Specifications

Getting Started With Your Computer 23
What You Can Do
Mac OS X provides a powerful and elegant new user interface for your computer. With
Mac OS X, you don’t need to worry about the amount of memory to allot for an application
to run efficiently, or restarting your computer if something goes wrong with an application.
In addition to using Mac OS X software, you can still run Mac OS 9 versions of software in
Mac OS X thanks to the Classic environment. Chapter 3, “Working With Your Operating
System,” on page 43 explains Classic in more detail. Mac OS X also supports Java
™
and
UNIX-based software.
To Get Started
System Preferences is your command center for all of your computer settings, from changing
the appearance of your desktop to setting up network access information. The Finder and
Dock provide easy access to folders, applications, documents, and other items on your
computer and network.
For details on the features of Mac OS X, see the Welcome to Mac OS X book that came with
your computer or choose Mac Help from the Help menu in Mac OS X.
Tips and Tricks
Personalize the Finder
Select a picture or color for your Desktop by choosing System Preferences from the Apple
(K) menu and clicking the Desktop pane. You can drag an image to the well or select one
from the Apple Background Images collection.
Personalize the Dock
You can change the size of the Dock icons and turn on magnification so that the icons under
your pointer become larger than the rest of the Dock. Choose Dock from the Apple (K)
menu, then choose Dock Preferences. You can also open System Preferences from the Apple
(K) menu and click Dock.
Keep your desktop organized
Reduce the clutter on your desktop by minimizing open windows, which puts them in the
Dock. Double-click a window’s title bar or click the middle button in the top-left corner of
the window to put it in the Dock. Click the window’s icon in the Dock to open it again.
To Learn More
For instructions on how to customize your Mac OS X environment and for more information
about using Mac OS X, see the Welcome to Mac OS X book that came with your computer.