Notes: Boot Problems, Web Cams, Disable Caps Lock

My Mac Won’t Start

Unfortunately, Murphy has gone through this with two Macs in the last month. When you’ve still got a working computer you can check the Internet for troubleshooting tips. But what if you’ve only got one computer, like when you’re on the road?

This tiny downloadable pocket guide is perfect for your laptop bag. Or tape one to the back of your 30″ display. While you’re at it, burn a copy of your Tiger install DVD for your Timbuk2 Messenger Bag.

Webcams On Your Mac

If you’ve got an old USB webcam lying around and it never worked with your Mac maybe it’s time to give it another shot. A utility called macam got Murphy’s Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 going. There’s a list of supported cameras but try your camera even if it’s not on the list - unincluded models may still work.

The iSight is great, but it’s not always the most convenient way to capture video. The driver got Murphy’s camera working with Skype and Quicktime Pro - you just drag the macam.component file into your /Library/Quicktime folder. It’s a lot more convenient than hooking up a camcorder.

Turning Off Caps Lock - Permanently

Murphy never, never, ever uses the Caps Lock key. At least not on purpose. If you don’t use it either you can turn it off or reassign it to another key like Command or Option in about twenty seconds.

Just go to your System Preferences and click Keyboard & Mouse. On the Keyboard tab click the Modifier Keys button. The top menu list lets you reassign the Caps Lock key or give it no function at all. Boom. No more shouting.

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