I recently started using Apple's Macintosh operating system (I have a MacBook Pro). For the most part, I am very pleased. There is, however, one thing I find very irritating. I subscribe to services that allow me to download large video files. I prefer to close my computer when I download but it stops as soon as I put the notebook's lid down. Can you help?
John, Deepwater Bay
DQ: It is in the nature of personal computers that some people do certain things with them that other people may not. That means technology suppliers such as Apple and Microsoft must make decisions that will not please everyone. Microsoft thought people would want to run software when the lid was down; Apple did not.
A software program called InsomniaX will allow you to shut your MacBook Pro without putting it to sleep.
I have not tried it but it has received a fair amount of praise on VersionTracker.com.
Another option is to connect an external display to your MacBook Pro, so the computer will continue to run even with the lid closed. Every step you need to take to accomplish this can be found on the Apple.com site. Click 'Support' in the top right-hand corner. This will open a page on which you can enter your question.