EXTENSIONS, CONTROL PANELS

These items add features or functionality to your computer's system software.  To install a Control Panel or Extension drag and drop them one at a time on top of  the System Folder.  A window similar to the one below will appear. Select OK and restart the computer to take advantage of the new features and functions.

CONTROL PANELS ( CDEVS ) can be accessed by going to the     
    Apple Menu and selecting Control Panels or by opening the Control Panels folder located inside the System Folder.  To set up a Control Panel to work best on your computer double-click it and manually change the setting.

EXTENSIONS stay resident in memory to perform a certain function.  This means they are always active when the computer is running.  Often a Control Panel and Extension work together to provide new or improved features to the operating system. 

SYSTEM PROBLEMS  
During start up Control Panel and Extension icons are displayed at the bottom of the screen.  A red "X" through an icon usually means it is damaged or in conflict with another piece of software.  Most Macintosh system problems are related to extension conflicts.

If you are having a problem with a certain extension or control panel start up the computer with the extensions off.  To do this hold down the "shift" key immediately after turning the computer on.  Once you see the the words "Extensions Off" or "Extensions Disabled" you can let go of the shift key.  Locate the problem causing software inside the Extensions or Control Panels folder and move it to the desktop or to the trash.  Restart the computer normally to see if this fixes the problem. If so you will most likely need to reinstall the software or contact the software vendor for an updated version.  SOMC Technical Support is here to help with these issues.