My OS X® (El Capitan Edition)

My OS X® (El Capitan Edition)

by John Ray
Released October 2015
Publisher(s): Que
ISBN: 9780134389547

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Book description

My OS X is filled with beginning through intermediate tasks, presented in a thorough step-by-step format, that guide you through learning everything you need to know to use the El Capitan release of OS X. The goal is not to teach you how to type or click a mouse but how to configure network settings, customize your desktop, use built-in apps, optimize battery life, set up backup solutions, and much more.

In My OS X, you will find:
Step-by-step instructions with callouts to OS X photos that show you exactly what to do.
Help when you run into hardware or operating system problems or limitations.
Tips and Notes to help you get the most from OS X.

Full-color, step-by-step tasks walk you through getting and keeping OS X working just the way you want. The tasks include:

  • Managing, arranging, and tagging your files

  • Staying informed and productive with Notification Center

  • Creating and navigating virtual workspaces in Mission Control

  • Opening and organizing apps with Launchpad

  • Accessing network devices and resources

  • Activating and using iCloud services

  • Communicating online with email, instant messaging, and video

  • Keeping appointments with Calendar and Reminders

  • Planning trips and checking traffic with Maps

  • Keeping up-to-date with friends and family via Twitter and Facebook

  • Downloading and enjoying music, movies, books, and more

  • Sharing purchases with your family

  • Challenging your friends to games with Game Center

  • Working seamlessly with iOS Devices with Handoff and AirDrop

  • Protecting and securing your system and data

  • Expanding your system with peripheral devices

  • Troubleshooting common system problems

    •

    Table of contents

    1. About This eBook
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright Page
    4. Table of Contents
    5. About the Author
    6. Dedication
    7. Acknowledgments
    8. We Want to Hear from You!
    9. Reader Services
    10. Prologue: Getting Started with the Mac
      1. Getting to Know the Mac Hardware
        1. Built-In Batteries
        2. Special Keyboard Keys
      2. What You Need to Know
        1. The Menu Bar
        2. The Dock
        3. The Finder
        4. Tags
        5. The Launchpad
        6. Mission Control
        7. Spotlight
        8. The App Store (and Security)
        9. The Notification Center and Today View
        10. System Preferences
        11. Window Controls
        12. Contextual Menus
        13. Gestures
        14. Dictation
      3. Understanding iCloud and Apple ID
      4. Windows Compatibility
        1. Boot Camp
        2. Virtualization
    11. 1. Managing Your Desktop
      1. Organizing in the Dock
        1. Adding and Removing Items from the Dock
        2. Using Folders and Stacks in the Dock
        3. Configuring Folders and Stacks
        4. Navigating Files and Folders in Grid Mode
        5. Customizing the Dock’s Appearance
      2. Customizing Finder Windows
        1. Configuring the Sidebar’s System Shortcuts
        2. Manually Modifying the Sidebar
        3. Modifying the Finder Toolbar
        4. Using Finder Window Tabs
        5. Opening Tabs with a Click
      3. Arranging and Grouping Files
        1. Using All My Files
        2. Arranging a Finder View
        3. Assigning Tags
        4. Removing Tags
        5. Viewing Tags
        6. Managing Tags
      4. Previewing Document Contents
        1. Viewing a File with Quick Look
        2. Adding a Finder Preview Panel
        3. Previewing Files Using Finder Icons
      5. Finding Information with Spotlight (New!)
        1. Searching for Files and Information
        2. Customizing Spotlight Searching
        3. Saving Searches as Smart Folders in the Finder
      6. Managing Your “Today” and Notifications (New!)
        1. Receiving Notifications
        2. Viewing Notifications in Notification Center
        3. Customizing the Notification Display
        4. Activating Do Not Disturb Mode
        5. Customizing Do Not Disturb Mode
        6. Using Notification Center’s Today View
        7. Working in the Today View
        8. Managing Today View Widgets
      7. Using Utilities in the Dashboard
        1. Turning on the Dashboard
        2. Showing the Dashboard
        3. Adding and Removing Dashboard Widgets
