1.10 – macOS - macOS Features

Mission Control

• Feature in MacOS to organize open windows and easily find what is needed.
• Allows the creation of multiple desktops, called spaces, for organization.
• Launched by swiping upward with three fingers on a touchpad or using the control-up arrow.
• Spaces are located at the top of Mission Control, allowing addition and movement of applications between desktops.

Keychain

• MacOS utility for password management.
• Securely stores passwords, notes, certificates, and other private authentication information.
• Can be used by third-party applications with user permission for easy authentication.
• Everything stored inside is encrypted.
• Decryption key is linked to the user login; accessible after login, remains encrypted after logout.

Spotlight

• Built-in search engine for macOS.
• Locates files and information within files.
• Accessed by clicking the magnifying glass in the menu bar or with the command-space hotkey.
• Searches the system, internet, and App Store for the search term.
• Customizable indexing options are available in System Preferences under Spotlight.

iCloud

• Apple's cloud service for synchronization across macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices.
• Synchronizes calendars, photos, documents, and other data.
• Includes a backup system for photos, mail, contacts, and other device data.
• Restores data to a new system if the original is lost or damaged.
• Offers a file sharing feature, replacing third-party services like Dropbox or Box.com.

Gestures

• Uses different finger motions on a trackpad for specific actions.
• Example: Swiping up with three fingers launches Mission Control.
• Can swipe between pages, view the notification center, or quickly view the desktop.
• Customization available under System Preferences and Trackpad.

Finder

• Central file management tool in macOS.
• Similar to File Explorer in Windows.
• Used to launch applications, modify file names, and manage the file system.
• Integrates with services on the local network, like screen sharing.

Remote Disc

• Shares optical drives (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM) over the network.
• Designed for sharing data files, not audio CDs or video DVDs.
• Configured in System Preferences under the Sharing option with the DVD or CD sharing checkbox.
• Once enabled, the shared drive is visible in Finder for other network users.

Dock

• Located at the bottom of the screen for quick access to applications.
• Customizable with the ability to add or remove applications.
• Indicates running applications with a small indicator underneath the app icon.
• Folders can be added for easy access to project files.
• Can be positioned on the left or right of the screen, with settings adjustable in System Preferences under Dock and Menu Bar.

Disk Utility

• Manages disks, partitions, and system images.
• Provides disk layout modification, first aid, and troubleshooting features.
• Used to create and restore images.

FileVault

• Provides full disk encryption.
• Secures all data on the storage device.
• Requires login credentials or iCloud authentication to access encrypted data.
• Protects private information and operating system details from unauthorized access.
• Configuration is in System Preferences under Security & Privacy, FileVault.

Terminal

• Provides command-line access to the operating system.
• Used to launch applications, configure files, and modify the operating system.

Force Quit

• Used to close unresponsive applications.
• Accessed by pressing command, option, escape.
• Can also be accessed by right-clicking the application icon in the dock while holding the option key.
• Allows closing a problematic application without rebooting the system.