Learning Apple OS X Yosemite

Set up your Apple ID and install OS X Yosemite, then tailor Finder preferences, Bluetooth devices, trackpad gestures, and system shortcuts, including shortcuts to your apps.

Frame your operating system as a tool to organize work and boost efficiency on Macintosh. Learn to manage workflow, the dock, and Finder, and run your programs smoothly.

Learn to create or manage your Apple ID to streamline setup in Yosemite, access iTunes and the bookstore, and download free content.

Verify your current operating system and hardware compatibility before upgrading to Yosemite. Use Disk Utility to diagnose and repair your drive, then back up with Time Machine to prevent surprises.

Access the Mac App Store, download Yosemite, and install it on your selected hard drive, then configure Apple ID options and crash reports to complete the Yosemite setup.

Configure keyboards and mice in Yosemite, including USB and Bluetooth devices, scroll direction, tracking speed, primary button, right-click behavior, function keys, and input sources.

Open Finder preferences to tailor general desktop visibility, drive appearance, tags, and sidebar shortcuts, and use spring loaded, spacebar to open, and secure empty trash with modifier keys.

Discover how to pair Bluetooth devices on OS X Yosemite by using System Preferences, enabling discoverable mode, and entering pairing codes for keyboards, mice, and trackpads.

Learn to use trackpad gestures in macOS Yosemite to work more efficiently, including three finger drag, tap, scroll and zoom, and swiping between pages, full screen apps, and mission control.

Save time with macOS Yosemite shortcuts, potentially an hour for every eight of work, using built-in shortcuts and system navigation, and customize or restore them in System Preferences.

Learn to create application shortcuts in Yosemite using system preferences, and apply them in Microsoft Word to convert tables to text, saving one hour out of every eight.

Set up accounts to communicate with anyone and organize your extended drives to create a conducive working environment.

Learn to connect a Mac to the internet using Ethernet or Wi‑Fi, manage networks in System Preferences, and explore options like reading lists and offline web access.

Learn to set up and manage user accounts on OS X Yosemite, configure password options, enable parental controls, and regulate access to apps, websites, and files.

Master how to tailor your Yosemite desktop with Finder view options, clean up and sort by, and snap to the invisible grid to organize files, folders, and projects.

Set up external drives and peripherals on macOS, connect via Thunderbolt, USB, or FireWire, and safely eject or mount them while noting Macintosh compatibility.

Learn how to customize your OS X Yosemite desktop by choosing solid colors or photos, adjusting fit options, and managing automatic wallpaper changes in system preferences.

Organize your apps in Launchpad by creating groups, dragging items into and out of groups, and using search to quickly locate apps across multiple screens.

Explore the finder, folders, and how to create and manipulate documents, organize with shortcuts and aliases, preview with quick look, manage trash and tabs, and create a custom folder.

Navigate Finder windows in macOS Yosemite, switch among icon, list, column, and cover flow views, and sort by name or date modified. Explore user accounts, permissions, sharing, and toolbar customization.

Discover how to boost organization and efficiency in OS X Yosemite by using view options such as tab bar, path bar, breadcrumb trail, and status bar to manage windows.

Organize your files by creating folders in documents, renaming items, and moving or copying them between drives using command and option key techniques.

Organize with a clear folder structure and speed access using shortcuts, favorites, and aliases on the dock or sidebar to reach folders like recipes quickly.

Learn to use quick look to preview images and documents with the spacebar, view thumbnails, and customize the toolbar to add quick look for preview before opening them.

Learn how to manage files on mac os x yosemite by using the trash, emptying it, and securely emptying trash with keyboard shortcuts.

Use tabs to organize multiple Finder windows in one window. Learn to create and switch tabs, drag them, and move files with the command key.

Explore how to access file and folder information in the Macintosh operating system, view metadata, use open with settings, and apply stationery pad or locked to protect originals.

Personalize Yosemite by assigning custom icons to folders and drives using Preview, copy and paste, and Get Info, with simple steps and optional visual organization.

Explore how to use the dock to open and close apps, customize options, manage multiple programs with stacks, and create application stacks and a custom stack icon.

Learn how to open and manage apps on the Macintosh operating system, using the dock, applications folder, Spotlight, and force quit to efficiently launch, switch, and close programs.

Organize the fluid dock by adding frequently used apps, dragging items to position, and keeping programs in the dock or removing them with right-click options.

Master the dock options and preferences by adjusting size, magnification, position, and the minimize genie effect, and enable auto hide.

Master multitasking on OS X Yosemite by quickly switching between open apps with Command-Tab. Use Mission Control and trackpad gestures to manage multiple programs and return to a chosen app.

Organize your Mac with stacks on the right side of the dock to access documents and folders quickly, choosing grid, list, or fan views.

