| How to Reset a MacBook Pro Posted: 25 Feb 2018 04:00 PM PST This wikiHow teaches you how to reset your MacBook Pro's NVRAM and battery settings, as well as how to wipe your MacBook Pro and restore it to its factory settings. Resetting a Mac's NVRAM can help fix errors in things like your battery's display, while battery settings can be reset if your Mac is frequently overheating or crashing. Restoring your MacBook Pro to its factory settings will erase everything on the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. EditResetting the NVRAM - Understand what resetting NVRAM will fix. NVRAM—short for "Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory"—stores settings like speaker volume, the default display, and other settings that your Mac typically uses. Resetting the NVRAM can fix problems wherein your MacBook Pro isn't playing sound, the display is flickering or turning itself off, the computer is taking too long to start up, and similar problems.[1]
- On some Macs, "NVRAM" is replaced with "PRAM" ("Parameter Random-Access Memory"), which is fundamentally similar to NVRAM.
- Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
- Click . It's at the bottom of the Apple menu.
- Click when prompted. Doing so prompts your MacBook Pro to shut down.
- Find the NVRAM reset keys. To reset NVRAM, you'll have to hold down the , , , and keys all at the same time for about 15 seconds.[2]
- Turn back on your Mac. Press the "Power" button on your Mac to prompt your Mac to begin turning back on.
- Press and hold the NVRAM reset keys. Do this immediately after pressing your Mac's "Power" button; you'll need to be pressing all four keys at once before the Apple logo appears.
- If the Apple logo appears before you press the keys, you'll have to shut down and try again.
- Continue holding the keys until your Mac finishes starting up. Your Mac may reboot itself during this process. Once you arrive at the user selection screen, you can release the keys and sign into your MacBook Pro like you usually do.
- You may need to reset some of your preferences (e.g., preferred audio output) after resetting the NVRAM.
- Verify that the problem has been resolved. If you are still having issues with the system settings, you may need to factory reset your MacBook Pro. You will lose any data that you have saved on the MacBook if you do so.
EditResetting the Battery - Understand what resetting the battery will fix. To reset the battery, you'll actually reset the SMC (System Management Controller) which is a small chip that controls things like your Mac's external lights, responses to button presses, and battery management. Resetting the SMC may improve battery life, fix overheating problems, and speed up your MacBook Pro.[3]
- Check the symptoms. There are several symptoms that are directly related to the SMC:
- The fans are loud and running at high speed even though the computer isn't hot and is well-ventilated.
- Indicator lights (battery, backlights, etc.) are not working properly.
- The MacBook doesn't respond to pressing the Power button.
- The computer shuts itself down or goes to sleep unexpectedly.
- The battery does not charge properly.
- Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the upper-left side of the screen. Doing so prompts a drop-down menu.
- Click . It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
- Click when prompted. Your MacBook Pro will shut down.
- Attach your MacBook Pro to a plugged-in charger. Make sure that the charger is plugged into a wall outlet, then plug the charging end into the port on the right side of your MacBook Pro.
- Find the SMC reset keys. In order to reset the SMC, you'll need to hold down the , , and keys all at the same time while also holding down the "Power" button.
- If your MacBook Pro has a touch bar, the "Power" button is also the Touch ID button.
- Press and hold the SMC reset keys for 10 seconds. Once you've done so, you can release the keys.
- Press the "Power" button. Doing so should turn on your Mac, prompting it to begin restarting. Once your Mac finishes restarting, your battery issues should be resolved.
- Verify that the problem has been resolved. If you are still having issues with the battery, you may need to factory reset your MacBook Pro. You will lose any data that you have saved on the MacBook if you do so.
EditRestoring Factory Settings - Back up your Mac if possible. Since restoring your Mac to its factory settings will erase everything on your hard drive, it's a good idea to back up anything that you want to save before doing so.
- If you can't log into your Mac or you're unable to run your Mac's Time Machine, skip this step.
- Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
- Click . It's near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
- Click when prompted. Doing so will cause your Mac to begin restarting itself.
- Hold down the and keys at the same time. You'll need to do this immediately after clicking Restart.
- Release the keys when you see the Apple logo. Your MacBook will begin booting into the Recovery window. This process can take a few minutes to complete.
- Select . It's in the middle of the Recovery window.
- Click . This button is in the bottom-right corner of the window. Doing so opens the Disk Utility window.
- Select your Mac's hard drive. Click the Mac's hard drive's name in the upper-left side of the Disk Utility window.
- Your Mac's hard drive will be named "Macintosh HD" if you didn't rename it.
- Click the tab. It's at the top of the Disk Utility window. A new window will open.
- Click the "Format" drop-down box. Doing so will open a drop-down menu.
- Click . It's in the drop-down menu.
- This is the basic disk format used for Mac hard drives.
- Click . This button is in the bottom-right side of the window. Your Mac's hard drive will begin erasing itself.
- The erasing process can take a few hours, so make sure that your Mac is plugged into a charger.
- Click when prompted. Your Mac should now be completely erased.
