Category Archives: Mac

Mac Mavericks and Windows 7/8: Two Worlds – Part 1: What’s in a name

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Many of us live and work in two worlds – by day we may work on a PC and Windows 7 or 8 Operating Systems and then by night we may work on a Mac and Mavericks (any version of OS X), fortunately there are many similarities. We never know when we may be called upon to use either Operating System and associated device.

GOOD NEWS! The more we evolve the more Mac and Windows become similar (but I wouldn’t expect a merger, soon!). This series of articles and posts will demonstrate that we are not so different after all and helps everyone that uses a Mac and/or PC. Let’s first look at what is in a name.

First, the nomenclature with Mac Mavericks and Windows 7/8 while different in many cases represent the same functionality. Here is a table that displays the PC name and the Mac name of common items. Next, we’ll learn common keyboard and other shortcuts.

PC and Mac - What's in a name

PC and Mac – What’s in a name

 

 

 

Launch Pad – Ready, Set, Launch an App – Mac Mavericks Tips N Tricks

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Launch Pad - Mac Mavericks

Launch Pad – Mac Mavericks

Like the iPad and iPhone, Mac Desktops and Laptops have a view similar to the Home Screen. The Mac’s version of the Home Screen is through an app called, Launch Pad.  You may use the icon on your Dock (displayed at left), Finder, or a multi gestured 5 Finger Pinch on your touch pad or touchscreen.

My Launch Pad view displays below. Notice, like an iPad or iPhone, I have multiple screens that I may swipe or click through.

Launch Pad Screen

Launch Pad Screen

Mission Control: ” Houston, we have a success!” Mac Attack – Mavericks Tips N Tricks

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Mac Mavericks has Mission Control, an app that displays all of your open applications and associated files in an organized screen pane. Most Mac keyboards activate Mission Control through the F 3 key (or other assigned keyboard shortcut or Hot Corner). The Dock has a Mission Control button, too. Mission Control allows you to quickly select the app and the files associated with an app which are grouped together in a view entitled Application view. You may view an app and all open files using the Application view (usually the F 10 key on the keyboard). For example, if you have multiple files open and you are working on a file and want to view or edit another open file in the same app, pressing FN 10 key(s) displays the files that are open in the app for you to select.

 

Of course, there is always good, old Command key  + Tab to toggle through all of your open apps, but it doesn’t display the open files.Mission Control allows you to create multiple desktops, too. More about that later. My Mission Control view displays below.

Mission Control - "Houston, we have success!"

Mission Control – “Houston, we have success!”