book

Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Snow Leopard Edition

by David Pogue

December 2009

Beginner

652 pages

20h 40m

English

O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Read now

Unlock full access

About the AuthorAbout the Creative TeamAcknowledgmentsThe Missing Manual Series
What Mac OS X Gives YouWhat Mac OS X Takes AwayAbout This BookAbout→These→ArrowsAbout MissingManuals.comThe Very Basics
Power On, DudeThat One-Button MouseOn, Off, and SleepSleep ModeRestartShut DownLog OutThe Menu BarFinder = Windows ExplorerDock = TaskbarMenulets = TrayKeyboard DifferencesWhere the Windows Keys WentWhat the Special Mac Keys DoThe Complicated Story of the Function KeysDisk DifferencesWhere Your Stuff IsApplications FolderHome FolderSystem FolderWindow ControlsTitle BarThe Folder Proxy IconClose ButtonMinimize ButtonZoom ButtonThe Finder SidebarFine-tuning the SidebarWindow ManagementScroll BarsResize BoxPath BarStatus BarTerminology Differences
Getting into Mac OS XLogging InThe Elements of the Mac OS X DesktopDisk iconsThe DockThe menuThe menu barThe Four Window ViewsIcon ViewIcon SizeIcon PreviewsIcon View OptionsAlways open in icon viewIcon sizeGrid spacingText sizeLabel positionShow item infoShow icon previewArrange byBackgroundUse as DefaultsKeeping Icons Neat and SortedGrid alignmentSorted alignmentList ViewSorting the ListFlippy TrianglesYour Choice of ColumnsOther View OptionsRearranging ColumnsAdjusting Column WidthsColumn ViewManipulating the ColumnsView OptionsCover Flow ViewQuick LookWhat Quick Look KnowsFun with Quick LookThe Quick Look SlideshowThe DockSetting Up the DockOrganizing and Removing Dock IconsPop-up Dock Folders (“Stacks”)Fan vs. grid vs. listThe Finer Points of Pop-up Dock FoldersThree Ways to Get the Dock Out of Your HairAuto-hiding the DockShrinking and enlarging the DockMoving the Dock to the sides of the screenUsing the DockSwitch applicationsSecret menusDrag and DropDo Your FilingThe Finder ToolbarRemoving or Shrinking the ToolbarRearranging or Removing Toolbar IconsGetting Help in Mac OS X
Renaming IconsSelecting IconsSelecting by ClickingSelecting Icons from the KeyboardMoving and Copying IconsCopying by DraggingCopying by Using Copy and PasteSpring-Loaded Folders: Dragging Icons into Closed FoldersMaking Spring-Loaded Folders WorkAliases: Icons in Two Places at OnceWhat’s Good about AliasesBroken AliasesColor LabelsWhat Labels Are Good ForChanging LabelsThe TrashRescuing Files and Folders from the TrashEmptying the Trash I: Quick and EasyEmptying the Trash II: Secure and ForeverLocked Files: The Next GenerationGet InfoThe Get Info PanelsThe Spotlight MenuSpotlight-Menu TipsAdvanced Menu SearchesUse quotesLimit by kindLimit by recent dateLimit by metadataBoolean searchesThe Spotlight WindowSpotlight Window from Spotlight MenuOpening the Spotlight Window DirectlyThe Basic SearchPower SearchesWhere to LookSearch by Contents/Search by NameComplex SearchesKindLast opened date/Last modified date/Created dateNameContentsOtherWhat to Do with Search ResultsCustomizing SpotlightPrivacy SettingsSmart Folders
Opening Mac OS X ProgramsThe Application MenuQuitting ProgramsForce-Quitting ProgramsThe New, Improved “Alt-Tab”Exposé: Death to Window ClutterAll-Apps ExposéOne-App ExposéDesktop ExposéExposé Tip-O-RamaExposé Meets Quick LookMore Triggers for ExposéScreen cornersKeystrokesMultiple-button mouse clicksSpaces: Your Free Quad-Display MacTurning on SpacesUsing SpacesThe big pictureMoving windows among screensHiding Programs the Old-Fashioned WayHiding the Program You’re UsingHiding (Minimizing) Individual WindowsHow Documents Know Their ParentsReassigning Documents to ProgramsReassigning a certain document—just onceReassigning a certain document—permanentlyReassigning all documents of one typeKeyboard ControlControl the MenusControl the DockCycle Through Your WindowsControl the ToolbarControl Tool PalettesControl MenuletsControl Dialog BoxesChanging a Menu Keyboard ShortcutRedefining a Snow Leopard KeystrokeThe Save and Open Dialog BoxesSheetsThe Mini FinderSpotlightThe File Format Pop-up MenuThe Open File Dialog BoxUniversal Apps (Intel Macs)Installing Mac OS X Programs.sit, .zip, .tar, .gz, and .dmgDisk Images (.dmg files)Cleaning Up after DecompressionPerforming the InstallationUninstalling SoftwareDashboardDashboard TipsDashboard PreferencesMore WidgetsInstalling a widgetWeb Clips: Make Your Own WidgetsCreating a Web Clip WidgetPower Typing in Snow LeopardThe Mac OS X Spelling and Grammar CheckerText Substitution (Abbreviation Expansion)Insert the proper typographical symbolsReplace abbreviations with much longer phrasesCase SwappingThe Many Languages of Mac OS X TextFormats TabInput Menu TabKeyboard Viewer: The Return of Key CapsData Detectors

