The Mac Observer

Skip navigational links

You're viewing an article in TMO's historic archive vault. Here, we've preserved the comments and how the site looked along with the article. Use this link to view the article on our current site:
One-click Access to Network Diagnostics

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.

if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:znesic Posts: 2 Joined: 14 Aug 2005
Subject: An easier way...

...is to start Network Diagnostics through System Preferences, right-click its icon in the Dock and select Keep in Dock from the contextual menu.

Cheers,
Zoran

Comment on this Article


You cannot edit your comments.   You cannot delete your comments.

Comments are currently closed. Please email the author instead.


Recent Headlines - Updated February 12th

Sat, 4:11 PM
MacOS KenDensed - MacOS KenDensed: iPad 3 Frenzy, Big-time Apple & Steve Jobs, G-Man
Fri, 8:10 PM
News - Apple Sues Motorola Mobility in California Over German Case
7:54 PM
Free on iTunes - OnLive Desktop: Windows & Office on Your iPad
7:43 PM
Product News - Apple Rolls Out MacBook Air Configurations for Education
6:35 PM
Just a Peek - Battle Pocket Bulge With The Hint for iPhone
6:01 PM
Rumor - Apple Reportedly Bringing MacBook Air Styling to Pro Line
4:50 PM
Particle Debris - The Hidden Gotchas of Browser Security
3:56 PM
Apple Stock Watch - Analyst: Paying a Dividend Makes Sense for Apple
2:58 PM
Deal Brothers - iMac 27-inch 2.93GHz Intel Quad-Core i7 processor:  $1,999
2:45 PM
In-Depth Review - Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking
12:52 PM
Apple Stock Watch - Mizuho Securities Starts Apple Coverage with $635 Target
11:35 AM
Hot Forum Topic - Forum Poll: Are You Planning on Buying a New iPad?

The Mac Observer Reader Specials

  • TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct from Strider Software.
  • Mac RAM Upgrades: MacBook Pro 16GB kits $475, 8GB Kits for $119.99! iMac 16GB RAM Kits (4x 4GB) for $229.99! Mac Pro Memory 32GB Kit for $399.99, 64GB Kit for $889.99! Mac Hard Drives 2TB Seagate SATA II for $249.99! Click Here!
  • Poker Mac If you're using a Mac, then you've gotta check out Online Poker Mac. This mac poker and online casino mac site actually does the unthinkable, it actually rewards!
  • __________
  • Buy Stuff, Support TMO!
  • Podcast: Mac Geek Gab
  • Podcast: Apple Weekly Report
  • TMO on Twitter!