OS Overview

In this unit, you will learn some of the ways you can customise your Macbook using System Preferences.

Unit Question

"How can I customise my Macbook to suit my work habits and personal preferences?"

General

• Sidebar size  (have Finder visible)
• Default Web Browser

Desktop & Screensaver

• Customise wallpaper & screensaver (optional password protect)
• Hot Corners
• Dock hide / show

Dock

• Remove unnecessary icons
• ‘Keep in dock’ for those most used
• Automatic Hide / Show dock (it can get in the way)
• Minimise window into application icon hides the application then you can get at it by control clicking on the application (right click if you have mouse setup)

Screenshots

• Command-Shift-3 to capture the entire screen
• Command-Shift-4 to capture a highlighted area
• Command-Shift-4 and then hit the spacebar to screenshot a specific window or menu.
• Screenshots are saved to Desktop by default - location can be changed by following these instructions. WARNING: Editing in Terminal must be done carefully to avoid serious problems with your Macbook’s operating system.

Miscellaneous

• CMD + Shift + H - takes you to top level folder of user

Practice

• Take a screenshot of your full screen. 
• Take a screenshot of any part of your screen. 
• Take a screenshot of a menu. 
• Insert all 3 images into a document.

ASSIGNMENT

• Write an entry in your blog with the title 'System Preferences' and the tag 'GTKY Mac'. 
• In your post, explain 4 different ways you can customise your Macbook using the menus in System Preferences. Each explanation is worth 25 points for a total of 100 points. 
• Write in paragraphs and check your post against the rubric below.
• When finished, submit it here.