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.
