Reinstalling OS X will erase all of the data on your computer. Because of this, you should ensure that all of your important documents, photos, videos, and other files are copied onto at least one other storage location.  You can burn your backup files to a DVD, copy them to an external hard drive, or even upload them to online storage. Make sure that everything you need is safely backed up. Once you install, you won't be able to retrieve the files anymore. You can choose to export all of your user settings and files during the installation process, but performing a clean install where everything is deleted is recommended for the best performance. If your computer can boot into OS X, you can start the installation process from within the operating system. Insert the installation DVD into your computer, and wait for it to appear on your desktop. Double-click the "Install Mac OS X" icon, and then click Restart. If your computer is not booting into OS X, you can start the installation by booting from the DVD. Reboot the computer while holding the ⌥ Option key. This will load the "Startup Manager", which displays all of the sources you can boot from. Once you are on the Startup Manager screen, insert the OS X installation DVD. After a few moments, the DVD will appear on the list of sources. Select it to reboot the computer and boot from the DVD.

Summary: Backup your data. Start the installation from a working computer. Start the installation from a nonworking computer.


When your choice is either outdoors or inside a car, your car is always the safest option. If caught in a thunderstorm, remain inside your car until the storm passes. Close your windows, and put the top up in your convertible.  Open vehicles, like golf carts, ATVs, and riding mowers, are not safe during lightning storms. Seek shelter indoors. Convertibles are less safe than other cars in thunderstorms. If possible, avoid driving them when it's raining. Starting your car is generally safe during a thunderstorm, but do not under any circumstances jump your car until the storm has passed. Most cars are safe from lightning, but the metal exterior or any metal objects are not safe to touch. If lightning strikes your car, the current will flow from the car's outer metal cage and into the ground below. Keep your hands in your lap and avoid leaning on the car doors or touching any exposed metal. Rubber tires will not protect your car from getting struck. Some portions of the current can travel through the wired areas in your car. Don't touch any of the vehicle's electrical systems during the car, including your radio, GPS system, or cell phone charger. In some cases, lightning strikes can damage your car's electric systems. Avoid driving your car during thunderstorms if you have expensive radio or GPS systems installed. If driving in an outage area, pull over and turn on your hazard lights. Areas with outages are dangerous to drive in, especially if the traffic lights have shorted out. If you must  continue traveling, treat intersections with shorted traffic signals as a four-way stop and take extra caution.

Summary: Run to your vehicle for safety. Place your hands in your lap. Don't handle the radio or your GPS system. Pull to the side of the road in heavy storms.


A good research proposal can take up to six months to complete. Do not wait until several days before the due date to begin. This stage should be performed with 14 to 26 weeks remaining until the deadline.  At 26 weeks, review administrative requirements for the foundations and organizations you plan to submit your proposal to. Double-check due dates and submission requirements. At 23 to 25 weeks, create a one to two page preliminary statement defining your proposed research. If working with an adviser or colleagues, present this short version of your proposal at 23 weeks. Use any feedback you receive to further focus your research in week 22. Research the context, history, and background of your research problem at 21 weeks. At 19 weeks, write a two to three page document exploring questions and possible methodological approaches. Contact experts in the field at 17 weeks to learn about the feasibility and relevance of each potential methodological approach. Continue your research during week 16 and refine your research question by week 14. This portion of your preparation should be completed 13 to 20 weeks before the deadline.  At 20 weeks, identify and contact any relevant sources of information, including experts, archives, and organizations. Begin researching your budget needs by 18 weeks and your protocol process by 14 weeks. Request any necessary transcripts by 13 weeks. This portion should be completed between the 8 and 13 week marks prior to your deadline.  Create a single 5-page document containing your research question, framework, and proposed research design by week 13. Gather any additional data needed to complete a draft during week 12. Reconnect with collaborators and organizations. Determine which will be most helpful. Add the remaining details needed to complete your draft. Use the above guidelines or guidelines provided by the provider of the grant provider. Complete this between weeks 10 and 12. Ask your colleagues or adviser for more feedback by the 9 week mark. Revise your draft at 8 weeks. Create a tentative budget and ask advisers for letters of recommendation. Begin this phase 5 weeks before the deadline and finish several days in advance.  At 5 weeks, review specific requirements addressed by the application and revise your proposal to meet this requirements and incorporate adviser suggestions. Give yourself a break during week 4 to let things settle. Remind your adviser and other faculty about your letters of recommendation during week 3. At 2 weeks, assemble your materials, review your proposal, and finalize your proposal. Ask colleagues to help you copy-edit 10 days in advance. Print your final copy and collect your materials 3 to 4 days in advance. Submit your research proposal 2 to 3 days before the due date.

Summary: Take several months to prepare your research proposal. Prewrite during Phase Ia. Perform early administrative tasks in Phase Ib. Focus your writing and administration in Phase II. Edit and submit your proposal during Phase II.


If you're using a tablet running Android 4.5 (Lollipop) or later and have forgotten your lock pattern, you'll need to reset your tablet back to its original factory settings. If you aren't able to use Find My Device to reset the tablet, you can use the keys on the tablet.  All data on the tablet will be lost unless you've already backed it up. If you've enabled Smart Lock to automatically unlock your Android in certain physical locations (such as your home or office), you can just bring the tablet to that location to get back in. You can lift your fingers once the tablet powers on. The buttons used to enter the recovery menu vary by model. If this combination doesn't work, try Volume Down and Power. Check your manufacturer's website to find the exact combination for your model. Here's how to do this on popular models:   Samsung: When the tablet boots to the Samsung screen, use the Volume Up button to select the icon of an Android with an arrow, press the Volume Down button, press Volume Down again to highlight Recovery Console, and then press the Power button.   LG: When you see the "Start" menu, press Volume Down twice to highlight Recovery Mode, and then press the Power button to select it.   Google Pixel:  Press the Volume Down button to highlight Restart bootloader, then press Power to select it. Use the volume keys to navigate to this menu option, then press Power to select it. This option may say Yes, delete all user data on some tablets, and you can use the Power button to select it. The tablet will then reset to its original factory settings. Once the reset is complete, you'll be prompted to restart the tablet. This option may not be required on all tablets. Once your tablet is reset, you'll be prompted to set it up as new. Log in with your Google account, and then follow the on-screen instructions to get your tablet back online. The setup process will also walk you through the process of protecting your Android with a new pattern, PIN, password, or biometric to unlock it in the future.
Summary: Turn off your tablet. Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. Go to the recovery console. Scroll to and select Wipe Data / Factory Reset. Select Yes to confirm. Select Reboot System Now to complete the process. Set up your tablet as new.