- Click . It's a menu item in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
- Click . This option is at the bottom of the drop-down menu. Clicking it takes you back to the Recovery window.
- Select . It's in the Recovery window.
- Click . This option is in the bottom-right corner of the window. MacOS will begin downloading onto your computer.
- You must have an Internet connection for MacOS to download onto your computer.
- Follow any on-screen prompts. Once MacOS finishes downloading, you'll be able to install and set up the operating system as though the Mac were brand-new.
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| How to Compare Pharmacy Prices Posted: 25 Feb 2018 08:00 AM PST If you've ever had to pick up a prescription, you know how expensive medicine can be. However, prices can vary widely from pharmacy to pharmacy, even within the same area.[1] This means you can save big money by comparing pharmacy prices before you fill your prescription. EditIn a Hurry? If you want to compare pharmacy prices, start by using an online app or calling around to check the pharmacy prices in your area. Focus especially on independent pharmacies or those in lower-income neighborhoods. Once you have chosen your pharmacy, ask the pharmacist if there are any discounts available for your medication. To learn more about saving money on your prescription, keep reading! EditFinding the Right Pharmacy - Compare prescription prices online. These days there are apps and websites which take some of the legwork out of comparing pharmacy costs. A simple web search will turn up a number of results. These apps will show the prices of the same prescription at various pharmacies near you, allowing you to make the most informed decision about where to pick up your medication.[2]
- Call around to different pharmacies in your area. Believe it or not, 2 pharmacies across the street from each other might have vastly different prices for the exact same medicine. Call around to some of the pharmacies in your town and ask what their prices will be.[3]
- Some pharmacies may not give out prices over the phone, while others will need your insurance information before they can tell you how much a prescription will cost. Try going into the pharmacy if you can't get the info you need with a phone call.
- Be sure to check prices at independent pharmacies. It might seem like the big chains will offer the lowest prices, but this isn't always true. Chain drug stores stay competitive by offering convenience, a well-known name, and a wide variety of non-drug items. Independent pharmacies often rely on competitive prices and personalized customer service to stay in business.[4]
- Check prices at pharmacies on the lower-income side of town. Prices for prescriptions tend to be lower in low-income neighborhoods. If you live in a more affluent community, try calling pharmacies in nearby areas that aren't as fortunate.[5]
- Order your medicine from an online pharmacy. You can sometimes save money by having your prescription shipped to you from an online pharmacy. You'll want to make sure that the pharmacy has the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) symbol clearly displayed on their website. These companies save you money by shipping your medications directly from the manufacturer instead of running brick-and-mortar stores.[6]
EditTalking to Your Doctor and Pharmacist - Ask your doctor about medication costs. Many people never bring up the subject of price with their doctor, but talking to your physician might save you a lot of money and time. For instance, your doctor might be able to prescribe a generic version of your prescription or possibly a different low-cost medication that has similar effects.[7]
- In most cases, generic drugs are just as safe and effective as name-brand drugs, so ask your doctor if they could be right for you. Unless you're on antiseizure medication, blood-thinners, or medication to control an irregular heartbeat or to prevent rejection of a transplant organ, a generic will probably work for you.[8]
- Ask your pharmacist about patient assistance programs. Some pharmaceutical companies offer programs to help patients who can't afford the cost of their medications. If you qualify for one of these programs, you might be able to get your medicine at little or no cost to you.[9]
- Many of these pharmaceutical companies list these programs online so you can also check the manufacturer's website.
- Buy your prescription in bulk. Ask your doctor if they will write your prescription for several months at a time instead of just a few weeks or a month. You can save big by getting a 90-day prescription instead of filling 3 30-day refills.[10]
- Ask your doctor about getting a higher-dose pill and splitting it. Often, the price of a prescription isn't much higher for a stronger version of the same pill. Talk to your doctor and the pharmacist to see if it would be safe to get your medication in twice the dose you usually take. You can use a pill splitter to take half the pill at a time, so you'll save money but you'll still get the exact same dose.[11]
- Capsules, gel caps, and time-release pills should not be split.[12]
- Ask your pharmacist if you can save by bypassing your insurance. Some insurance companies charge a set fee per prescription. In some cases, the cost of the drug without insurance would be less than this fee. A pharmacist might not volunteer this information, so be sure to ask. If the cost is less, simply pay out of pocket instead of offering your insurance card at the register.[13]
- Get a prescription discount card from an organization like AAA or AARP. Prescription discount cards are usually free, and they are offered by a variety of organizations, including AAA, AARP, and independent companies. These cards are not insurance, but they can help you get low-cost prescriptions in much the same way that insurance could.[14]
- Do not order your medicine from a non-VIPPS online pharmacy, as these are not regulated by the FDA.
- Always talk to your doctor before you make any changes to your medication.
