly.
- It is strongly recommended to select the Optimized battery mode and keep the power adapter permanently connected. This mode will allow the battery to be fully charged to 80% or 60% of its nominal capacity.
- Remove all media from drives and turn off all connected devices and the computer. Then, unplug all power sources, such as batteries or power cords, from outlets and unplug all cables connected to the computer.
- Make sure your computer is well ventilated, and avoid placing it on surfaces that obstruct the fans. Overheating can damage your computer’s internal components.
Environment: In an era of ever-increasing digital and atmospheric pollution, Alt Eco is committed to sustainable and ethical consumption through its products and processes.
- Regularly empty your mailbox. Sort through your emails to save cloud storage space and reduce environmental impact.
- Mindful of the potential environmental impact of our products (batteries and chargers), we aim to raise awareness about the collection systems of e-waste (electronic waste). When your laptop battery or phone charger reaches the end of its useful life, you have several options:
- Use the selective collection system in your municipality (waste disposal site, local collection).
- Return your old device when purchasing a new one (1 for 1 take-back by the distributor).
- Replace the battery at the manufacturer or with a repairer recognized by the brand.
Maintenance and Durability
Battery on MacBook: Rechargeable lithium-ion/lithium-polymer batteries have a limited lifespan and will gradually lose their ability to hold as much charge as the original design capacity. This aging, or loss of capacity, is irreversible. As the battery loses its capacity, the length of time it will power the product (i.e., the operating time) decreases. Battery life varies depending on how and where the system is used. Here are some tips to maximize your battery life:
- Turn off the device when you are not using it to save energy. Always lock your device when you are not using it and set up an automatic lock after a few minutes of inactivity.
- Reduce the brightness level of the screen. The screen is one of the biggest consumers of battery energy. Save a lot on battery life by reducing the brightness level to the lowest and comfortable level.
- Unplug unnecessary devices. To save battery, remove other devices like phones or headphones that are charging. When you are not using the laptop, but a power source is needed, prefer a power adapter on a wall outlet.
- Disable Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. If you are not using this feature, disable it to avoid draining the laptop’s battery.
- Stop or put the laptop in rest mode rather than using it in standby mode, if it is not planned to be used for a certain time. Standby continues to consume energy so that the laptop is ready to operate when the lid is opened. Depending on the settings and the operating system, some applications may continue to run in standby.
- Leaving your computer plugged in all the time causes the battery to heat up and lose energy. As a result, your battery may charge less efficiently and be damaged more quickly.
- Choose a daily charge of a few tens of minutes.
Here are some tips on the cables supplied:
- MacBook chargers can be delicate. To extend their lifespan, it is crucial to handle them carefully and avoid practices that could cause damage (sharp bends or twists, pulling on the cord when unplugging).
- Avoid pulling on the power cable, and use extension cords if necessary.
- Inexpensive chargers found online or in the market may seem appealing, but they often have a shorter lifespan than equipment purchased from an official Apple retailer. These chargers might have manufacturing defects that shorten their longevity. They are more prone to overheating and provide less power than official chargers, leading to longer MacBook charging times. Additionally, these devices may end up being more costly as they require more frequent replacements.
- It is advised to refrain from frequently coiling the charging cable, as this can damage the cable and decrease its lifespan. Also, avoid leaving it loose in your bag and carrying it everywhere to prevent excessive handling. Take care of your charger, and it will take care of your MacBook.
Cleaning
Cleaning your computer’s Lid
Clean the exterior of your device occasionally by following these steps:
- Switch off your Mac and disconnect the AC adapter or power plug.
- Use only mild cleaning solutions (ammonia-free and non-abrasive) and a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth to clean your Mac’s lid. Disinfectant wipes may also be used.
- Clean in a circular motion, being careful not to allow water to seep into any openings.
- Wipe the surface with a dry cloth to remove any remaining liquid.
- Wait for the surface to dry completely, then remove any fibers left by the sponge or cloth.
- Allow the lid to dry thoroughly before closing the MacBook.
Cleaning your computer’s keyboard
Clean the exterior of your device occasionally by following these steps:
- Dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with 70% isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol).
- Wring out excess liquid from the soft, lint-free cloth.
- Gently rub each key with the cloth. Do not allow water to seep under the keys.
- Let the keyboard dry completely before using your Mac.
Caution: Never use abrasive cleaners or solvents on your Mac. They can damage the finish.
Warning: Unplug your charging cable and switch off the computer to avoid damage or short-circuiting.
Cleaning your computer’s LCD screen
Warning: Never spray or pour liquid cleaner directly onto the LCD screen or keyboard.
Turn off your Mac and unplug the power adapter, then:
- Use a soft, slightly damp (with water), lint-free cloth to clean the screen.
- Gently rub the screen with the cloth, being careful not to allow water to seep into any openings.
- Let the screen dry completely before closing the MacBook or turning on the iMac.
- Do not use an air compressor. It can compact dust and debris into areas that are potentially hazardous for the optimal functioning of components and cause irreversible damage to the motherboard.
Notes:
- For stubborn stains, you may also use wipes specifically designed for computer screens.
- Be careful to avoid liquid spillage on the computer.
Disinfecting Your Computer, Keyboard, and Screen
- Turn off your Mac and unplug the power adapter.
- Prepare your cleaning wipes. Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based wipes are recommended. Do not use wipes containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach).
- Start by cleaning the lid, then the keyboard, and finally the screen of your Mac. Gently rub each surface with the wipe, being careful not to allow liquid to seep into any openings.
- After the prescribed contact time on the wipe packaging, wipe off the residual solvent as soon as possible. Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth for this.
- Let your Mac dry completely before turning it on.
Note: Medical wipes and their chemical composition can affect your device. Depending on the chemicals, frequency, and duration of use, medical wipes can impact the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the system. To minimize this risk, always use standard cleaning wipes and follow the provided instructions.
