ITEC 1001 Ch. 1 - Software and the Mac OS Notes

System Software

  • System software has two major components:
    • Operating System (OS)
    • Utility Software

Operating System (OS)

  • The most important software on your computer.
  • Provides the instructions necessary to run the central processing unit.

Utility Software

  • Provides maintenance support for a digital device.
  • Provides users with the ability to analyze and optimize their digital devices.

Computer Platform

  • Every computer must have an operating system (OS), commonly referred to as the platform.
  • The OS controls the functions of a computer and determines which applications can be used on a device.
  • Examples of operating systems:
    • Windows
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Linux

Common Functions of the OS

  • Provide the interface between the user and hardware through Graphical User Interface (GUI).
  • Configure and manage internal and peripheral devices.
  • Monitor system performance through Task Manager and other tools.

Popular Platforms

  • Most widely used computer platforms:
    • Windows OS: Most common for personal computers - 69.81%
    • Mac OS: Used on Apple computers - 19.95%
    • Android OS: Most common smartphone OS worldwide.
    • iOS: OS used on iPhones. Most common smartphone OS in the United States-6.58%

Windows Operating System

  • Used in a variety of Microsoft digital devices.
  • Strengths:
    • Most popular OS worldwide.
    • Used by businesses and government.
    • Highest selection of apps.
    • Many manufacturers, leading to more competition and less expensive devices.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Often considered not as intuitive as Apple products.
    • Possibly more prone to viruses.
    • Constantly revised and updated.

Windows Operating System History

  • Microsoft chose the name “Windows” due to the computing boxes, or “windows” that represented one of the main elements of the OS.
  • History:
    • 1985 - Microsoft Windows 1.0: Allowed users to point and click.
    • 2001 - Windows XP: First Microsoft OS that focused on mobile compatibility; was one of the best-selling products.
    • 2012 - Windows 8: Developed to create an interface that was compatible with touchscreens.

The macOS

  • Apple and Macintosh operating systems (OS) are designed and distributed by Apple Inc. and have a reputation for being very easy to use.
  • Strengths:
    • Relatively few viruses.
    • Outstanding graphics capabilities.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Not as widely used as PCs.
    • Generally costs more than PCs.
    • Only use proprietary licensed software.
  • macOS Mojave is mentioned as the most current release from Apple.

MacOS History

  • In 2001, Apple released the first version of its Mac operating system (OS) known as OS X “Cheetah.” This was based on UNIX architecture.
  • Until 2012, each of the OS was named after a fast and agile cat.
  • In 2013, Apple released OS X 10.9 “Mavericks.” Mavericks is a well-known surfing spot in Northern California.
  • macOS is the second major series of Macintosh operating systems.

The iOS

  • Apple's iPhone operating system (OS), the iOS is a hugely popular OS for smartphones in the United States.
  • Used on iPhones and iPads.
  • Includes Apple apps including FaceTime, Safari, and Siri.
  • Third-party apps must go through an approval process.

Android OS

  • Android OS is a Google product.
  • Found in a variety of digital devices including phones, tablet computers, and laptops.
  • Chromebook computers also use the Android operating system.

Android OS Versions

  • Major versions of Android OS:

    • Android has evolved rapidly since its launch.

    • Google has named all projects after a dessert

      • Marshmallow - 2015
      • Nougat - 2016
      • Oreo - 2017
      • Pie – 2018
      • Quincy Tart - 2019
      • Red Velvet Cake- 2020
      • Snow cone – 2021
      • Tiramisu – 2022
      • Upside Down Cake - 2023

Linux Operating System

  • The Linux operating system (OS) is open-source software that anyone can use and modify.
  • Strengths:
    • Free to download and use.
    • Less susceptible to viruses.
    • Modifiable by users.
  • Weaknesses:
    • Steep learning curve.
    • Compatibility issues with some programs.