        4. Configuring Dashboard Widgets
    12. 2. Making the Most of Your Screen Space
      1. Swimming the Sea of Application Windows with Mission Control (New!)
        1. Opening and Closing Mission Control
        2. Navigating Applications and Windows
        3. Creating and Populating a New Space
        4. Switching Between Spaces
        5. Closing a Space
        6. Creating Fullscreen Application Spaces
        7. Creating Split-Screen Application Spaces
        8. Choosing Between Application Windows
        9. Showing the Desktop
        10. Configuring Mission Control Features and Shortcuts
      2. Managing and Launching Applications with Launchpad
        1. Starting Launchpad
        2. Navigating Launchpad
        3. Searching Launchpad
        4. Rearranging Icons
        5. Creating New Folders
        6. Deleting Folders
        7. Deleting Applications
      3. Managing Auto Open and Save Features
        1. Toggling Application Auto Open
        2. Setting Window Restoration
        3. Enabling Manual File Saving
    13. 3. Connecting Your Mac to a Network
      1. Connecting to a Wired Network
        1. Making an Ethernet (Wired) Connection
      2. Connecting to a Wireless Network
        1. Finding and Connecting to a Network
        2. Manually Choosing a Wireless Connection
        3. Authenticating on a Wireless Network
        4. Disabling (and Enabling) Wireless Networking
      3. Manually Configuring Network Settings
        1. Configuring TCP/IP and Proxy Settings
        2. Activating PPPoE for DSL Connections
      4. Making Connections with Cellular Data Modems and iOS Devices
        1. Configuring a WWAN Modem for Use with Your Mac
        2. Managing Your WWAN Connection
        3. Using Your iOS Instant Hotspot
      5. Creating Virtual Private Network Connections
        1. Creating a VPN Connection
      6. Managing Multiple Connections with Locations and Configurations
        1. Creating Configurations
        2. Adding and Using Locations
      7. Seeking Automated Network Assistance
        1. Launching Diagnostics
        2. Launching the Setup Assistant
    14. 4. Setting Up iCloud and Internet Accounts
      1. Setting Up iCloud
        1. Configuring iCloud for the First Time
        2. Browsing iCloud Services
        3. Activating iCloud Services
      2. Exploring Unique iCloud Services (New!)
        1. Accessing iCloud Applications Online
        2. Using Find My Mac
        3. Using iCloud Drive
        4. Using Photo Sharing
      3. Getting Started with Accounts
        1. Adding an Account
    15. 5. Accessing Email and the Web
      1. Getting Started with Mail (New!)
        1. Things You Need Before Setting Up an Email Connection
        2. Adding an Email Account
        3. Configuring Advanced Account Settings
        4. Finding Your Way Around Mail
        5. Reading Email
        6. Composing Email
      2. Managing Your Email with Mailboxes
        1. Creating Mailboxes
        2. Deleting and Renaming Mailboxes
        3. Filing Messages in Mailboxes
        4. Automatic Email Organization with Smart Mailboxes
        5. Keeping Track of Your Very Important People with VIP Mailboxes
        6. Searching for Messages
        7. Writing Email Rules
      3. Web Browsing in Safari (New!)
        1. Managing Your Bookmarks, Bookmarks Menu, Favorites, Top Sites, and Reading List (Whew!)
        2. Advanced Browsing Features
        3. Silencing Tabs
        4. Pinning Tabs
        5. Adding Web Content to the Dashboard
        6. Extending Safari’s Capabilities with Extensions
    16. 6. Sharing Files, Devices, and Services
      1. File Sharing on Your Mac
        1. Configuring AirDrop
        2. Sending Files with AirDrop
        3. Receiving Files with AirDrop
        4. Using the Share Menu to Send via AirDrop
      2. Configuring Traditional File and Folder Sharing
        1. Enabling File Sharing
        2. Choosing File Sharing Protocols
        3. Selecting Folders and Permissions
        4. Setting Folder Access Permissions
        5. Browsing and Connecting to Network Shares
        6. Connecting to Remote Shares
      3. Sharing Files via the Share Menu
        1. Sharing Files via Messages
        2. Uploading Files to an Online Service
      4. Sharing Printers
        1. Enabling Network Printer Sharing
        2. Setting Printer Sharing Permissions
        3. Accessing a Network Printer
      5. Sharing an Optical Drive
        1. Enabling DVD Sharing
        2. Accessing a Shared Optical Drive
