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Faculty/Staff Macbook Pro: Apple ID FAQs

  1. What is an Apple ID?
  2. If Goucher IT manages my Mac, why do I need an Apple ID?
  3. What if I have more questions about my Apple ID?
  4. What if I forget my Apple ID or Password?

 

What is an Apple ID?

An Apple ID is your account for everything that comes directly from Apple. This could include:

  • iTunes Music, Movies, and TV Shows
  • Podcasts
  • iBooks
  • iPhone and iPad Apps
  • Mac App Store Apps

Think of an Apple ID as an ownership list. Whenever you purchase, or download a free App, song, movie, etc, it is added to a list of content that you own in your Apple ID. This content can then be used on any compatible Apple device, without having to buy it again! (Note: While they’re both called Apps, Mac App Store Apps, and iPhone and iPad Apps are not the same thing, and can’t be shared across devices.)

Apple IDs, like most other website accounts, tend to be your email address used when you created it. Because the signup process also stores your address and other information to prove your identity, they’re also useful if shopping on the Apple Online Store, or to make reservations at the Apple Retail Store.

 

If Goucher IT manages my Mac, why do I need an Apple ID?

In addition to allowing you access to the iTunes store, and downloading apps onto an iPhone or iPad, an Apple ID allows you to expand the list of Apps that your Mac came with in the Mac App Store. In fact, Apple gives you a few just for being a new Mac owner!

apple appsBy opening up the Mac App Store (click on the blue icon with an ‘A’ on it on your dock), and then clicking “Purchases” at the top of the screen, your Mac will tell you that you have some apps to accept.

Once you sign in on this page, a number of great apps will be automatically added to your account, and begin downloading. Because the apps are now on your account, you’ll be able to update them yourself when necessary!

The apps you’ll get include:

  • Pages: an Apple version of Word
  • Numbers: an Apple version of Excel
  • Keynote: an Apple version of Powerpoint
  • iPhoto: a fantastic photo organizing, editing, and sharing application
  • iMovie: an easy-to-use video editing and sharing application
  • Garageband: an introduction to digital audio recording and music making

 

What if I have more questions about my Apple ID?

Apple’s Knowledge Base has a great set of Frequently Asked Questions about Apple IDs. You can find it at: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5622

 

What if I forget my Apple ID or Password?

Visit Apple’s reset page at http://iforgot.apple.com, and you’ll be walked through the process of resetting your Apple ID.

As soon as you reset your Apple ID, every Apple device you own that uses it will ask you to re-enter your new password. Just put your new password in and hit “OK,” and it will save the password for future use!