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 Commands For Terminal
- Mac Os Terminal Commands
- Commands For Macos
- Terminal Commands For Macos High Sierra
Mac Commands For Terminal
Mac OS X Finder Keyboard Shortcuts
Bash Profile Configuration. The profile file is run during boot-up to configure the terminal to define file path, shims, and autocompletion handlers. This is the single biggest frustration with people using Linux on Mac. One of the earliest articles on bash here shows shell variables, environment variables, and aliases. Each operating system has its own file name for its profile. How many times did you have something running on your Mac and you wanted to make.
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 |
![Commands For Mac Os Commands For Mac Os](/uploads/1/1/8/1/118165050/753424410.jpg)
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 |
If you’re working in Terminal on your Mac, you need to know the most important UNIX commands: those that work with directories, those that work with files, and miscellaneous but commonly used commands.
Folders are called directories in UNIX. Commands that refer to filenames, as most do, assume that you’re talking about files in the working directory. When you open the Terminal window, the working directory is set to your home directory, abbreviated ~. Bash shows you the current working directory and your username to the left of its prompt. The following table lists common directory-related commands.
Command | What It Does |
---|---|
ls | Lists the names of the files in the working directory. For more complete information, use ls –alF (. |
cd directoryname | Changes the working directory to the one you named. |
cd .. | Brings you up one directory level. |
cd | Returns you to your home directory. |
pwd | Displays the pathname of the current directory. |
mkdir newdirectoryname | Makes a new directory. |
rmdir directoryname | Removes (deletes) an empty directory. |
As in Windows, you can redirect the output of a command to a text file. So if you want a record of the files in a folder, type cd, followed by a space, drag the folder’s icon to the Terminal window, and press Return. Type ls > mydirectorylist.txt and press Return again. A file named mydirectorylist.txt will appear in the folder you chose. You can open the file in TextEdit to see a list of the files in that directory.
Mac Os Terminal Commands
This table lists commands commonly used when working with files in the Terminal window.
Command | What It Does |
---|---|
cp filename1 filename2 | Copies a file. |
chmod | Changes permissions for access to a file. Study the man page before using this one. |
diff | Compares two files line by line (assumes text). |
more filename | Displays a text file one page at a time. Press the spacebar to see the next page; press Q to quit. The man command works through more. |
mv filename1 filename2 | Moves a file or changes its name. |
rm filename | Removes (deletes) a file. |
This last table explains other handy commands that anyone getting started in Terminal will likely want to know.
Command | What It Does |
---|---|
Control+C | Terminates most operations. |
date | Displays the current date and time. |
echo | Repeats whatever appears after the command (after expansion). |
help | Displays a partial list of bash commands. |
history | Displays the last commands you typed. You can redo a command by typing an exclamation point (!) followed immediately (no space) by the number of that command in the history list. To repeat the last command, type !!. To repeat the last filename, type !*. |
pico | A simple UNIX text editor. |
ps | Displays a list of running processes. |
sudo | Lets you carry out commands for which the account you are using lacks authority. You will be asked for an administrator’s password. |
Commands For Macos
![Commands For Mac Os Commands For Mac Os](/uploads/1/1/8/1/118165050/490112078.png)
Terminal Commands For Macos High Sierra
When you’re working in Terminal, you don’t have a Trash Can to which deleted files are moved pending ultimate disposal. Delete it, and it’s gone. In general, UNIX has no Undo function.