      6. Sharing Your Mac Screen (New!)
        1. Enabling Screen Sharing
        2. Setting Screen Sharing Permissions
        3. Accessing the Screen of a Local Mac
        4. Accessing Remote Computers and Non-Macs
      7. Sharing Your Internet Connection
        1. Sharing Your Connection
    17. 7. Being Social with Messages, FaceTime, Twitter, and Facebook
      1. Instant Messaging with Messages (New!)
      2. Adding Accounts to Messages
        1. Configuring Your Account During Startup
        2. Editing Your iMessage Account Settings
        3. Adding a Traditional IM Account to Messages
        4. Logging into (and out of) Your IM Account
      3. Configuring Your IM Identity
        1. Setting the Messages Picture
        2. Configuring Custom Status Messages
      4. Managing Your IM Buddy List
        1. Adding Buddies
        2. Adding Groups
      5. Communicating with IM and iMessage
        1. Responding to an Incoming Chat via Notification Center
        2. Responding to an Incoming Chat in Messages
        3. Starting a Chat in Messages
        4. Starting a Chat via Notification Center
      6. Using Voice or Video for Chatting
        1. Starting a Voice or Video Chat
      7. Sharing Your Files and Screen
        1. Transferring Files over Messages
        2. Starting a Screen-Sharing Session
      8. Video Calls with FaceTime
        1. Setting Up FaceTime
        2. Placing Calls from the Contacts List
        3. Receiving a FaceTime Call
        4. Accessing Your Call List
        5. Disabling FaceTime
        6. Updating Account Information FaceTime Preferences
      9. Using the El Capitan Twitter and Facebook Posting Support
        1. Enabling Twitter
        2. Enabling Facebook
        3. Posting from the Finder and Other Apps
        4. Posting via Notification Center
    18. 8. Managing Who, Where, When, and What
      1. Managing Contacts
        1. Adding Groups
        2. Creating a Group
        3. Creating a Smart Group
        4. Adding Contacts
        5. Creating a New Contact
        6. Setting a Contact Image
        7. Auto Information Gathering
        8. Creating “My” Card
        9. Editing the Contact Template
        10. Searching Contacts
        11. Detecting and Merging Duplicates
        12. Using iCloud and Server-Based Contacts
        13. Connecting to iCloud Contacts Syncing
        14. Connecting to Other Contact Servers
        15. Sharing Contacts via Email, Messages, and AirDrop
        16. Printing Addresses
      2. Finding Your Way with Maps (New!)
        1. Starting and Navigating Maps
        2. Using Map Views
        3. Choosing a View Mode
        4. Viewing Maps with 3D Flyover
        5. Finding Places
        6. Finding Yourself
        7. Finding Contact Entries
        8. Searching the Map
        9. Working with Points of Interest
        10. Seeing Point of Interest Details
        11. Making Your Own Point of Interest
        12. Sharing a Point of Interest
        13. Traveling with Maps
        14. Getting Directions
        15. Showing Traffic Indicators
      3. Working with Schedules in Calendar (New!)
        1. Adding Calendars
        2. Creating New Calendars
        3. Connecting to iCloud and Server-Based Calendars
        4. Connecting to iCloud Calendar Syncing
        5. Connecting to Other Calendar Servers
        6. Subscribing to a Public Shared Calendar
        7. Viewing Calendars
        8. Working with Events
        9. Creating a New Event
        10. Using the Quick Event Feature
        11. Editing Event Information
        12. Sending Event Invitations
        13. Accepting Invitations
        14. Accepting Invitations through Notification Center
        15. Confirming “Found in Mail” Invitations
        16. Searching Events
        17. Printing Calendars
      4. Remembering with Reminders
        1. Creating a List
        2. Adding a Reminder
        3. Setting Reminder Attributes, Including Location
        4. Completing Reminders
        5. Finding Reminders
        6. Viewing Reminders by Date
        7. Searching Reminders
        8. Using iCloud and Server-Based Reminders
      5. Keeping Track with Notes (New!)
        1. Adding Folders
        2. Adding Notes
        3. Prettify Your Most Mundane Notes
        4. Adding Notes from Other Applications
        5. Moving Notes Between Folders
        6. Searching and Displaying Notes
        7. Showing Attachments
        8. Sharing Notes via Email and Messages
