MacBook For Dummies
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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.

Mac OS X Finder keyboard shortcuts

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+? 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
F9 (or F3, depending on your keyboard model) Shows all open windows using Exposé
F10 (or Control+F3, depending on your keyboard model) Shows all open windows for the current application using
Exposé
F11 (or Command+F3, depending on your keyboard model) Hides all windows to display the Desktop using
Exposé
F12 (or F4, depending on your keyboard model) Displays your Dashboard widgets
Space QuickLook

Strange-looking keys on the Mac keyboard

New to the world of Mac OS X Snow Leopard? Some keys on the Mac keyboard may be mystifying. Whether you’re using Snow Leopard or some other Mac operating system, recognizing and using modifier keys will make your job easier. Here’s a look at the modifier keys on both Mac laptop and desktop keyboards:

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Mac OS X maintenance checklist

Maintenance is vital if you want to keep Mac OS X Snow Leopard in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your Mac 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 desktop!

Mac Maintenance Task Schedule
Check for updates with Software Update Once a day (automatic setting)
Back up with Time Machine Hourly (automatic setting)
Defragment (Micromat TechTool Pro/Prosoft Engineering Drive
Genius 2)
Once a week
Repair Disk Permissions (Disk Utility) Once a week
Delete Unnecessary User Accounts (System Preferences) As necessary
Scan for viruses (Intego VirusBarrier X5) Once a week (automatic setting)
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 2)
Once a month

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