Mac PRAM Batteries

Apple and Macintosh computers typically use a 1/2 AA, 3.6 Volt, "snap-in" lithium battery to maintain Parameter RAM (PRAM). PRAM maintains Chooser items (date, time, printer, screen-type, and network settings) in memory for start-up. The first indications that the PRAM battery is failing are that the date and time are running slow or have reverted back to the BIOS initialization date (usually a date in 1956 that, coincidentally, is Steve Wozniak’s birthday) or loss of Chooser items when the system is powered on. Usually, you can reset the date, time, screen type and printer connection. In extreme cases, the system can’t access the printer or the system won’t boot at all. For complete information about Mac PRAM batteries, click the "All About Mac PRAM" link on the right.