Transfers by Apple GeniusTransfers by NetworkTransfers by DiskTransfers by File-Sending Web SiteTransfers by EmailTransfers by iDiskTransfers by BluetoothWhere to Put Your Copied FilesDesktop Pictures (Wallpaper)Sound EffectsBookmarks (Favorites)Everything ElseDocument Conversion IssuesFireWire Disk Mode (Target Disk Mode)
Ways to Move Your EmailWays to Move Your EmailWays to Move Your Address BookA Reminder That Could Save You HoursTransferring Your Outlook MailO2M Method (Quick, Simple, $10)Thunderbird Method (Time-Consuming, Free)Phase 1: Import to ThunderbirdPhase 2: Copy to the MacPhase 3: Import into MailPhase 4: Import into Entourage (optional)Outlook and ExchangeTransferring Your Outlook AddressesO2M Method (Easy, $10)Thunderbird Method (Time-Consuming, Free)CSV Method (Free, to Entourage Only)Transferring from Outlook Express (Windows Mail)Moving Your Address BookMoving Your MailEmail SettingsFinding the Settings on WindowsOutlookOutlook Express/Windows MailThunderbirdConfiguring the Settings on Your MacApple MailMicrosoft EntourageLife with Microsoft ExchangeConnecting to ExchangeExchange in MailExchange in Address BookExchange in iCal
ACDSeeAcrobat ReaderACTAd Subtract (Pop-up Stopper)Adobe [your favorite program here]America OnlineAIM (AOL Instant Messenger)Children’s SoftwareEasy CD CreatorEncartaEudoraExcelFirefoxGamesGoogle Desktop SearchICQInternet ExploreriTunesLimewireMcAfee VirusScanMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft MoneyMicrosoft OfficeMicrosoft PublisherMicrosoft VisioMinesweeperMSN MessengerNaturallySpeakingNetscapeNewsgroup ReadersNorton AntiVirusNorton UtilitiesNotepadOutlook/Outlook Express/Windows MailPaint Shop ProPalm DesktopPicasaPowerPointQuickBooksQuickenRealPlayerRssReaderSkypeSnagItSolitaireStreet Atlas USATaxCut, TurboTaxWinAmp, MusicMatchWindows Media PlayerWinZipWordWordPerfectYahoo Messenger
Boot CampInstalling Boot CampPhase 1: Partition your drivePhase 2: Install WindowsPhase 3: Install the driversForth and Back, Windows/MacKeyboard Translation GuideAccessing Mac Files from the Dark Side—and Vice VersaWindows in a WindowVirtualization Tip-O-Rama
Printers and PrintingSetting Up a PrinterThe Printer ListMaking the PrintoutPage SetupThe Print CommandPrintingManaging PrintoutsPrinter SharingFaxingSetting Up FaxingSending a FaxSendingChecking the log, checking the queueReceiving a FaxPDF FilesOpening PDF FilesCreating PDF FilesFonts—and Font BookWhere Fonts LiveFont Book: Installing and Managing FontsLooking over your fontsPrinting a reference sheetEliminating duplicatesAdding, removing, and hiding fontsFont librariesThe Fonts PanelChoosing fonts from the Fonts panelDigital CamerasDisksStartup DisksCreating a startup diskSelecting a startup diskErasing a DiskBurning CDs and DVDsBurn Folders: Without the DiscWhen You Have a Blank Disc on HandiTunes: The Digital JukeboxLibraryStoreDevicesSharedGeniusPlaylistsCreating playlistsSmart playlistsAudio CDsCopying (ripping) CD songs to your hard driveThe iPod and iPhonePlaying with PlaybackTurning on visualsKeyboard controlPreventing ear-blast syndromePlaying with the graphic equalizerBurning Music CDsDVD MoviesPlaying a MovieLanguage FunChapter ThumbnailsParental ControlsThe Big PictureKeyboardText-Navigation KeystrokesMouseMonitorsTime Machine BackupsSetting up Time MachineHow the Backups WorkChanging Time Machine SettingsRecovering Lost or Changed FilesRecovering from iPhoto, Address Book, and MailRecovering the entire hard driveRecovering to another MacFrequently Asked Questions
