Mac QC Checklist

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Welcome to Quality Control! The system you are inspecting should have been through Evaluation and Build and have a Keeper Label to track its progress. If so, it's ready for its final tests before we send it out into the world. Some things to keep in mind while working through QC: If a system has issues, it's best to catch them early. Point them out to your instructor. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask your instructor or fellow builders. Don't rush! Take your time while following the steps in this guide.

Inspection and Cleaning

  • Check the Keeper Label
    • Make sure the RAM Testing and all Build steps have been completed and checked off. If not, ask your instructor for guidance.
    • Look for any unresolved issues or notes. Ask your instructor if you have questions.
  • Check the system for missing screws or covers, or damaged parts.
    • Install parts or make repairs as directed by your instructor.
    • All necessary repairs should be completed before moving on to the next step.

Stickers to be removed

  • Any sticker identifying the previous owner or with personal information, such as passwords, business names or addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, etc.
  • Any logo or bumper sticker added by a previous user.
  • Stickers added by the manufacturer with system information (model number, specs, service tag, etc.) should be left on.

Clean the screen and keyboard

  • Use cleaning fluids carefully – avoid getting liquid into the interior of the system.
  • Use screen cleaner and a soft, non-abrasive rag to clean the LCD screen.
  • Use a brush and rag to clean the keyboard, trackpad, and palm rest surfaces.

Check the Hardware

  • Plug in the power supply, network cable, and keyboard/mouse if needed, then try turning the machine on while pressing the 'N' button.
    • It may take a while for it to boot to the network. You will see an Apple logo, or a globe.
    • If the system does not boot to the network, ask your instructor for an external hard drive. Turn off the machine, plug in the external HDD, then try turning the machine on while pressing the 'Option' key. You should see an icon for booting to the external HDD. Select the external disk option to boot into.
  • Click 'Ignore' if a disc insertion warning box starts up.
  • Confirm the hardware for this system
    • Click on the Apple icon in the top, left corner.
    • Check to make sure the CPU and RAM are as noted on the Keeper Label
    • Click on About This Mac, then select, More Information, then System Report
    • Check the Serial-ATA and Memory sections to confirm they match what is written on the Keeper Label
    • Check the Disc Burning section to see what type of optical drive is installed.
  • Verify the above information is corresponds with the Keeper Label and Printme

Stress-test the CPU

  • Click on the CPU Test icon (green check mark) on the Menu Bar at the bottom of the screen
  • Choose the option primenet as the test type and start the test; this will take a few minutes
  • If this or any other test fails, consult your instructor
  • Note if this test passed on the Keeper Label

Stress-test the GPU

  • Click on the Apple icon in the top, left corner.
  • Select System Preferences, then click on the Desktop & Screen Saver icon
  • Scroll down to the bottom of the list and select GPULife
  • Select Options, verify limit framerate is not selected and that show frame-rate is selected.
  • Set Zoom to 1 and click OK , select Test.
  • Look for any artifacting or other issues
    • These would be popping lights, obvious glitches, lines, and cross hatching
    • The frames per second should remain consistent, it may take a moment to appear.
  • Note if this test passed on the Keeper Label

Test the Battery (laptops only)

  • Click on the Finder icon (square face icon)
  • Click on the Applications section, then click on the Coconut Battery icon
  • Verify the battery capacity (NOT the current charge) on the Keeper Label is the same
    • If the battery capacity is below 75% ask your instructor if they want to replace it


Turn the computer off at this point and unplug the external drive if you're using one. we will now be working in the Mac OS installed on the hard drive of the system. Turn the system back on and allow it to boot into the Mac OS on the hard drive. The password for every system is 'freegeek.'

Test the WiFi

  • Disconnect the wired network. Click on the Airport icon near the top, right corner of the screen
  • Check to see if the Freegeek wireless network shows on the list, select that network.
  • Open the web browser, select yes to the Free Geek wireless agreement then browse to any website to verify the wireless connection works.
  • Note if this test passed on the Keeper Label

Test the iSight Camera (iMac and laptops only)

  • Click on the Photo Booth icon (red curtains) on the Menu Bar at the bottom of the screen
  • It should be readily apparent whether or not the camera works. :)
  • Note if this test passed on the Keeper Label

Test the Optical Drive and Audio Jack

We do not currently test CD/DVD burning, but if you would like to do this additional exercise, ask your instructor for directions.

