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Technical Q&As are short question and answer formatted pages that provide answers to questions frequently received at Apple Developer Technical Support.

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ANSI SCSI Standards (HTML)
Deprecated - DV03: Describes past Macintosh systems that did not fully support the ANSI SCSI-1 standard.
Accessibility 1995-07-01
Are the Name Registry device tree nodes unique? (HTML)
Deprecated - HW64: Discusses whether Name Registry nodes copied from the Open Firmware device tree are unique.
Accessibility 1999-10-11
Bluetooth Radio Power Class for Apple Systems (HTML) ()
QA1278: Notes Preferred Bluetooth Transmitter Characteristics for products designed for Apple Systems.
Accessibility 2003-08-06
Checking for the Printer Driver (HTML)
DV42: Describes a legacy Mac OS technique avoiding system hangs when using serial drivers on USB systems.
Accessibility 2000-06-19
Detecting a CD-ROM (HTML) ()
DV18: Demonstrates CD-ROM drive detection.
Accessibility 1997-01-31
Determining RAM size & location in New World Machines (HTML)
QA1065: Demonstrates Open Firmware method of determining RAM size & location in New World Machines.
Accessibility 2001-08-01
Energy Star PCI Device (HTML) ()
QA1108: Provides useful information for developers of Energy Star-compliant PCI devices.
Accessibility 2002-01-15
Faster DDR DRAM in the 867MHz Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors) (HTML) ()
QA1191: Confirms the use of faster DDR DRAM in the 867MHz Power Mac G4 (Mirrored Drive Doors).
Accessibility 2002-08-19
Generating an NMI Without a Programmer's Switch (HTML) ()
QA1264: Explains how to generate a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) on CPUs without programmer's switches.
Accessibility 2004-04-26
Getting a List of Drivers & LUNs (logical unit numbers) (HTML)
Deprecated - DV04: Describes a legacy Mac OS technique for obtaining a list of SCSI Parallel drivers, devices, and LUNs.
Accessibility 1995-07-01
How can I tell if a PCI device has on board I/O space? (HTML)
QA1287: Demonstrates "how to" tell if a PCI device has on board I/O space.
Accessibility 2003-09-24
Invoking the Open Firmware user interface (HTML) ()
HW45: Describes how to invoke the Open Firmware user interface on startup.
Accessibility 1999-02-15
IODeviceTree & the IORegistry (HTML) ()
QA1120: Describes the IODeviceTree plane in the Mac OS X IORegistry.
Accessibility 2002-02-13
Menu Bar Clock and NVRAM (HTML)
QA1102: Explains why booting with the Command-Option-P-R keys doesn't reset date and time preferences.
Accessibility 2001-12-21
The "packages" node in the device tree (HTML)
HW90: Describes the "packages" node in the Open Firmware device tree.
Accessibility 2000-09-05
PC100 SDRAM DIMMs on the Flat Panel iMac (HTML) ()
QA1130: Describes PC100 SDRAM DIMM limitations on the "original " Flat Panel iMac.
Accessibility 2002-03-18
PCI Bus? (HTML)
QA1104: Answers the question, "Do all Macintosh computers have a PCI bus?"
Accessibility 2001-12-21
Resetting NVRAM to factory defaults (HTML)
QA1103: Describes what happens when you boot holding the Command-Option-P-R keys.
Accessibility 2001-12-21
SCSI ID from vRefNum (HTML) ()
DV29: Legacy Mac OS technique for identifying the ID of a SCSI Parallel device containing a specified disk volume.
Accessibility 1997-05-23
A SCSI little secret (HTML)
HW81: Details what to expect when accessing the motherboard SCSI bus on the Blue & White G3.
Accessibility 1999-12-20
SDRAM Problems With Self-Powered USB Devices (HTML) ()
HW82: Alerts that non-compliant, self-powered USB devices plugged into a G4, can cause problems with low-voltage-sensitive SDRAM .
Accessibility 2003-08-21
SDRAM, CAS Latency for the "Quicksilver" PowerMacG4s (HTML)
QA1071: Describes the supported CAS Latency values for the "QuickSilver", PowerMac G4 CPUs.
Accessibility 2001-09-13
Adding menu separator items to controls in a Sherlock channel (HTML) ()
QA1219: Using menu-item separators in an NSPopUpButton control of a Sherlock channel.
Apple Applications 2003-01-21
Does Safari support 128-bit encryption? (HTML)
QA1320: Discusses support for 128-bit encryption in Apple's Safari web browser.
