Mac 101: Four simple ways to make your Mac more efficient

Mac users love their machines for the "ease of use" and "simplicity." We agree, but completing a few simple steps (free and built-in, mind you), will make things even better.

1. Easy access from the dock

I always drag my hard drive and Applications folder into the dock. No need to minimize windows, invoke Expose or, worst of all, shuffle windows around manually to reach the folder or file you want. Just click to reveal a speedy, hierarchical menu.

2. Learn some keyboard shortcuts

Mouse jockeys will balk, but memorizing even a few keyboard shortcuts will save you much time in the long run. For instance, most web browsers will select the address field with Command - L.

Things get even more fun with the Finder. Shift-Option-D brings up the Desktop Folder. Shift-Option-A presents the Applications folder. Command-M minimizes the frontmost window.

Is the dock in your way? Command-Option-D hides it away, and then calls it back. There are many shortcuts to choose from, but find the four or five that address the tasks you perform most often. Sure, it only takes a second to move from the keyboard to your mouse and back again, but seconds add up.

3. Embrace the menu bar

Several applications offer functionality that can be accessed from the menu bar. For instance, you can set your iChat status and even monitor which of your buddies are online without launching the application.

First, launch iChat and select "Preferences" from the iChat menu. Select "Show status in the menu bar" from the General tab. If someone initiates a chat with you, the application will launch in full and ask if you'd like to receive the invitation.

There are others, of course. Initiate a sync (for MobileMe customers) or Time Machine backup, alter display settings, select a wireless network or check the date and time without exiting the program or project you're woring on. Many third party applications will let you interact with them via the menu bar as well.

4. Mod your windows

There's a lot of room for customization in Mac OS X's Finder windows. For instance, you can easily drag frequently accessed applications, files or folders into the sidebar. I keep AppZapper in the sidebar to quickly eliminate unwanted applications. To remove something from the sidebar, simply drag it out and let go. Poof! It's gone.

The toolbar at the top of Finder windows is equally flexible. Again, you can drag files, folders or applications up there for one-click access. No more hunting through nested folders.

Change the default icons by right-clicking (or Control-clicking) any neutral space in the toolbar and selecting "Customize toolbar..." from the resulting contextual menu. A sheet will appear with several options. Just drag-and-drop.

Finally, you can keep related files color coded. Simpy right- or Control-click any file or folder and select the color you like under "Label" in the resulting contextual menu.

So there you have it. This list is by no means exahustive, but represents four simple things you can do in fifteen minutes or less to make your Mac more effecient and fun. Best of all, there was nothing additional to buy or install. Happy computing!
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