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| How to Join Homeland Security Posted: 25 Feb 2018 12:00 AM PST The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for keeping America's borders secure, preventing terrorism, and enforcing immigration laws. Consider joining Homeland Security if you'd like to work for the U.S. government in law enforcement, immigration, or support services. To obtain a job with Homeland Security, start by getting the necessary education and training. You can then search for positions that suit your skillset and interests, and apply for them online with a detailed resume. EditGetting the Necessary Education and Training - Do an internship with Homeland Security if you are a student or recent grad. The Department of Homeland Security offers internship and fellowship opportunities to high school students and recent high school graduates through The Pathways Program. They also offer paid and unpaid internships with specific departments within the DHS, such as Health and Science, Intelligence and Analysis, and Law Enforcement.
- Take classes in criminology, criminal justice, and forensics. These are key skills for individuals who want to work at the DHS, as they can be applied to a variety of jobs in Homeland Security. Look for online classes that focus on these topics or enroll in courses at your local college or university. Obtain documentation that you completed the classes or courses so you can include this information in your application.[1]
- Make sure you have your high school diploma or GED so you can enroll in post-secondary courses at your local college or university.
- Enroll in police officer or corrections officer training. Many applicants for DHS positions have training or experience in law enforcement already, usually as a police officer or corrections officer. Enroll in this type of training so you can learn key skills like problem-solving, evidence-handling, data analysis, and investigation training. You will also learn how to safely use a firearm. These skills will help you stand out as an applicant for DHS positions and give you good foundational training for the job.[2]
- Look for police officer or corrections officer training at your local police academy or college.
- Join the military to gain the skills for DHS. Look for a cadet program or military training program in your area. Experience in the military can give you skills like weapons training, conflict resolution, data analysis, and a commitment to serving your country.[3]
- If you have served in the military, you likely have many of the skills needed to thrive in a DHS position. The DHS often looks to recruit veterans to work for them in a variety of roles. Make sure you include your military experience on your resume so you can stand out as an applicant.
EditSearching for Positions - Look at mission support roles if you want to work in human resources. These roles often involve expertise in fields like budget planning, public affairs, communication, medical studies, science and technology, and fraud detection. There is a wide range of careers at DHS that fall under this category, as these careers work to support missions by Homeland Security in a variety of ways.[4]
- Search for law enforcement careers if you want to work in security. These jobs are ideal if you'd like to work to keep the nation's borders secure. You will also protect heads of state and other government individuals, and get the opportunity to do law enforcement training for new hires.[5]
- Consider travel security careers if you'd like to focus on transport systems and immigration. These jobs focus on protecting America's transportation systems. You will also be responsible for monitoring and enforcing immigration laws, as well as oversee lawful immigration to the U.S.[6]
- Look at prevention and response careers if you want to protect the environment. These jobs help to protect the nation's environment and the general public. You can also work to prepare for and respond to environmental hazards or natural disasters.[7]
EditApplying for Positions - Find open positions on the Homeland Security website: https://dhs.usajobs.gov/. Use the search tools on the page to look for positions by agency, salary, and pay grade. You can also filter your search by job category or type of work, such as permanent or full time.
- Use the additional search options on the tool to look for positions based on supervisory level, location, and level of clearance.
- You can also look for positions specifically for veterans using the search tool.
- Read the job announcement to confirm you have the required qualifications and training. Review the announcement for details on the types of skills required as well as the duties and tasks associated with the position. There will also be information about salary, benefits, and training requirements. Make sure you have interests, education, and background that are relevant to the position.[8]
- Apply for the job on the Homeland Security website. Click on the "How to Apply" section on the job announcement and follow the instructions. You will need to provide personal information and answer questions to determine your skills, abilities, and qualifications.[9]
- You can also note you are a veteran as part of the application.
- Provide a detailed resume. As part of your application, you will need to provide a resume that highlights your work experience and education. Include any volunteer experience, extra-curricular activities, or accomplishments that relate to the position. Try to make your resume at least 2 pages in length so it is detailed and specific.[10]
- Use a specific format for the resume, such as chronological, skill-based, or a combination of both approaches. Chronological is the most common for federal related jobs, where your most recent experience goes first. A skill-based structure may be more useful if you have gaps in your work experience.
- Always check the spelling and grammar in your resume before sending it out.
- Interview for the position, if contacted. Once you submit your application and you are chosen as a top candidate, you will be contacted for an interview by a human resources specialist. You may need to submit additional materials like writing samples or professional references. You will then interview in person with hiring managers at DHS.[11]
- Dress professionally for the interview and arrive on time or a few minutes early.
- Bring a copy of your resume so you have it on hand.
- Maintain a calm, friendly demeanor. Make eye contact when you speak to others and answer the interview questions as succinctly and clearly as you can.
- Pass a security clearance check before you start your job. If you receive a job offer, you will need to pass a security clearance check before you can be hired by the DHS. The screening can take up to 3 months to complete, depending on the level of clearance you are receiving. The DHS will confirm you are a U.S. citizen and that you have a clean legal record. They may also look into other details to confirm you are a good hire.[12]
- Once you pass the security clearance check, you will be approved for hiring and receive an official start date for the position.
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