Apple Applications 2004-09-10
Sending an Email (HTML)
QA1084: Shows how to create an email in the user's prefered email application.
Apple Applications 2004-11-05
Calling an AppleScript and providing parameters from an Application (HTML) ()
QA1111: Explains calling and providing parameter values to an AppleScript event handler from an application written in C.
AppleScript 2002-03-13
Calling AppleScript from an Application (HTML)
QA1026: Describes how to call an AppleScript from an application written in C.
AppleScript 2001-04-10
Deselecting Icons in the Finder (HTML) ()
IC04: Shows how to programmatically deselect icons in the Finder.
AppleScript 1997-07-11
Getting a Packet Trace (HTML) ()
QA1176: Lists tools available for looking at the network packets on the wire.
AppleScript 2004-07-13
Loading Scripting Additions without initializing AppleScript in Mac OS X (HTML)
QA1070: Explains how to load scripting additions so you can call them using Apple events.
AppleScript 2001-09-13
Preserving embedded ICC profiles when using QuickTime Graphics Importer/Exporters (HTML) ()
QA1145: Shows how to preserve the embedded ICC profile when using the QuickTime Graphics Importer/Exporter routines
AppleScript 2002-09-04
Using AppleScript to send an email with an attachment (HTML) ()
QA1018: Explains how to send an attachment with an email message using an AppleScript.
AppleScript 2002-01-04
The "/.vol" directory and "volfs" (HTML) ()
QA1113: Describes how the Carbon File Manager interacts with BSD via "volfs" and the "/.vol" directory.
Carbon 2002-02-14
68K Open Transport Code on Power Macintoshes (HTML)
Deprecated - NW48: Explains why running Open Transport 68K code on a PowerPC may not always work.
Carbon 1997-03-14
Aborting a OTConnect in Progress (HTML)
Deprecated - NW29: Describes the proper way to abort OTConnect, and why after calling OTSndDisconnect you may receive "kOTOutStateErr".
Carbon 1996-05-14
Accessing File Control Blocks (HTML) ()
FL10: Shows how to access file control blocks correctly, reiterating not to access FCBs directly.
Carbon 1999-10-05
Accessing HTTPS Proxy Settings (HTML) ()
QA1234: Describes how to programatically access Secure Web Proxy information.
Carbon 2003-02-19
Adding a movie reference to a movie (HTML)
QA1376: Demonstrates how to add a reference for a movie to another movie
Carbon 2004-09-16
Adding an automated Window menu to your application (HTML)
QA1080: Explains how to add an automated Window menu to your Carbon application.
Carbon 2001-10-30
aglChoosePixelFormat, The Inside Scoop (HTML)
OGL01: Describes the nuances of aglChoosePixelFormat, including specific information on multi-monitor support.
Carbon 2000-04-03
Allocate and Disk Full Error (HTML) ()
FL12: Discusses a problem with AFP volumes displaying incorrect free space, and returning disk full errors.
Carbon 1999-07-21
Animating the Cursor at VBL Time (HTML) ()
PS05: Describes animating the cursor under traditional Mac OS.
Carbon 1997-01-09
Appearance Versions (HTML) ()
TB39: Explains how to retrieve the Appearance Manager version and verify the compatibility with the Mac OS version.
Carbon 2000-07-15
Are the root control, the root view, and the content view the same entity? (HTML) ()
QA1214: Details the differences and similitudes between the root control, the root view, and the content view of windows.
Carbon 2002-11-12
Are there any OSStatus values I can use in my programs? (HTML)
OV02: Describes OSStatus values that generate errors without colliding with reserved Apple system values.
Carbon 1999-11-22
Avoiding Kernel Event Conflicts (HTML)
QA1063: Documents the namespace for the vendor_code field of the kern_event_msg structure.
Carbon 2001-09-14
Avoiding Pauses When Looping Audio files with QuickTime (HTML)
QA1371: Demonstrates how to avoid pauses when looping audio files with QuickTime
Carbon 2004-09-08
Avoiding the -42 error with DiscRecording (HTML)
QA1292: Explains how to workaround the -42 error when using the DiscRecording API.
Carbon 2004-05-25
Base-Derived async image codecs must implement ImageCodecQueueStarting and ImageCodecQueueStopping (HTML) ()
QA1157: Describes why base-derived codecs that set canAsync must implement ImageCodecQueueStarting and ImageCodecQueueStopping.
