Sound when starting an iMac

[rob berry]

I recently bought an iMac running OS Yosemite and would like to know if the sound which occurs when booting the system can be either changed or deleted? It's just a really naff sound which seems to serve no useful purpose - or maybe I'm missing something?
Any help with this would be appreciated.

 

[Slydude]

I assume that you are referring to the "bong' that occurs almost immediately after powering up the Mac?

That sound means that the Mac has passed a series of basic hardware tests. If the sound were different it can be an indication of problems. I don't remember the other current sounds but at one time bad memory chips/memory problems might cause a sound like glass breaking.

How To Disable Your Mac's Startup Sound - Make Tech Easier

 

[rob berry]

Hi Slydude
Yes, that's the sound I was referring to. Thanks for the explanation - I hadn't found any reference to this in the manual but now you've explained it I think I'll live with it. I did consider the option in the link you sent but if I kill the sound now then I won't know if a hardware fault occurs in the future.
I realise I'm a complete newbie to the Mac, asking such a basic question, but thanks for taking the time and trouble to reply.
Robert

 

[harryb2448]

Good decision Rob. Nothing better than that 'all's well' chime.

 

[Slydude]

Hi
I realise I'm a complete newbie to the Mac, asking such a basic question, but thanks for taking the time and trouble to reply.
Robert

Basic questions are what I do best. I save the difficult stuff for Harry

 

[RadDave]

Hi Slydude
Yes, that's the sound I was referring to. Thanks for the explanation - I hadn't found any reference to this in the manual but now you've explained it I think I'll live with it. I did consider the option in the link you sent but if I kill the sound now then I won't know if a hardware fault occurs in the future............

Hi Robert - agree w/ the others, i.e. the 'startup sounds' provide information to you if the computer is having a problem booting - check HERE.

But just a step further, how often do you boot your machine? My iMac (attached to an APC UPS) is on all of the time & my MBPro usually plugged into the charger - I rarely shut down unless going 'out of town' for a few days or more; of course, both are set to 'sleep' and I do at least a monthly re-boot to clear the 'cobwebs' - this is always a debatable issue for many but an easy way to avoid hearing the sound that annoys you - Dave

 

[harryb2448]

Ahh Sly I am too old for the difficult stuff mate!

Remember Rob there are no silly questions, just silly answers sometimes. Keep coming back lots information here?

 

[chscag]

Ahh Sly I am too old for the difficult stuff mate!

LOL, Harry. It's just that it's getting harder to access that vast data base you have in your head. Maybe we need re-install the operating system.

 

[RadDave]

LOL, Harry. It's just that it's getting harder to access that vast data base you have in your head. Maybe we need re-install the operating system.

Yep, as I said - need to occasionally 'clear the cobwebs' - I can relate to that! Dave
.

 

[pm-r]

Of course the OP could always just turn down the Mac's volume, waaay down if needed, before turning it off or rebooting.

 

[andylap]

Of course the OP could always just turn down the Mac's volume, waaay down if needed, before turning it off or rebooting.

Yes, turning down the volume when turned on will supposedly mute the Mac's startup sound. I've had that done many times.

 

[pm-r]

Normally, the sound volume must be turned down before the next startup or restart. And before the Mac is even shutdown.


EDIT:

Of course, Apple can make it even more difficult depending on your sound/speakers:
http://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-silence-the-startup-chime-on-a-mac--cms-21212

 

[chas_m]

People reboot their Macs more than 2-3 times a year?

 

[chscag]

People reboot their Macs more than 2-3 times a year?

I can think of the last three major updates from Apple issued in 2014 that required a reboot. ;D