Network Central—and MultihomingMultihomingBroadband ConnectionsAutomatic ConfigurationManual ConfigurationSettings from Windows 2000, XP, Vista, or Windows 7Settings from Windows 98, Windows MeApplying the SettingsEthernet ConnectionsAirPort (WiFi) ConnectionsCommercial Hot SpotsCellular ModemsDial-up Modem ConnectionsSetting Up the ModemThe Advanced ButtonDisconnectingSwitching LocationsCreating a New LocationMaking the SwitchInternet SharingTurning On Internet SharingMobileMeSigning Up for MobileMeMobileMe SyncThe iDiskPulling it onto your screenMaking the iDisk fast and synchronizedThe Public folderiDisk optionsEmailGalleriesWeb SitesInternet Location Files
Checking Your MailThe Mailboxes ListWriting MessagesAttaching Files to MessagesSignaturesStationeryReading EmailThreadingAdding the Sender to Your Address BookData DetectorsOpening AttachmentsReplying to a MessageForwarding MessagesRedirecting MessagesPrinting MessagesFiling MessagesFlagging MessagesFinding MessagesFinding messages within a mailboxFinding text within an open messageDeleting MessagesMethod 1: Emptying the Trash folderMethod 2: Deleted mail turns invisibleArchiving MailboxesMessage RulesSetting up message rulesThe Anti-Spam ToolkitUsing the Junk Mail FilterMore Anti-Spam TipsRSS FeedsAdding RSS FeedsManaging FeedsNotesTo DosCreating To DosCompleting and Deleting To DosTo Do List: Mail/iCal Joint CustodyAddress BookCreating Address CardsEditing an addressAdding addresses from MailImporting AddressesAbout vCardsSyncing with Google, Yahoo, MobileMe, or ExchangeGroupsRemoving someone from a groupAdding PicturesReplacing and removing a pictureFinding an AddressChanging the Address Book DisplayPrinting OptionsAddress-Book Backups
SafariBrowsing Basics and ToolbarsSafari ToolbarsAddress barAddress-bar buttonsBookmarks barStatus BarTips for Better SurfingSnapBackStifle Pop-Ups and Pop-UndersThree Ways to Magnify Web TextKeyboard ControlImpersonating Internet ExplorerWhere am I?Faster Browsing Without GraphicsExpanding Web FormsViewing Web Pages OfflineSending a Page to a FriendDesignate Your Start PageFinding Text on Web PagesZoom in on PDF PagesThe History MenuTabbed BrowsingRSS: The Missing ManualViewing an RSS FeedRSS TricksCreating RSS summariesThe personal clipping serviceThe RSS screen saverMake feeds open automaticallyiChatThree Chat NetworksSigning UpHow to Get a Free MobileMe AccountHow to Get a Free Jabber (or Gmail) AccountHow to Get a Free AIM AccountThe Buddy ListsMaking a ListBroadcasting Your StatusLet the Chat BeginThey Invite YouYou Invite ThemText ChattingIn-chat FunAudio ChatsVideo ChatsBluescreen Backdrops and Video FXSharing Your ScreeniChat TheateriChat Tweaks
Introducing AccountsThe First AccountCreating an AccountPhase 1: Choose an Account TypeAdministrator accountsStandard accountsManaged accounts with Parental ControlsSharing OnlyGroupThe Guest accountPhase 2: Name, Password, and StatusPhase 3: Choose a PicturePhase 4: Startup ItemsParental ControlsSystemUse Simple FinderOnly allow selected applicationsContent (Dictionary and Web)Hide profanity in DictionaryWeb Site RestrictionsMail & iChatTime LimitsLogsEditing AccountsDeleting AccountsSetting Up the Login ProcessSigning In, Logging OutIdentifying YourselfLogging OutSharing Across AccountsFast User SwitchingFive Mac OS X Security ShieldsThe FirewallFileVaultLogout OptionsThe Password AssistantThe KeychainLocking and unlocking the KeychainManaging KeychainMultiple KeychainsKeychain files
