Mac OS X

Mac OS X is the operating system used on all current Apple computers, including the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac Pro Server.

Here are a few tips and pointers to help you get more from your Mac.

 * Keyboard shortcuts offer quick access to general and specific application and system functions that would otherwise be selected from a menu. A comprehensive list is available on the Apple support page.

There are a few things you can do to help ensure your Mac runs at its best, when you need it most.

 * Keep your desktop tidy! While the desktop is a handy place to keep things you access frequently, don't use it as a dumping ground for anything and everything. Keeping unnecessary files on your desktop will slow your computer down due to the way Mac OS X handles the Desktop folder. Your home folder has various conveniently arranged subfolders to help you stay organised. Use them for everything you aren't currently working on.
 * Check your Disk Permissions! Every file stored on a Mac OS X system has "permissions" allocated to it. These permissions let the system know who is allowed to access the file and what they are allowed to do with it. A file's permissions can be set incorrectly for a variety of reasons, and can cause applications to behave unusually. It's good practice to check your permissions after installing software, particularly OS X system updates. Mac OS X comes with Disk Utility, a utility for performing various operations on storage devices and has a built-in tool to easily set the correct file permissions. Disk Utility can be found in Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility. To use it simply highlight your hard-drive (named Macintosh HD by default) on the upper left pane, and the Repair Disk Permissions button will become available. Click the button and Disk Utility will do the rest. This will take a few minutes but you can continue to use the computer as normal once the process has started.
 * Bring your Mac in for a checkup with ICT! Regular checkups will help things run smoothly by keeping your hard-disks optimised and free of clutter, as well as ensuring your Mac OS installation is error-free and correctly configured.