Using a Macintosh

Check out these sites for information about Macintosh computers.


 
Mac OS X Mac OS 9.x, 8.x

The Macintosh Operating System

The Macintosh uses a visual method of operation; in fact, its operating system is based on a GUI--graphic user interface (graphics are pictures, you are the user, interface is the method you and the computer use for interacting). Below you see a typical Macintosh screen. Notice that much of the screen is filled with pictures (icons).

Different versions of the Macintosh operating system are identified by number. Older Macs use System 7.x or 8.x (the x stands for various versions, such as 7.5 or 8.1). Many Macs use System 9.x. System OS X has recently been released.

The squares you see in Figure 1 are called windows. Each window shows the contents of part of a disk. Each window has a name, and its contents are shown with symbols or icons. Icons may be small (as in window Applications) or large (as in window Acrobat Reader). Each type of icon has a special meaning. Some examples:

Document  Folder Application 
A document is something created by an application program (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet...). A folder contains other files (documents, programs) and is used to help organize a disk (or even other folders). Notice that there are other icons on the screen, not contained in windows. These include the hard drive (Macintosh HD), aliases and the Trash. The Trash is used to throw away items you no longer need and to eject floppy disks. Each disk put into the computer has its own icon. Aliases are special icons that are shortcuts to programs, files, etc.

Scroll bars are used to see hidden parts of a window. Click on the arrows to scroll.

Booting and Shut Down

To boot a computer means to start it. Microcomputers now have hard drives, so that booting is simply a matter of turning on the power or pressing a special key. When booting most models of Macintosh, you need to press the StartUp key (also called PowerOn, marked with an arrow or a circle at the top or the upper right of the keyboard). You may need to turn on the monitor separately. If everything works properly, you should see a welcome message.

When you are ready to stop using a Mac, you should shut it down rather than simply turning it off. This ensures that everything is properly closed, and ejects any floppy disks. Choose SHUT DOWN from the SPECIAL menu to perform this function. You can also press the StartUp/PowerOn key again and choose Shut Down.

Using Menus

Many Macintosh operations involve the use of menus, lists of choices to make. Menus look like this:



Choose from a menu by pointing to the name of the menu (e.g., File), pressing and holding the mouse button, moving the mouse down to the desired choice, then letting go of the mouse button.

There are sometimes keyboard shortcuts listed in the menu. These usually involve holding the COMMAND key (apple and "cloverleaf" on it) and pressing a letter. Notice that the menu names are all contained in the menu bar across the top of the screen. The menu bar may show different choices in different programs.

When you click on the applications menu (upper right of screen) you will see a list of all the programs that are currently open (in the computer's memory). Clicking on the rainbow apple gives you a list of special functions and utilities (e.g. the Control Panels, which allow you to set environment, and the Chooser to set up the printer).

Opening Disks & Folders/Starting Programs

Windows are opened and applications programs started by double-clicking. To accomplish this, point to an icon by moving the mouse, and press the mouse button two times quickly. You can also open a folder by clicking on the little triangle next to it.

You may start an application program (e.g., word processing) by double-clicking the program icon, or by double-clicking any document created by the program. When you double-click a document, the Finder will look for the program and open it automatically.

Closing Disks & Folders/Quitting Programs

To close a window, click once in the close box (small box in the upper left corner of a window). Note: Closing a window dows not necessarily quit the program.

To quit using an application program, choose QUIT from the FILE menu or (in most programs) hold the COMMAND key and press Q.

Formatting/Initializing Blank Disks

Every time you insert a floppy disk into a Mac, its format is checked. If the disk is blank, you will be asked if you want to format it. Follow the directions and the disk will be automatically initialized for you. You can also use an IBM-formatted disk for storage (the letters PC will appear on its icon). If you want to change its format permanently, use the ERASE DISK function from the SPECIAL menu to erase the disk and reformat it as a Macintosh floppy.

Ejecting Disks

To remove a floppy disk from the drive, drag it into the Trash. To drag something, point to it with the mouse, hold the mouse button, and move the mouse. Let go of the button when you have reached your destination. You can also use COMMAND and E or COMMAND and Y or choose EJECT DISK from the SPECIAL MENU.

Deleting a File

To delete a file, drag its icon into the Trash, then choose EMPTY TRASH from the SPECIAL menu.

Copying Files and Disks

To copy a file to/from another disk, drag its icon to the destination disk or folder. Use COMMAND D to make an extra copy of something on the same disk. The easiest way to copy an entire floppy disk is to...


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