  • Insert a Audio CD into the optical drive. The disc should mount and the VLC Media Player should start playing the CD
    • If it fails, try another CD prior to replacing the drive
  • While the CD is playing, plug in either speakers or headphones to the system to verify the audio jack works.
  • Insert a Movie DVD into the optical drive. The disc should mount and the VLC Media Player should start playing the DVD
    • If it fails, try another DVD prior to replacing the drive
  • Note if this test passed on the Keeper Label

Test the USB ports

  • Plug in a USB mouse and see that the cursor moves and can interact with icons on the screen.
  • Repeat this with all USB ports
  • Note if this test passed on the Keeper Label

Keyboard and Trackpad Testing (Laptops only)

If you have not yet found an issue with the keyboard or the trackpad, there is a good chance they work. However, we like to verify everything is in working condition before finishing up the build.

  • Click on the Finder icon (square face icon)
  • Click on the Applications section, then click on the LibreOffice icon
  • In the Writer program, type in each key to verify it registers. Some functions keys will prefer a task.
  • If any of these keys failed, you will need to replace the keyboard. Ask your instructor what your next steps should be.
  • If the trackpad seems jittery, or accidentally selecting items on the screen, you might need to replace the trackpad. Ask your instructor what your next steps should be.

Print Me

For Computers that do NOT have a Printme already completed

  • Click on Applications, Utilities, then click the Terminal icon
  • Type the following command into terminal and hit enter: system_profiler -xml > Output.plist
  • Confirm the system is connected to the Network (AKA: plugged into the Ethernet), open Firefox and type in “http://data/spec_sheets/new” into the address bar. This will prompt you for a new spec sheet.
  • Enter your Volunteer ID, Job (build), Type (Apple/Apple Laptop), Keeper Label type (No Sticker), and Covered (Yes/No). LEAVE SYSTEM ID BLANK
  • Click the Browse button for the File, and Search for the “Output.plist” file under This Mac. Once the file is uploaded, select Create and you will see a regular printme.
  • For Macs that are running the current Mac OS (10.9), put the following in the large test-box:
      • Current Mac OS installed
      • Webcam tested
      • Firefox, VLC, and LibreOffice installed
      • Free Geek warranty covers HARDWARE ONLY
      • Software is NOT covered by warranty
      • Battery Life at #% [use the battery results test on the Keeper Label]
      • [add the Graphic card info if needed]
  • For Macs that are running the older Mac OS (10.7), put the following in the large test-box:
      • Mac OS 10.7 installed
      • System will NOT support current Mac OS
      • Webcam tested
      • Firefox, VLC, and LibreOffice installed
      • Free Geek warranty covers HARDWARE ONLY
      • Software is NOT covered by warranty
      • Battery Life at #% [use the battery results test on the Keeper Label]
      • [add the Graphic card info if needed]
  • Have your instructor sign off on your Printme
  • Save the Printme to the Desktop.
  • Click “Print” in the browser, and select “Print to file.” Save the file to the Desktop and name it “Mac_QC.pdf” then select “Print” to save. Click on the Printme icon on the Desktop to open it up.
  • Print a physical copy of the Document. The printer you want to use is “classroom.”

Finishing Up

  • Have your instructor sign off on the physical Printme, tape it to the system.
  • Put the Free Geek and Password stickers on the system (On the palm rest for laptops, in the front of the system for desktops)
  • Find the system ID number on the Printme, write it onto a blank sticker, then also attach that to the system (under the battery for laptops, in the back of the system for desktops).
  • For laptops, keep the adapter with the system. Most desktops will not need the cord with it, unless it is a special style. Ask your instructor if you're not sure.
  • The system is now finished!
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