Intro 3: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q. What is DellEFI?
    A. Please see the other Introduction articles..

  2. Q. Which models will work with DellEFI?
    A. So far confirmed are the Dell Mini 9 and Vostro A90. Dell Mini 10v is currently in testing, it seems to work but we're going on limited experience right now.

  3. Q. What are the minimum system requirements?
    A. There must be 6 GB of free space, 512 MB RAM, Intel CPU, and GMA 950 GPU. These are all either met or exceeded in models listed above.

  4. Q. Should I install updates that appear in Software Update?
    A. Generally, the updates from Apple work fine. The main exception are major OS updates (like the ones that actually add a new number to the OS, i.e. 10.5.7) which should be avoided at first until a working upgrade path is found. If you are paranoid or just want to check compatibility, search the MyDellMini forums for any threads about compatibility issues. If there is a problem, you will likely find a thread there.

  5. Q. What about Tiger, will it work?
    A. I guess it could, but no one is working on it, and DellEFI will certainly not work with Tiger. Since no one is dealing with Tiger, it is not discussed here.

  6. Q. You keep referring to a Retail DVD, can I just use an OEM/restore/torrent disc?
    A. Short answer: No. See the Legality article for more information.

  7. Q. I keep seeing these reports about Apple's next operating system, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Will this work on my Dell?
    A. Good question. We'll all know when it actually comes out. There's no real way to tell until then.

  8. Q. What is an SSD, HDD, etc.?
    A. SSD stands for Solid State Drive, which is similar to a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as they both store data on a computer. However, SSDs are based on flash memory, essentially making them very big memory cards. They won't break like HDDs, which use spinning platters to store data; those platters can be broken in a fall. BIOS refers to the software that actually starts your computer (the black screen with the Dell logo.) CPU is Computer Processor Unit, and GPU is Graphics Processor Unit.

  9. Q. You keep referring to a Mini, but which model? I have a different model which you say is compatible above. What should I do?
    A. I have written the guides with the Dell Mini 9 in mind, but the guides are generally the same for each machine. The Vostro A90 is exactly the same internally as the Mini 9, except the BIOS versions are one behind. Any other machine with similar internal components should work, but if you run into problems you'll want to contact the members of the MyDellMini forums.

  10. Q. What about Dell's other Minis, like the Mini 10 and 12?
    A. These use a different graphics processor (GMA 500) which is incompatible with Mac OS X, therefore they can't be used. The only exception is the Mini 10v, which uses a GMA 950.

  11. Q. Where do you [Drew] fit into all of this?
    A. I just write guides and help troubleshoot. I would like to be able to develop software soon, but I'm still in the learning phase. Basically, I'm just an experienced user with a website.

  12. Q. I have a suggestion for a feature, or want to help develop DellEFI. Where can I find more information and/or who should I contact?
    A. The official DellEFI project is hosted at Google Code and you can contact the developers there. Or, you can visit the MyDellMini Mac OS X forum and discuss it in the DellEFI threads. The developers' usernames are bmaltais and meklort.

Guide Intro 3 Version 3.00