TMO Quick Tip - One-click Access to Network Diagnostics

by , 7:30 AM EDT, March 17th, 2008

Troubleshooting network-related problems can be a real pain, but Mac OS X includes a cleverly hidden application called Network Diagnostics that can help. Normally you need to use the Network Preference Pane to get at Network Diagnostics, but you can add it to your Dock for one-click access.

Most Mac users get at Network Diagnostics like this:

• Choose Apple menu > System Preferences to launch the System Preferences application.
• Select the Network Preference Pane.

The Network Preference Pane is the normal route to Network Diagnostics.

• Click the Assist me button.
• Click the Diagnostics button.

If you aren't already having a network-related problem, you can add Network Diagnostics to your Dock so it's available any time you want it. Here's how:

• Navigate to System/Library/CoreServices

Network Diagnostics is hiding in the CoreServices folder.

• Find the Network Services application and drag it to your Dock. Be sure the original application stays in the CoreServices directory because that's where Mac OS X expects to find it.

Network Diagnostics can help track down network-related issues.

Now you can access Network Diagnostics any time you like with a single mouse click instead of working your way through to the Network Preference Pane. Sure, you are saving only four mouse clicks, but when your network connection goes down, those four clicks could mean the difference between annoyed and raging mad.

Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

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