IT@Sam Newsletter

Tech Tip: Mac OS Tips and Tricks

While the debate between Mac and PC keeps going, it doesn’t change the fact that Macs are here to stay. The vast majority of tips and tricks are devoted to the PC crowd. This month we give the Mac users a spot in the newsletter. Here are a few Mac OS tips that you can use on campus or on your home computer.

Login Items

Do you open the same applications whenever you turn your computer on? If so, you might want to set your login items. This little feature will allow any application you wish to run as soon as you turn your computer on. No longer do you have to click and open those same five programs again when your computer starts up. To set your login items, do the following:

• Go to System Preferences
• Accounts
• Login Items
• Click the "+" sign to add login items

Hide the Dock

Does that dock at the bottom of your screen get on your nerves? Do you just wish it would go away? If so, just use your keyboard and hit Command-Option-D.

Define Words

Is there a word on a webpage that you are not familiar with? If so, the Mac OS has a built in dictionary that can assist you. All you have to do is highlight the word and hold down Command-Control-D to get a definition from your computer. This little feature even works in some third party applications.

Stealthy Hide

Do you need to hide a window quickly? Tap Command-H to hide the application you are currently using. Furthermore, Command-Option-H will hide all open applications.

Switch Windows in the Same App

If you have multiple instances in one application, filtering between them may seem arduous. However, by tapping Command ~ you can toggle between the windows without a mouse.