Create a folder to group apps into a stack on the dock, use aliases to point to originals in Applications, and tidy Adobe and Microsoft apps for more workspace.

Create a custom stack icon for your macOS Yosemite dock by designing a transparent image in Photoshop, converting it to an app, and naming it to appear first.

Learn how to save and search efficiently in Yosemite using Spotlight to find documents, websites, and more, enhanced by tags and archiving for quick retrieval.

Explore how Apple apps handle saving, using save and save as, choosing destinations like desktop and documents, and actions such as rename, duplicate, and moving files.

Learn how Spotlight helps you quickly find files, apps, and information across your Mac by typing keywords, using command-space, and adjusting search settings.

Learn to use tags in Finder to quickly locate documents, projects, and images by color. Use favorites and tagging to organize items and accelerate your searches.

Learn how zip archives compress multiple files into a single, smaller archive and how macOS unzips on double-click, while noting zip files can carry viruses.

Explore the Safari interface, changes, and customization options, then optimize with preferences, bookmarks, and file-downloading tips. Learn privacy, password security, private browsing, and extensions to enhance your browsing.

Explore the basic Safari interface in macOS Yosemite, including top sites, favorites, reading list, bookmarks, extensions, and navigation controls like back, forward, and tabs.

Customize the Safari interface by adjusting the toolbar, toggling the favorites bar, and organizing top sites and iCloud sharing options, then reset to default.

Learn to tailor Safari by adjusting preferences, set home page to current page, limit top sites, and tab browse with links opening in new tabs, history, and a sidebar.

Learn to access and organize bookmarks in Safari using the sidebar, favorites, and folders, then add, rename, and use the reading list offline.

Learn how Safari handles downloads, including where files are saved and how to open them after downloading. Track progress, unzip zip files automatically, clear history, and stay safe from viruses.

Explore how to protect privacy in Safari by managing cookies, website data, and history; learn how clearing data stops tracking and reduces targeted ads.

Learn how to secure internet passwords in Safari by using the passwords preferences to save or never save them, show passwords when needed, and manage login security.

Learn to use a private browsing window in Safari to prevent history from being recorded and to understand how private windows keep no history, unlike regular windows.

Discover how Safari extensions block ads and enhance your browsing in OS X Yosemite by managing, installing, and toggling them.

Set up accounts for mail, calendar, and contacts, use the Apple Mail app to create smart folders and rules, and learn to send, receive, and attach files.

Set up and manage email accounts in Yosemite using the mail app, preferences, and internet accounts to add Google, iCloud, Exchange, Yahoo, and other providers.

Learn how to set up mail accounts and navigate the Apple Mail interface. Manage conversations, compose and send messages, use drafts and attachments, and organize with folders and smart mailboxes.

Organize your mail by creating folders and a new mailbox, and automate with rules that move messages from specific senders (for example, Amazon) to smart mailboxes.

Add attachments to an email using the paper clip, drag‑and‑drop from desktop, or iCloud. Choose size options, view and markup images, and explore view in place or as icon.

Learn to organize with the calendar app by creating calendars, adding events, and syncing across devices with iCloud, using alerts, views, and quick events.

Learn how to create and organize contact cards in os x yosemite, assign a my card, add multiple fields, photos, and notes, and sync across devices via accounts.

Explore how to set up accounts for messaging and FaceTime, and use video and text to communicate, including Messages, instant messages, screen sharing, and making phone calls.

Set up your Apple ID for messages and FaceTime, choose a compatible chat platform such as AOL or Google Chat, and communicate using the same system with others.

Learn to set up and personalize the Messages app on OS X Yosemite, add accounts, manage status and preferences, and send messages, video chat, and screen sharing with buddies.

Learn how to set up your Yosemite Mac to receive iPhone calls and messages via FaceTime and Messages by syncing iCloud and Apple ID, enabling Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and handoff.

Explore additional considerations in Yosemite, including maps with traffic reports, QuickTime features, enhanced iTunes organization, AI books on the system, and notes and reminders.

Learn to use the maps app to locate your position, search places, and switch among map, 3-D, and satellite views; drop pins, get driving or walking directions, and manage favorites.

Discover the improved iTunes on OS X Yosemite: manage music, movies, and TV shows; create playlists; shop in the iTunes store; authorize five devices with Apple ID.

Learn to use iBooks on OS X Yosemite, sign in with an Apple ID, authorize devices, download samples, and organize your library with collections, notes, highlights, and bookmarks.

Master QuickTime basics on a Macintosh by playing, scrubbing, trimming clips, saving edits, and setting default apps to open MP4 files in QuickTime.

Explore notes and reminders in OS X Yosemite to organize ideas, set personal and business lists, and sync across devices via accounts, with date, time, and location reminders.