1.8 - macos Features

Mission Control

Quickly view everything running by spreading the desktop into a viewable area; swipe up with three fingers or press Control-Up arrow.

Spaces

Feature for creating multiple desktops; added from within Mission Control.

Keychain

macOS password management for passwords, notes, and certificates; accessed via Keychain Access.

How are Keychain passwords/secure notes protected?

They are encrypted, using the login password as the key.

Spotlight

macOS search tool to find files, apps, images, etc.; opened via magnifying glass (upper right) or Command-Space.

Where do you configure Spotlight search categories?

System Preferences / Spotlight (enable/disable categories).

iCloud

Apple cloud service that integrates macOS, iOS, and iPadOS to share calendars, photos, documents, and contacts across systems.

iCloud Drive

Cloud-based file storage integrated into the OS; similar to Google Drive or Dropbox.

iMessage vs Messages

iMessage is the service; Messages is the app.

Where are iCloud sync options configured?

In the Apple Account section.

Gestures

Trackpad actions using one, two, or three fingers (swipe, pinch, click) to extend capabilities; customized in System Preferences / Trackpad.

Finder

The central macOS file manager (comparable to Windows File Explorer) for launching, deleting, and renaming files, plus access to remote devices.

Remote Disc

Feature to use an optical drive from another computer for copying files; will NOT work with audio CDs or video DVDs.

Where is Remote Disc sharing set up?

System Preferences / Sharing; it then appears in Finder.

Dock

Bar for fast app access and launching; a dot under an icon shows a running app; can hold folders and be moved or auto-hidden.

Continuity

Feature to work seamlessly across Apple devices (e.g., iPhone as Mac webcam, screen mirroring, AirDrop); synchronized through iCloud.

Disk Utility

Tool to manage disks and images; verify/repair file systems, modify partitions, erase disks, and create/convert/restore disk images.

FileVault

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) for macOS; decryption uses a local key or iCloud authentication and requires proper login before macOS can start.

Where is FileVault located?

System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault.

Terminal

Command line access to macOS for running scripts, managing files, and configuring OS/application settings without a GUI.

Force Quit

Stops an unresponsive application; open with Command-Option-Escape, or hold Option and right-click the app in the Dock.