        9. Using iCloud and Server-Based Notes
        10. Connecting to iCloud Note Syncing
        11. Connecting to Other Note Servers
    19. 9. Entertainment on the (Big) Little Screen
      1. Creating a Media Library in iTunes (New!)
        1. Running iTunes for the First Time
        2. Finding Your Way Around iTunes
        3. Interacting with Your Library
        4. Controlling Playback
      2. Building Your Media Library
        1. Purchasing Digital Media on the iTunes Store
        2. Using Genius Recommendations
        3. Downloading Podcasts
        4. Quick Searches
        5. Setting a Search Filter
      3. Using Playlists
        1. Creating Playlists
        2. Defining Smart Playlists
        3. Accessing Playlists
        4. Using the Mini Player
      4. Using iTunes Radio
        1. Listening to iTunes Radio
        2. Creating Your Own iTunes Radio Station
        3. Fine-Tuning Your iTunes Radio Station
        4. Answering the “What Was That Song?” Question
        5. Sharing Your Good Taste
      5. Using Apple Music
        1. Subscribing to Apple Music
        2. Adding Songs to Your Library
        3. Using Apple Music Recommendations
        4. Connecting with Artists
        5. Following New Artists
        6. Managing Followed Artists
      6. Syncing Media Between Devices
        1. Syncing Purchases
        2. Syncing Your Media with Your iPod, iPad, or iPhone
        3. Sharing Media Between Home Computers
      7. Keeping an iCloud Library with iTunes Match
        1. Activating iTunes Match
        2. Accessing Purchases in iCloud
      8. Reading Your iBooks
        1. Starting iBooks
        2. Authorizing Your Mac
        3. Purchasing Books
      9. Viewing and Arranging Your iBooks Library
        1. Browsing the iBooks Library
        2. Organizing by Collection
      10. Reading iBooks
        1. Reading Basics
        2. Using Annotations
        3. Adding Bookmarks
        4. Fine-Tuning Your Display
      11. Getting Your Game on with Game Center
        1. Signing into Game Center
        2. Navigating the Me Screen
        3. Managing Friends and Friend Requests
        4. Sending a Friend Request
        5. Responding to a Friend Request
        6. Getting Friend Recommendations
        7. Sizing Up Your Friends
        8. Browsing by Game
        9. Making and Taking a Challenge
    20. 10. Installing and Managing Applications and Extensions on Your Mac
      1. Mac App Store
        1. Logging into the App Store
        2. Browsing for Software
        3. Searching for Software
        4. Purchasing Software
        5. Reinstalling Software and Installing Purchases on Other Macs
        6. Hiding Apps You No Longer Want
      2. Installing Non–App Store Applications
        1. Unarchiving Zip Files
        2. Accessing Disk Images
      3. Sharing Purchases with Family Sharing
        1. Setting Up Family Sharing (Organizer)
        2. Adding a Family Member
        3. Managing Family Members
      4. Keeping Your Applications and Operating System Up-to-Date (New!)
        1. Configuring Software Updates and Auto Downloads
        2. Manually Applying Software Updates
      5. Managing Extensions
        1. Managing Installed Extensions
    21. 11. Making the Most of Your Mac Hardware
      1. Energy-Saving Settings
        1. Monitoring Battery Life and Application Energy Use (MacBook Only)
        2. Configuring Display, Computer, and Hard Disk Sleep
        3. Creating a Sleep/Wake Schedule
      2. Updating Keyboard and Dictation Settings
        1. Setting Keyboard Repeat Rate
        2. Changing Keyboard Illumination (MacBook Only)
        3. Creating Keyboard Shortcuts
        4. Activating Dictation
      3. Changing Trackpad and Mouse Options
        1. Setting the Trackpad Speed and Click Pressure
        2. Controlling Trackpad Gestures
        3. Configuring the Magic Mouse Speed
        4. Configuring Magic Mouse Gestures
      4. Adjusting Your Display
        1. Setting Display Resolution
        2. Controlling Display Brightness
        3. Choosing a Color Profile
        4. Calibrating the Display
      5. Setting Sound Input and Output
        1. Setting the Output Volume
        2. Configuring Alert Sounds
        3. Choosing and Adjusting an Output Device
        4. Picking and Calibrating an Input Device
      6. Recording Audio and Video
        1. Recording Audio
        2. Recording with the FaceTime HD Video Camera
    22. 12. Using El Capitan with Your iDevices