Carbon 2002-07-09
BowelsOfTheMemoryManager (aka YourHeapIsProbablyCorrupt) (HTML) ()
Deprecated - ME05: What the symbol BowelsoftheMemoryManager means and the most probable cause of this symbol in MacsBug.
Carbon 2001-02-01
Bypassing AppendMenu's Meta-character Processing (HTML) ()
TB56: Explains how to bypass AppendMenu's meta-character processing and how to use AppendMenuItemText instead.
Carbon 1998-12-22
CalcCMask and SeedCFill in Carbon (HTML) ()
QD62: Explains how to use CalcCMask and SeedCFill in Carbon even though Carbon doesn't support OpenPort.
Carbon 2000-11-08
Calling an AppleScript and providing parameters from an Application (HTML) ()
QA1111: Explains calling and providing parameter values to an AppleScript event handler from an application written in C.
Carbon 2002-03-13
Calling AppleScript from an Application (HTML)
QA1026: Describes how to call an AppleScript from an application written in C.
Carbon 2001-04-10
Calling CloseOpenTransport When Writing an App (HTML) ()
Deprecated - NW36: Identifies a bug in Open Transport 1.1 which means your application must CloseOpenTransport before quitting.
Carbon 1996-07-03
Can I have parameters of type typeHIRect instead of type typeQDRectangle in my kEventControlBoundsChanged message handler? (HTML) ()
QA1246: Details the automatic coercions between QuickDraw and Quartz types provided by the Carbon Event Parameter accessors.
Carbon 2003-04-03
Capturing Speech Manager Output (HTML) ()
Deprecated - SND15: Capturing the output from the Speech Synthesis Manager to a file.
Carbon 1998-05-18
Carbon Full Screen Conundrums (HTML)
QA1068: Describes the available Mac OS X DrawSprocket services.
Carbon 2001-08-20
CFXML to CFPropertyListRef (and back!) (HTML) ()
QA1208: Describes to how save and restore a CFPropertyListRef to and from an XML file.
Carbon 2003-08-29
CGBitmapContextCreate Supported Color Spaces (HTML)
QA1037: Lists the color space and alpha info combinations currently supported by CGBitmapContextCreate.
Carbon 2004-09-09
CGContext Bounds (HTML)
QA1048: Explains how to determine the bounds of a CGContext.
Carbon 2001-07-02
CGContext parameter missing in my kEventControlDraw event (HTML) ()
QA1212: Explains in which case your kEventControlDraw handler wouldn't receive a CGContext parameter.
Carbon 2002-11-12
CGContextAddLineToPoint, CGContextAddCurveToPoint, et. al. (HTML)
QA1049: Explains why the CGContextAddXYZ APIs don't draw anything immediately.
Carbon 2001-07-02
CGContextClosePath (HTML)
QA1046: Explains when you should call CGContextClosePath.
Carbon 2001-10-02
CGImageRef contents are immutable (HTML) ()
QA1276: Explains that CGImageRef contents are considered immutable once created.
Carbon 2003-07-17
Changing Menu Titles (HTML) ()
TB47: Explains how to change a menu's title after its insertion into the menu bar.
Carbon 1998-12-22
Changing Size of sfnt Cache (HTML) ()
TX11: Describes how to change the size of the sfnt fragment cache.
Carbon 1998-04-12
Changing the TCP Window Size (HTML)
NW47: Describes how to change the TCP window size in Open Transport.
Carbon 1997-03-14
Checking for the Printer Driver (HTML)
DV42: Describes a legacy Mac OS technique avoiding system hangs when using serial drivers on USB systems.
Carbon 2000-06-19
Clickable Static Text Item (HTML)
QA1380: Explains how to make a static text item respond to clicks
Carbon 2004-10-05
Closing the Connection: OpenTransport (HTML) ()
Deprecated - NW20: Describes an orderly disconnect situation in Open Transport between two nodes.
Carbon 1996-03-04
Context Sharing Tips (HTML) ()
QA1248: How to correctly share OpenGL contexts and what the limits on this sharing are.
Carbon 2003-06-24
Converting RGB Colors to a Palette Index (HTML)
Deprecated - QD21: Explains how to convert RGB colors into the palette index created by an application.
Carbon 1995-09-15
Converting Simplified Chinese (HTML) ()
TX06: Describes how to convert Macintosh Simplified Chinese encoding into GB2312.
