MacBooks: Expert Guides and Resources

Your MacBook keyboard puts efficiency at your fingertips. Startup keys, shortcut key combinations, and special function keys invite you to perform different tasks with a single touch — from turning up the sound volume to deleting selected text.Finder Shortcuts for Your MacBook KeyboardKeyboard shortcuts help you make quick, efficient use of the macOS Finder on your MacBook, providing all kinds of options for performing common tasks within Sonoma.

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.

The Mac OS X Snow Leopard Finder helps you access and organize most of the important Mac 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+?

With macOS Catalina comes a replacement for iTunes. It’s time to say goodbye to your old music, TV, and podcast source. But fear not! Your content is not gone, it has only taken up residence somewhere else on your MacBook. Introducing Music and TV. What can I play in Music? Simply put, Music is a media player on your MacBook that plays audio files (and music videos).

Have you upgraded to Catalina from the previous version of macOS, Mojave? If so, you’ve opened the door to several new features. (And if you’re not rubbing your hands together with gleeful anticipation, you should be.) Here, you’ll find descriptions of the new features that ship with the latest version of macOS.

Once your MacBook is running and you give it the once-over, your next chore is setting up your laptop. Apple tweaks the MacBook setup questions on a regular basis, and they’re very easy to answer. Everything is explained onscreen as you familiarize yourself with your new MacBook. It even comes complete with onscreen Help if you need it.

Your MacBook comes packed with neat features and even a few cool tricks, especially with macOS Catalina, most of which you’ll likely want to protect. Use these tips to help safeguard your MacBook privacy. ©Shutterstock/Titima OngkantongAlthough it’s diminutive, the padlock icon that appears to the left of the website’s name in the address box when you’re connected to a secure website means a great deal!