Help > Macintosh

Macintosh computers: Topics and Resources

Mac OS X topics covered include introductions and tutorials, software, tips for freqently-asked questions and common tasks, and specific information about setting up your Mac in our department.

Introductory material

Here are links to tutorials and introductory materials for the Finder and Apple software like Mail, Safari, iCal, etc. Much of the material below is drawn from Apple's support website (apple.com/support), especially Apple's knowledge base and their new Mac101 section containing concise explanations of OS X features and productivity tips. If you don't see what you're looking for below, check the Mac101 or other Apple support pages or try the IU Knowledge Base.

Introduction to Mac OS X - the "Grand Tour" of the Mac interface

This 'grand tour of the Mac interface' is provided by Apple, and covers the Finder, Desktop, Menu Bar, Dock, managing files and folders as well as the basics of finding and launching applications.

Essentials of OS X

Here you'll find more Apple support material including using the mouse, working with disks, configuring user accounts and passwords, and updating software.

OS X for Windows users

This article from Apple's knowledge base is specifically tailored to introduce OS X to those of you more used to working with computers running Microsoft Windows.

Software for the Macintosh

Our Mac software page briefly describes the most common Mac software used in our department, and provides links to purchasing and support information as well as suggestions for finding additional software. [More ...]

Tips, how-to articles, and helpful shortcuts

The table below covers the most frequently asked questions and common OS X tasks - CD burning, adding/deleting user accounts, connecting to servers, file sharing, etc.

CD burning

Taking screen snapshots (pictures of what's on your screen)

Adding/deleting user accounts on your Mac

Connecting to file servers and uploading/downloading files

Using a projector/illuminator

Opening, reading and saving file 'archives' - zip, stuffit, and tar files

Backing up your files

Configuring file sharing/serving (allowing access to your files from other computers)

Using keyboard shortcuts for common tasks

Setting up your Mac at IU

This section covers initial setup of Macintosh computers, including networking, obtaining updates for OS X and its software, networking and file sharing.