Carbon 1996-02-09
Converting to Precomposed Unicode (HTML) ()
QA1235: Describes how to convert a string to precomposed Unicode.
Carbon 2003-02-07
Core Audio & Xcode - Ensuring the latest Core Audio Headers are installed (HTML)
QA1386: Describes how to ensure you're working with the latest Core Audio Header files with Xcode.
Carbon 2005-01-18
Correct Setup of an AGLDrawable (HTML)
OGL02: Describes the setup of an AGLDrawable.
Carbon 2000-10-04
CreateStaticTextControl fails with paramErr (HTML) ()
QA1211: Explains why CreateStaticTextControl fails with a paramErr in compositing windows and gives a work around.
Carbon 2002-11-12
Creating Double-byte Bitmap Fonts (HTML) ()
TX10: Some information about converting to the 'NFNT' and 'sbit' font formats.
Carbon 1998-02-10
Creating Gray Scaled Images > 8 bits (HTML) ()
Deprecated - QD51: Shows how to create gray-scaled images at resolutions greater than 8 bits for display.
Carbon 1997-11-17
Creating Sub GWorlds using QTNewGWorldFromPtr (HTML)
QA1014: Using QTNewGWorldFromPtr to create sub GWorlds which reference the pixel data of other GWorlds.
Carbon 2001-03-20
Current GDevice Dependencies (HTML) ()
QA1115: Describes potential problems with creating windows or ports when the current GDevice isn't the main device.
Carbon 2002-02-13
The Data Browser GetDataBrowserUserState API (HTML) ()
QA1270: Explains a problematic Data Browser API definition and how to work around it.
Carbon 2003-07-22
Debugging Graphics with QuartzDebug (HTML) ()
QA1236: Explains how to use QuartzDebug to debug graphics issues.
Carbon 2003-02-25
Deselecting Icons in the Finder (HTML) ()
IC04: Shows how to programmatically deselect icons in the Finder.
Carbon 1997-07-11
Detecting Classic and Carbon X Environments (HTML) ()
OV03: Describes how to find out if your application is running in the Classic environment in Mac OS X.
Carbon 2000-10-16
Detecting specific ROM-in-RAM Mac (HTML) ()
Deprecated - HW49: Identifying a Mac by name ("iMac"), and better alternatives for determining specific features ("has Firewire").
Carbon 1999-10-05
Determining if a Drive is a Network Volume (HTML) ()
NW09: Shows how to determine if a volume is mounted over the network.
Carbon 1998-06-01
Determining user login/logout status (HTML)
QA1133: Tells how to determinine if a user is logged in, and how to get login/logout notification
Carbon 2002-04-08
Determining volume size (HTML) ()
FL08: Describes methods of determining volume size and free space under Mac OS.
Carbon 1998-09-14
Developing for VFS (HTML) ()
QA1242: Describes Apple's position on developing external file systems (VFS plug-ins) for Mac OS X.
Carbon 2003-03-26
DeviceLoop is for drawing (HTML)
QA1024: Warns of one common misuse of the DeviceLoop API and gives two alternative solutions.
Carbon 2001-04-11
Directories Appear as Volume Aliases (HTML)
QA1351: Discusses how VFS plug-ins should handle device numbers to ensure compatibility with Carbon applications.
Carbon 2004-05-25
Disabling a Processor on a Multiprocessor System (HTML) ()
QA1141: Describes how to disable a processor on a multiprocessor system for testing purposes.
Carbon 2002-05-22
Disconnected aliases on CD-ROM and Alias Manager (HTML)
OPS05: Explains why aliases may become disconnected on a CD-ROM.
Carbon 2001-03-26
Discovering all advertised Rendezvous service types (HTML)
QA1337: Explains how to discover all Rendezvous service types being advertised on the local network.
Carbon 2004-06-01
dlsDelta field in PRAM's time zone MachineLocation record (HTML) ()
OPS21: Explains how to access and preserve the Daylight Savings state when changing the GMT.
Carbon 2001-03-26
Do I have to call CreateRootControl after creating my window? (HTML) ()
QA1215: Explains when and when not to call CreateRootControl after creating a window.
Carbon 2002-11-12
Don't forget to cancel your Rendezvous resolve (HTML)
QA1297: Explains why it's important to cancel a Rendezvous resolve operation.
Carbon 2003-10-15
Downloading through a proxy server in Mac OS X (HTML)
QA1296: Explains when downloading through a proxy server will work, and when it will fail.
Carbon 2003-10-29