MAC OSX IS THE BEST PROPRIETARY OPERATING SYSTEM FOR APPLE MAC COMPUTERS. AN INTRODUCTION TO MAC OSX TRAINING INTENDS TO GIVE YOU A PASSING FAMILIARITY WITH THE OS.
FINDER, LAUNCH PAD & MISSION CONTROL
The Mac's Finder window works just like My Computer. File Explorer on windows. Letting you navigate your files and folders.
Launch Pad functions like the start menu used to, or whatever MS calls its new ridiculous tile system now. Basically it groups all your applications and programs into one screen for easy access.
Mission Control enables you to see all your open windows and also assign new desktops, so you can place all the open programs for work in a separate desktop space to your personal space.
DOCK
This appears at the bottom of the desktop. It contains icons to applications, folders, files etc etc etc. Like any good sailor you can get anything to port there by clicking and dragging it into the Dock.
THE APPLE MENU
At the top left hand of the screen, you will see Apple's Apple. The Apple functions like the Windows Start Menu featuring the shutdown, restart and other system commands. Next to that will the name of the application currently in use, so this will change depending on the application. This gives you options for each applications options.
SYSTEM PREFERENCES
This is your Control Panel from Windows, and contains access to general settings for display, privacy, Keyboard & mouse, Users, Sound etc etc etc The only real thing different here is the lack of uninstall programs; to uninstall a program on a Mac, just go to the finder applications window and drag the said application to the trash can at the bottom right of the screen.
TRICKS AND TIPS
Use the control button when clicking, which is the same as a right-click; it will give you a box listing most of the things you can do with that item. This works with items on the Dock too.
Spotlight (The Magnify Glass, right next to the notification button) will help you look for applications, files folders, website etc but it will also do your sums!
Services & Share. Click on an item and then use the Apple menu to select services, it will list some extra options for that item. Use the Control button when selecting an item and you will notice a share button; giving you the option to send the item in an email, tweet, fb post etc etc etc.
Keyboard Shortcuts
cmd-tab Switch among open apps
cmd-H Hide the current App
cmd-Option-D Show & Hide the dock
IN FINDER:
cmd-N New Finder Window
cmd-Shift-N Create a new folder
cmd-Shirft-A/H/U Go to App folder/Home folder/ Utility folder
Using cmd allows you to select multiple items.
If you are looking to use your spare Mac as a server, extra storage or to give to a family member or friend and know they might struggle to use it sometimes. You may have considered downloading either Remote Desktop for Mac or OSX server. But, wait, there is no need. If your needs are simple there is a simple solution built into your current Mac.
First, on the Mac you will be using as the server/other options; open system preferences.
Now, Choose the Sharing option, where I have circled.
The first circle is your options that you should select; Screen and remote login. The larger circle is where you need to yourself as a user and give yourself permission to control this Mac. Just click on the little plus sign near the bottom.
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