      1. Enabling El Capitan and iOS Communication
        1. Verifying Your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Settings
      2. Using AirDrop
        1. Sending Files to iOS via AirDrop
        2. Sending Files to El Capitan via AirDrop
      3. Using Handoff to Move Between Devices
        1. Enabling Handoff
        2. Handing Off from El Capitan to iOS
        3. Handing Off from iOS to El Capitan
      4. Using Your iPhone to Cell-Enable Your Mac
        1. Enabling El Capitan Cellular Calls
        2. Placing a Phone Call
        3. Receiving a Phone Call
        4. Text Messaging with El Capitan
      5. Using Your iOS Device as an Instant Hotspot
        1. Sharing Your iOS Internet Connection
    23. 13. Connecting Peripherals to Your Mac
      1. Connecting USB Input Devices
        1. Configuring a USB Keyboard
        2. Configuring a USB Mouse
      2. Using Bluetooth Devices
        1. Pairing a Bluetooth Mouse or Trackpad
        2. Pairing a Bluetooth Keyboard
        3. Connecting a Bluetooth Headset
        4. Adding and Using the Bluetooth Status Menu
      3. Using External Displays and Projectors
        1. Extending Your Desktop to Another Monitor
        2. Setting Monitor Arrangements
        3. Adding the Display Mirroring Menu to Your Menu Bar
        4. Using Mirrored Displays
      4. Connecting to an Apple TV (or Other Device) with AirPlay (New!)
        1. Mirroring Your Display to an Apple TV
        2. Setting the AirPlay Apple TV Resolution
        3. Extending Your Desktop to an Apple TV
        4. Sharing Multimedia to an Apple TV
        5. Sending System Audio to an Apple TV
      5. Connecting and Using a Printer
        1. Setting Up a USB Printer
        2. Printing to a Printer
      6. Connecting and Using a Scanner
        1. Adding a Scanner
        2. Scanning in Preview
    24. 14. Securing and Protecting Your Mac
      1. Working with Users and Groups
        1. Creating User Accounts
        2. Adding Accounts
        3. Enabling the Guest Account
        4. Applying Parental Controls
        5. Creating Groups
        6. Configuring General Account Security
        7. Assigning File Permissions for Users and Groups
      2. Tracking Passwords with Keychain Access
        1. Viewing Keychain Items
        2. Adding Data to the Keychain
        3. Creating a New Keychain
        4. Adding a Keychain Menu Item
      3. Encrypting Your El Capitan Disk
        1. Activating FileVault
      4. Application Execution Security
        1. Setting Application Execution Limits
      5. Adding Network Security with the Built-In Firewall
        1. Activating the El Capitan Firewall
        2. Configuring Incoming Services
        3. Hiding Location Information and Application Data
      6. Backing Up Important Information
        1. Using Time Machine
        2. Activating Time Machine
        3. Customizing the Time Machine Backups
        4. Adding a Time Machine Menu Item
        5. Recovering Data
        6. Restoring a Machine from Scratch
        7. Using File Versions
        8. Manually Saving a Version
        9. Restoring a File Version
    25. 15. Troubleshooting Your System
      1. Dealing with Troublesome Software
        1. Force-Quitting Applications
        2. Testing with the Guest Account
        3. Removing Corrupted Application Files
      2. Restarting and Correcting a Frozen Machine
        1. Starting in Safe Mode
        2. Changing Login Applications
        3. Removing Startup Applications and Launch Daemons
        4. Disabling Extensions
        5. Removing System Preferences Panes
      3. Fixing Disk Problems
        1. Performing Simple Disk Repairs
        2. Repairing Your Disk Using the Recovery Partition
      4. Gathering Information About Your Mac
        1. Monitoring System Activity
        2. Generating a System Profiler Report
        3. Viewing the System Logs
      5. Remember Your Backups!
        1. Viewing System Support Options
    26. 16. Upgrading Your Mac
      1. Upgrading Your Built-In Hardware
        1. General Guidelines for Conducting Mac Surgery
        2. Verifying Your Mac RAM Upgrade
        3. Preparing a New Boot Drive
      2. Adding External Storage
        1. Preparing the Storage Device
        2. Initializing Your Storage Device
        3. Mounting and Unmounting Devices
    27. Index

    Product information

    • Title: My OS X® (El Capitan Edition)
    • Author(s): John Ray
    • Release date: October 2015
    • Publisher(s): Que
    • ISBN: 9780134389547