Chapter 1: Installation and Configuration - 9 Questions

Question 1

What are the minimum hardware requirements for upgrading a system to OS X Lion?

Answer 1

The minimum requirements for upgrading Lion are:

• A Mac with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, or Xeon processor
• 2GB of memory
• Mac OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
• 7GB of available disk space
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply
• Some features require a compatible Internet service provider; fees may apply

Question 2

What seven preparation steps must you take before upgrading a system to Lion?

Answer 2

Seven steps you should take before upgrading a system to Lion are

• plug portable Macs into main power
• Use Apple Software Update
• Check for firmware updates
• Verify application compatibility
• Back up important files and folders
• Document critical settings
• Keep up to date by visiting Apple’s Lion support website.

Question 3

How can you identify whether a Mac requires a firmware update?

Answer 3

You can identify a Mac firmware version by opening the full system report in the System Information application. You can verify whether a Mac firmware is up to date by visiting Apple’s support website to see a list of available firmware updates.

Question 4

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a single- partition drive with Mac OS X? What about a multiple- partition drive?

Answer 4

Single-partition drives are easier to set up initially, but they aren’t as flexible for administration and maintenance. Multiple-partition drives require repartitioning during setup but provide several separate partitions, which can be used to segregate user data and host multiple operating systems.

Question 5

What utilities are available when a Mac starts up from Lion Recovery?

Answer 5

The Lion Recovery system provides access to Restore System From Time Machine Backup, Reinstall Mac OS X, Get Help Online via Safari, Disk Utility, Startup Disk, Firmware Password Utility, Terminal, Reset Password, System Information, and Network Utility.

Question 6

Where can you locate the system version number, build number, and serial number? What is the significance of each of these numbers?

Answer 6

The system version, build number, and hardware serial number are located in the About This Mac dialog or the login screen. The system version number defines the specific version of Mac OS X installed. The system build number is an even more specific identifier used primarily by developers. Finally, the hardware serial number is a unique number used to identify your Mac.

Question 7

How do the four default System Preferences categories differ?

Answer 7

Generally, Personal preferences affect only a single user, Hardware preferences adjust hardware and peripheral settings, Internet & Wireless preferences affect personal and system network settings, and System preferences affect all users and often require administrative access.

Question 8

How do you ensure that you have the latest Apple software?

Answer 8

The Software Update application uses the Internet to check for Apple software updates. You can adjust automatic update settings or manually open the Software Update application from the Software Update preferences.