Getting Started With Mac OS X : Snow Leopard

One of the primary components of the computer system is the operating system. In the home/business computer world there are three different operating systems: Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. Snow Leopard is version 10.6 of the Mac OS, and is derived fromt the Cal Berekly Unix OS. We will be looking at Snow Leopard in this tutorial.

With the release of Snow Leopard comes many intrigingly new components. Our primary concern with this page is to learn enough about the Mac OS, so that you can work more efficeintly with your application. In fact, the intent of this tutorial is to improve the knowledge base of the user so that the intent of the OS can be maximized. Before we jump in, let's look at some of the things that are new with Snow Leopard. As we learn about Snow Leopard, you will be directed to visit other sites. Most of these external sites are pages from Apple Support. That being said, you will be expected to know certain components about the new OS.

Snow Leopard Goodies
One of the most exciting new things about the new Mac OS, is its 64-bit capabilities. 64-bit computing gives a good overview of the system. You should able to explain why 64-bit computing is so important.

Although Mac OS X is already 64-bit capable in many ways, Snow Leopard takes the next big step by rewriting all key system applications in 64-bit code and by enabling the Mac to address massive amounts of memory. Now Mac OS X is faster, more secure, and completely ready for the future. Learn more about 64-bit support

Grand Central Dispatch
A new technology called Grand Central Dispatch takes full advantage of multicore systems by making all of Mac OS X multicore aware and optimizing it for allocating tasks across multiple cores and processors. Grand Central Dispatch also makes it much easier for developers to create programs that utilize all the power of multicore systems. Learn more about Grand Central Dispatch

OpenCL
With graphics processors surpassing speeds of a trillion operations per second, they’re capable of considerably more than just drawing pictures. OpenCL in Snow Leopard is a technology that makes it possible for developers to tap the vast gigaflops of computing power currently in the graphics processor and use it for any application. Learn more about OpenCL

Above are just three of the new features of Snow Leopard. For more information you can visit the Apple Web Site Mac OS X

Below are links to pages that will walk you through the more important things that you will want to know so that you can use the full power of your OS, and optimize the use of your applications.

Learn about Snow Leopard. This is a PDF, but is well worth the read.

NOTE: THIS PAGE IS IN THE FIRST STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.

Running Mac OS X

64-Bit Kernel Snow Leopard does not default to 64-bit.
Setting Up the Mouse
Keyboard Shortcuts
Finder Learn how to use it and set default preferences.
Screenshots and Sharpshooter
Mac OS X Hardware and Software Index
Trashing the Preferences If you encounter any major application problems. NEW
Taking Screen Shots and Cropping This is a pretty slick method to take screen shots NEW
Changing Your Password
How To Add Login Items
Force Quitting Applications
Changing the Appearance of Your Dock
Connecting to a Server
Changing Your Display Image Icon
Changing The System Appearance
Editing Your Dashboard
Create a Desktop Slideshow
Adjust Your Mac Displays
Reset a Lost Mac OS X Password

Tutorials

We will start by addressing the different components of the System Preferences so that you will be able to get going as quickly as possible with your Mac.

System Preferences:
Modify Your Account
Set-up Your Mouse
Desktop and Screen Saver
Dock
Expose and Spaces
Security
Spotlight
CDs & DVDs
Displays
Energy Saver
Keyboard
Trackpad
Print & Fax
Sound
Network
Accounts
Date & Time
Software Update
Startup Disk
Time Machine
Organize Folders
Rename Folders
The Desktop and Dock