Wiring the NetworkEthernet NetworksAirPort NetworksFile SharingSetup: The Public FolderSetup: Sharing Any FolderThe Get Info methodThe System Preferences methodAccessing Shared FilesConnection Method A: Use the SidebarConnection Method B: Connect to ServerDisconnecting YourselfNetworking with WindowsSeated at the Mac, Seeing the PCSeated at the PC, Seeing the MacMore Mac-Windows ConnectionsScreen SharingMac #1: Give Permission in AdvanceMac #2: Take ControlScreen Sharing with Back to My Mac
The System Preferences WindowAccountsAppearanceChanging ColorsTweaking the Scroll BarsNumber of Recent ItemsFont Smoothing StyleTurning Off Smoothing on Tiny FontsBluetoothCDs & DVDsDate & TimeDate & Time TabTime Zone TabClock TabDesktop & Screen SaverDesktop PicturesUsing your own picturesMaking the picture fitAuto picture-changingScreen SaverApplePicturesActivating the screen saverDisplaysDisplay TabArrangement TabColor TabDockEnergy SaverSleep SlidersCheckbox OptionsScheduled Startup and ShutdownExposé & SpacesKeyboardKeyboardKeyboard ShortcutsLanguage & TextMobileMeMouseTracking Speed, Double-Click SpeedThe Mighty Mouse and Magic MouseNetworkParental ControlsPrint & FaxSecuritySharingSoftware UpdateScheduled Check TabInstalled SoftwareSoundSound Effects TabOutput TabInput TabSpeechSpotlightStartup DiskTime MachineTrackpadTrackpad GesturesOne FingerTwo FingersThree FingersFour FingersUniversal AccessSeeing Tab (Magnifying the Screen)VoiceOverZoomDisplay (inverted colors)Hearing Tab (Flashing the Screen)Keyboard Tab (Typing Assistance)Mouse & Trackpad Tab (Cursor Control from the Keyboard)
Address BookAutomatorCalculatorConversionsChessPlaying a Game of ChessDashboardDictionaryDVD PlayerFont BookFront RowGarageBandiCalWorking with ViewsMaking an AppointmentThe easy wayThe long wayWhat to Do with an AppointmentEditing eventsRescheduling eventsLengthening or shortening eventsPrinting eventsDeleting eventsSearching for EventsThe “Calendar” Category Concept“Publishing” Calendars to the WebPublishingSubscribingGoogle and Yahoo CalendarsTo Do ListsiChatiDVDImage CaptureImport To:Import Some, Import AllScanningMore power to youiMovie, iPhotoiTunesMailPhoto BoothStill Photos4-Up PhotosMoviesExporting Shots and MoviesPreviewImporting Camera PhotosOperating Your ScannerMultiple Pages, Multiple ViewsPreview as Graphics ViewerBunches o’ graphicsCropping graphicsFixing up photosConverting file formatsPreview as PDF ReaderQuickTime PlayerPlaying movies with QuickTime PlayerPlaying movies with QuickTime PlayerChanging the screen sizeRecording Movies with QuickTime PlayerRecording Screen MoviesTrimming VideoFour Ways to Export Your VideoSend to iTunesPost to MobileMe GalleryPost to YouTubeSaving the finished movieSafariStickiesCreating Sticky NotesOrganizing StickiesFormatting NotesSaving Sticky NotesSystem PreferencesTextEditTextEdit’s Two PersonalitiesWorking in TextEditStyle SheetsTablesTextEdit as Web DesignerTime MachineUtilities: Your Mac OS X ToolboxActivity MonitorThe Processes tableThe System monitor tabsAirPort UtilityAppleScript EditorAudio MIDI SetupBluetooth File ExchangeBoot Camp AssistantColorSync UtilityConsoleDigitalColor MeterDisk UtilityDisk Utility, the hard drive repair programDisk Utility, the disk-image programTurning an image into a CDGrabGrapherJava PreferencesKeychain AccessMigration AssistantNetwork UtilityPodcast CaptureRAID UtilityRemote Install Mac OS XSpacesSystem ProfilerSaving a reportTerminalA Terminal crash courseUnix programsNavigating in UnixGetting helpLearning moreVoiceOver Utility
