Nov 18, 2012 Is there a quick method of switching between MacOS and Bootcamp? Or even just a button that does it all for you, rather than having to mess with the option key at startup?
MacBook owners have a number of tools that come in very handy for using their laptops efficiently and for maintaining the operating system to keep it running in top shape. These MacBook keyboard shortcuts for the Finder, a maintenance checklist, and a “translation” of the modifier keys will speed you on your way to becoming a MacBook power user.
Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts
The Mac OS X Lion Finder helps you access and organize most of the important Mac OS X functions while you work. Use Finder keyboard shortcuts to display windows, copy and move files, and launch applications. These keyboard shortcuts help you get things done more efficiently.
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Command+A | Selects all items in the active window (icon view), all items in the column (column view), or all items in the list (cover flow view) |
| Command+C | Copies selected items |
| Command+D | Duplicates the selected item(s) |
| Command+E | Ejects the selected volume |
| Command+F | Displays the Find dialog |
| Command+H | Hides All Finder windows |
| Command+I | Shows info for selected item or items |
| Command+J | Shows the view options for the active window |
| Command+K | Displays the Connect to Server dialog |
| Command+L | Creates an alias for the selected item |
| Command+M | Minimizes the active window |
| Command+N | Opens a new Finder window |
| Command+O | Opens (or launches) the selected item |
| Command+R | Shows the original for selected alias |
| Command+T | Adds the selected item to the Sidebar |
| Command+V | Pastes items from the Clipboard |
| Command+W | Closes the active window |
| Command+X | Cuts the selected items |
| Command+Z | Undoes the last action (if possible) |
| Command+, | Displays Finder Preferences |
| Command+1 | Shows the active window in icon mode |
| Command+2 | Shows the active window in list mode |
| Command+3 | Shows the active window in column mode |
| Command+4 | Shows the active window in cover flow mode |
| Command+[ | Moves back to the previous Finder location |
| Command+] | Moves forward to the next Finder location |
| Command+Del | Moves selected items to the Trash |
| Command+up-arrow | Show enclosing folder |
| Command+` | Cycles through windows |
| Command+? | Displays the Mac OS X Help Viewer |
| Command+Shift+A | Takes you to your Applications folder |
| Command+Shift+C | Takes you to the top-level Computer location |
| Command+Shift+G | Takes you to a folder that you specify |
| Command+Shift+H | Takes you to your Home folder |
| Command+Shift+I | Connects you to your iDisk |
| Command+Shift+Q | Logs you out |
| Command+Shift+N | Creates a new untitled folder in the active window |
| Command+Shift+U | Takes you to your Utilities folder |
| Command+Shift+Del | Deletes the contents of the Trash |
| Command+Option+H | Hides all windows except the Finder’s window(s) |
| Command+Option+N | Creates a new Smart Folder |
| Command+Option+T | Hides the Finder window toolbar |
| Command+Option+Space | Opens the Spotlight window |
| Command+Space | Opens the Spotlight menu |
| F8 | Choose another desktop using Spaces |
| Control+up-arrow (or F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Displays the Mission Control screen |
| Control+down-arrow (or Control+F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Shows all open windows for the current application using Mission Control |
| F11 (or Command+F3, depending on your keyboard model) | Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission Control |
| F12 (or F4, depending on your keyboard model) | Displays your Dashboard widgets |
| Space | Quick Look |
Strange-Looking Keys on the MacBook Keyboard
New to the Macintosh world? Some keys on the MacBook keyboard may be mystifying. Whether you’re using Snow Leopard or an older version of Mac OS X, recognizing and using modifier keys will make your job easier. Here’s a look at the modifier keys on both MacBook and desktop keyboards:
Mac OS X Maintenance Checklist
Maintenance is vital if you want to keep Mac OS X Lion in tip-top condition for as long as possible. Maintaining your MacBook keeps it running fast and smooth. Basic housekeeping includes regular back-ups plus some other, less familiar, tasks. Check this table often, or print it and keep a copy near your laptop!
| Mac Maintenance Task | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Check for updates with Software Update | Once a day (automatic setting) |
| Back up with Time Machine | Automatic |
| Defragment (Micromat TechTool Pro/Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3) | Once a week |
| Repair Disk Permissions (Disk Utility) | Once a week |
| Delete Unnecessary User Accounts (System Preferences) | As necessary |
| Scan for viruses (Intego VirusBarrier X6, ClamXav 2) | Automatic |
| Check all volumes (Disk Utility/ Micromat TechTool Pro) | Once a week |
| Check for the latest drivers for your hardware | Once a month (or after installing new hardware) |
| Delete temporary Internet cache files (Prosoft Engineering Drive Genius 3) | Once a month |
The Mac offers several ways to switch between accounts. The most straightforward way is to log out of one account and then log in to a different account. A faster and more convenient way is to use Fast User Switching, which essentially lets you switch accounts without having to log out of one account first.
To log out of an account, simply choose Command→Log Out. After you log out, the login window appears, listing the names and user icons of all accounts. At this time, you can click a different account name to log in to that account.
Before you can log out, a confirmation dialog appears, as shown in this figure. Your open files and apps will be closed before logging out. Select the Reopen Windows When Logging Back In check box so when you log in, your Mac looks just like how you left it when you logged out.
Hold the Option key while logging out to avoid the confirmation dialog.
If you use Fast User Switching, you won’t have to bother with any of that because Fast User Switching gives the illusion of putting the currently active account in “suspended animation” mode while your Mac opens another account.
Enable Fast User Switching on your Mac
Mac Boot Camp Quick Switch 2017
Before you can use Fast User Switching, you have to turn on this feature. Log in as Administrator and then follow these steps:
Choose Command→System Preferences, and then click the Users & Groups icon.
If the lock icon in the lower-left corner of the preferences window is locked, click to unlock it and then type your password in the dialog that appears. Press Return to unlock your Mac’s user account details.
Click the Login Options icon at the bottom of the list of users on the left side of the pane to display the Login Options pane, as shown in this figure.
Select the Show Fast User Switching Menu As check box, open the pop-up menu, and choose how you want to display the Fast User Switching Menu: Full Name, Short Name, or Icon.
These options display what appears on the menulet. Full Name displays full account names, Short Name displays abbreviated account names, and Icon displays a generic icon that takes up the least amount of space in the menu bar.
Select other Login Options:
Automatic Login: Leave this option Off or choose one user who will be automatically logged in when you restart your Mac, which is handy if you’re the only user and your Mac is always in a safe place.
Display Login Window As: Choose List of Users (from which you click a user and then type in the password) or Name and Password (which requires you to enter both your user name and password).
Show the Sleep, Restart, and Shut Down Buttons: Select this if you want to see these buttons on the login screen.
Show Input Menu in Login Window: Allows users to choose the language they want to use when logging in.
Show Password Hints: Users can click the question mark on the login screen to see a password hint, which you set up when you created the user account name and password.
Use VoiceOver in the Login Window: Select this if you want VoiceOver to work during login.
Click the Close button to close the Users & Groups preferences pane.
Change accounts with Fast User Switching
When you enable Fast User Switching, the Fast User Switching menulet appears in the right side of the menu bar, as shown in this figure. The menulet displays the names of accounts you can choose.
To switch to a different account at any time, follow these steps:
Mac Boot Camp
Click the Fast User Switching menulet on the right side of the menu bar and then click the account name you want to use.
Type the account password in the dialog that appears and press Return.
Your Mac switches you to your chosen account.