MacBook owners have a number of tools that come in very handy for using their laptops efficiently and for maintaining the operating system to keep it running in top shape. These MacBook keyboard shortcuts for the Finder, a maintenance checklist, and a “translation” of the modifier keys will speed you on your way to becoming a MacBook power user.
I’m sure most Mac users know Command-C means copy and Command-V means paste, but there’s a host of other useful shortcuts that make a Mac user’s life much easier. I’ve assembled this short. The Military Airlift Command (MAC) is an inactive United States Air Force major command (MAJCOM) that was headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.Established on 1 January 1966, MAC was the primary strategic airlift organization of the Air Force until 1974, when Air Force tactical airlift units in the Tactical Air Command (TAC) were merged into MAC to create a unified airlift organization.
Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts
The Mac OS X Lion Finder helps you access and organize most of the important Mac OS X functions while you work. Use Finder keyboard shortcuts to display windows, copy and move files, and launch applications. These keyboard shortcuts help you get things done more efficiently.
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Command+A | Selects all items in the active window (icon view), all items in the column (column view), or all items in the list (cover flow view) |
| Command+C | Copies selected items |
| Command+D | Duplicates the selected item(s) |
| Command+E | Ejects the selected volume |
| Command+F | Displays the Find dialog |
| Command+H | Hides All Finder windows |
| Command+I | Shows info for selected item or items |
| Command+J | Shows the view options for the active window |
| Command+K | Displays the Connect to Server dialog |
| Command+L | Creates an alias for the selected item |
| Command+M | Minimizes the active window |
| Command+N | Opens a new Finder window |
| Command+O | Opens (or launches) the selected item |
| Command+R | Shows the original for selected alias |
| Command+T | Adds the selected item to the Sidebar |
| Command+V | Pastes items from the Clipboard |
| Command+W | Closes the active window |
| Command+X | Cuts the selected items |
| Command+Z | Undoes the last action (if possible) |
| Command+, | Displays Finder Preferences |
| Command+1 | Shows the active window in icon mode |
| Command+2 | Shows the active window in list mode |
| Command+3 | Shows the active window in column mode |
| Command+4 | Shows the active window in cover flow mode |
| Command+[ | Moves back to the previous Finder location |
| Command+] | Moves forward to the next Finder location |
| Command+Del | Moves selected items to the Trash |
| Command+up-arrow | Show enclosing folder |
| Command+` | Cycles through windows |
| Command+? | Displays the Mac OS X Help Viewer |
| Command+Shift+A | Takes you to your Applications folder |
| Command+Shift+C | Takes you to the top-level Computer location |
| Command+Shift+G | Takes you to a folder that you specify |
| Command+Shift+H | Takes you to your Home folder |
| Command+Shift+I | Connects you to your iDisk |
| Command+Shift+Q | Logs you out |
| Command+Shift+N | Creates a new untitled folder in the active window |
| Command+Shift+U | Takes you to your Utilities folder |
| Command+Shift+Del | Deletes the contents of the Trash |
| Command+Option+H | Hides all windows except the Finder’s window(s) |
| Command+Option+N | Creates a new Smart Folder |
| Command+Option+T | Hides the Finder window toolbar |
| Command+Option+Space | Opens the Spotlight window |
| Command+Space | Opens the Spotlight menu |
| F8 | Choose another desktop using Spaces |
| Control+up-arrow (or F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Displays the Mission Control screen |
| Control+down-arrow (or Control+F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Shows all open windows for the current application using Mission Control |
| F11 (or Command+F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission Control |
| F12 (or F4, depending on your keyboard model) | Displays your Dashboard widgets |
| Space | Quick Look |
Strange-Looking Keys on the MacBook Keyboard
New to the Macintosh world? Some keys on the MacBook keyboard may be mystifying. Whether you’re using Snow Leopard or an older version of Mac OS X, recognizing and using modifier keys will make your job easier. Here’s a look at the modifier keys on both MacBook and desktop keyboards:
Mac OS X Maintenance Checklist
Mac Commands List
Maintenance is vital if you want to keep Mac OS X Lion in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your MacBook keeps it running fast and smooth. Basic housekeeping includes regular back-ups plus some other, less familiar, tasks. Check this table often, or print it and keep a copy near your laptop!
| Mac Maintenance Task | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Check for updates with Software Update | Once a day (automatic setting) |
| Back up with Time Machine | Automatic |
| Defragment (Micromat TechTool Pro/Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3) | Once a week |
| Repair Disk Permissions (Disk Utility) | Once a week |
| Delete Unnecessary User Accounts (System Preferences) | As necessary |
| Scan for viruses (Intego VirusBarrier X6, ClamXav 2) | Automatic |
| Check all volumes (Disk Utility/ Micromat TechTool Pro) | Once a week |
| Check for the latest drivers for your hardware | Once a month (or after installing new hardware) |
| Delete temporary Internet cache files (Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3) | Once a month |
So let me give the emergency relief to you and write other useful tips after.
- To do a right-click: Press and hold down the ctrl key and then click the mouse or touchpad button.
- Alternately, you may also right-click using the multi-touch trackpad. First, position the pointer over the link or button you wish to right-click. Press the trackpad with your index finger. While holding the first finger down, tap another finger on the the track pad (try your middle finger). This will generate a right-click. BUT you need to activate this feature. Open System Preferences > Trackpad. In Trackpad Gestures, check the box for 'Tap trackpad using two fingers for secondary click.'
- The equivalent of a Ctrl-C in a Mac is Command-C (or Cmd-C for short). The command key, by the way, is that key with the Apple icon and the strange square with four outward loops (⌘).
- Bear in mind that most 'Ctrl' shortcuts on Windows can be substituted with the 'Cmd' key. Example, Ctrl-V in Windows (shortcut for paste) is Cmd-V in Mac.
Switching to a Mac requires some patience at the start. After all, some things you do in Windows are done differently in a Mac. And although at first you may get frustrated with this 'cultural change', you'll realize that tasks in Mac are actually simpler than in Windows. Plus Mac does not let you do some Windows commands simply to protect you from hurting yourself :). (More on this in future posts).
Command C For Mac Catalina
Coming up next:Top 5 things you need to do after you've switched from Windows to Mac.