iMac For Dummies

From iMac For Dummies, 6th Edition by Mark L. Chambers

If you're new to iMacs, then you'll be eager to discover its exciting possibilities. To operate your iMac quickly and easily use the keyboard shortcuts for Mac OS X Snow Leopard, follow a recommended maintenance schedule, and, if you run into a problem, use troubleshooting steps.

Using an iMac: Snow Leopard Finder Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts help make working in Mac OS X Snow Leopard on your iMac quick and efficient. Key combinations provide easy options for performing common tasks on your iMac, such as displaying and manipulating windows and copying and moving files.

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 (list and 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+G	Displays the Go to Folder 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 and current view mode
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+@@ua	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 or column
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
F3	Shows all open windows using Exposé
Control+F3	Shows all open windows for the current application using Exposé
Command+F3	Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Exposé
F4	Displays your Dashboard widgets
Space	QuickLook

Recommended Maintenance Schedule for Your iMac

Following a recommended maintenance schedule for your iMac will help you avoid problems and keep your computer running smoothly. Use this iMac maintenance guide as a handy reminder.

Task	Application	How Often?
Check for software updates	Software Update	Daily
Repair disk permissions	Disk Utility	Weekly
Full antivirus scan	Virus Barrier X6 or ClamX AV	Weekly
Back up	Time Machine	Automatic
Empty Trash	Finder	Daily
Defragment	TechTool Pro	Monthly
Remove inactive user accounts	System Preferences	Monthly
Check for orphaned files	Spring Cleaning	Monthly
Check hardware status	TechTool Pro	Monthly

iMac Troubleshooting Steps

Anyone can troubleshoot, so if you run into a problem with your iMac, don't be dismayed. Follow these troubleshooting steps to get your iMac back up and running.

Reboot.
Investigate recent changes you made to your hardware or software.
Run Disk Utility and repair your disk permissions.
Check all cables.
Check the contents of your Trash for files you might have deleted accidentally.
Check your Internet, wireless, and network connections to make sure they're still working.
Run a virus scan, using your antivirus application.
Disable your account's Login Items and reboot.
Turn off your screen saver.
Run System Profiler or TechTool Pro and check the status of your hardware.