Getting Ready to InstallTwo Kinds of InstallationThe Automatic InstallationThe Erase & Install OptionThe Setup AssistantTroubleshootingMinor Eccentric BehaviorFirst resort: Repair permissionsSecond resort: Look for an updateThird resort: Toss the prefs fileFourth resort: RestartLast resort: Trash and reinstall the programFrozen Programs (Force-Quitting)Application Won’t OpenStartup ProblemsKernel panicSafe Mode (safe boot)Gray screen during startupBlue screen during startupForgotten passwordFixing the DiskWhere to Get Troubleshooting HelpHelp OnlineHelp by telephone
About [This Program]About [This Program]Accessibility Options Control PanelActive DesktopAdd Hardware Control PanelAdd or Remove Programs Control PanelAll ProgramsAlt KeyAutomatic UpdateBackspace keyBattery LevelBIOSBriefcaseCalculatorCamera and Scanner WizardCharacter MapClean InstallClipboardCommand LineControl PanelCopy, Cut, PasteCtrl+Alt+DeleteCtrl KeyDate and TimeDelete Key (Forward Delete)DesktopDirectoriesDisk DefragmenterDisksDisplay Control PanelDLL FilesDOS PromptDriversEjectEnd Task Dialog BoxExiting ProgramsExplorerFavoritesFaxingFile SharingFloppy DisksFolder OptionsFontsFTP (File Transfer Protocol)Help and SupportHibernationInternet ExplorerInternet OptionsIRQsJavaKeyboard Control PanelLogging InMail Control PanelMaximize ButtonMenusMinimize ButtonMouse Control PanelMy ComputerMy Documents, My Pictures, My MusicMy Network PlacesNetwork NeighborhoodNotepadPersonal Web ServerPhone and Modem Options Control PanelPower OptionsPrinter SharingPrinters and FaxesPrntScrn KeyProgram Files FolderProperties Dialog BoxRecycle BinRegional and Language Options Control PanelRegistryRun CommandSafe ModeScanDiskScheduled TasksScrap FilesScreen SaverSearchShortcut MenusShortcutsSounds and Audio DevicesSpeech Control PanelStandby ModeStart MenuStartUp FolderSystem Control PanelSystem TrayTaskbarTaskbar and Start Menu Control PanelToolTipsTweakUIUser Accounts Control PanelWindow EdgesWindows (or WINNT) FolderWindows Logo KeyWindows Media PlayerWindows MessengerWordPadZip Files
Startup KeystrokesStartup KeystrokesIn the FinderMenuFinder MenuFile MenuEdit MenuView MenuGo MenuWindow MenuHelp MenuPower KeysThe DockManaging ProgramsDialog Boxes

Content preview from Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Snow Leopard Edition

About the Author

David Pogue, Yale '85, is the weekly personal-technology columnist for the New York Times and an Emmy award-winning tech correspondent for CBS News. His funny tech videos appear weekly on CNBC. And with 3 million books in print, he is also one of the world's bestselling how- to authors. He wrote or co-wrote seven books in the "For Dummies" series (including Macs, Magic, Opera, and Classical Music). In 1999, he launched his own series of amusing, practical, and user-friendly computer books called Missing Manuals, which now includes 100 titles.