Mac Tips

What browser do I use?
If you have a Macintosh, we recommend using the latest version of Safari or Firefox for distance learning courses. Internet Explorer for Macintosh is no longer available for download as of January 31, 2006 (read the notice from Microsoft).

How do I download a worksheet?
If you are using Safari as your browser, clicking on a link to download a worksheet will only open it in the browser. To download the worksheet, hold down the Option key as you click on the link.

How do I open a worksheet?
Some worksheets are saved as .rtf (rich text format) files. The default on some Macintosh computers is set so that these files open in TextEdit. Worksheets will not display correctly in TextEdit. You will need to associate the worksheets with a word-processing program such as Microsoft Word or Appleworks.

To associate worksheets with a word-processing program:

1. Select the file (do not open it). Hold down (command)+ i  on your keyboard to open the Information menu.
   
2. Click on Open With and select the software program from the drop-down menu.
   
3. Your file should now open in the software program you selected. You can also change the default program so that every time you open an .rtf file, it opens in the correct program.

If you are using Safari and continue to experience some problems, try downloading the Mozilla Firefox browser to use in your course.

Adapted from MacOSX - General Tips (Mesa Distance Learning Program). Posted 05 Feb 2007.