Open Source Software

  • Software that is distributed with its source code, making it available for use, modification, and distribution with its original rights.
  • Examples:
    • Operating systems (Linux)
    • Web browsers (Firefox, Netscape)
    • Compilers (gcc)
    • Web servers (Apache)
    • Database management systems (MySQL)

Utility Programs

  • Utility programs perform a specific maintenance-type task on a computer and are included with both Windows and macOS.
  • Utility programs perform maintenance-type tasks that include:
    • Disk cleanup
    • File search
    • System backup and restore
  • Examples mentioned:
    • Antivirus
    • Disk Management tools
    • Compression tools
    • Disk cleanup tool
    • Disk Defragmenter
    • Backup utility

Which OS for a College Student

  • macOS: A good idea if you go into:
    • Graphic design
    • Photo or video production
    • Publishing
  • Windows OS: A good idea if you go into:
    • Business
    • Science or engineering
    • Education or government work
  • Linux OS: A good idea if you go into:
    • Computer science
    • Software design

Productivity Software

  • Applications that allow users to work more efficiently.
  • Traditional productivity apps include Microsoft Office and other business apps.
  • Two major categories:
    • Apps designed for use by individuals (MS Office, Google Docs, iWork, Quicken)
    • Apps designed for businesses (QuickBooks, Sage HRMS, InsideSalesBox)

Word Processing Programs

  • Used to create an assortment of documents.
  • Can also be used for desktop publishing and creating basic web pages.
  • Common word processing programs:
    • Microsoft Word
    • Pages for Mac
    • Google Docs

Spreadsheet Programs

  • Used to format spreadsheets and display numbers and text in cells.
  • Widely used by organizations, they perform calculations and structure data.

Spreadsheet Programs (cont.)

  • Spreadsheet terms include:
    • Worksheet: single page in a workbook
    • Workbook: collection of related worksheets
    • Cell reference: identifies the location (column and row) of a cell in a worksheet
    • Formula: mathematical operation used to perform calculations in a spreadsheet
    • Function: built-in formulas included in a spreadsheet program

Presentation Programs

  • Help in creating visual aids that can be projected on a screen or displayed on a digital display.
  • When crafting a presentation, it is important to keep the presentation simple.
  • Your presentation should avoid the use of full sentences.
  • Each slide should provide a summary of your main points.

Presentation Programs (cont.)

  • Presentation Program Terms:
    • Slide: single page in a presentation program
    • Slide Master:
      • stores information about presentation theme and slide layout
      • includes background, color, fonts, effects, placeholder size and positioning
    • Slide Show: collection of pages/slides arranged in a sequence
    • Speaker Notes: can be added to a slide show to assist with what the presenter will say

Database Programs

  • A database is an organized collection of data.
  • Database management software combines structuring data with tools to manage the data.
  • Databases are one of the most significant structural elements of the World Wide Web today.
  • Microsoft and Oracle make some of the most used database programs.

Database Programs (cont.)

  • Database terms:
    • Table: a section of a relational database
    • Record: a row in a table which contains information about an individual, transaction, or account
    • Field: a column in a table, such as last name, address
    • Primary Key: uniquely identifies each record in a database
    • Query: a set of criteria used to extract data
    • Report: data that is ready to print
    • Form: tools that allow users to enter information

The Snipping Tool

  • The Snipping Tool can be used to capture a screenshot, or snip, or any object on your screen.
  • To access the Snipping Tool in Windows 10:
    1. Click the Cortana or Search button
    2. Type Snipping Tool
    3. Select the Snipping Tool Desktop app
    4. Click New to start the capture of an image

Microsoft Paint 3D

  • Microsoft Paint 3D allows you to create shapes, lines, and a variety of tools to edit images and create artwork.
  • Steps to open Microsoft Paint 3D once it is downloaded:
    • Click the Cortana button or Search box button
    • Type Paint 3D in the search box
    • Double-click the Paint 3D Desktop app
    • Create or edit an image
    • Click the File button and Save As

Software License

  • A software license is a legal document that governs the use or redistribution of software.
  • In the United States under copyright law, all registered software is copyright protected, in both source code and object code forms (except open-source public domain software).
  • Typical software licenses grant the licensee (or end-user) the right to use one or more copies of software.

Software License (cont.)

  • Software License types:
    • End-User License Agreement (EULA)
    • Single-User License: restricts the use of the software to one user at a time
    • Network License: allows anyone on a network the right to use software
    • Site License: Similar to a network but the software is installed on the device of qualified users in an organization

Mac Shortcuts

  • Numerous handy keyboard shortcuts for Macs.
  • Commonly used shortcuts:
    • Command + A = Select all
    • Command + C = copy
    • Command + V = paste
    • Command + S = save
    • Command + X = cut
    • Command + Z = undo
    • Command + F = find in most apps
    • Command + Shift + 3 = snipping tool
    • Command + Shift + 4 = screenshot

Turning On a MacBook

  • Turns on automatically when the computer lid opens.
  • If in Sleep mode, press the Touch ID button on the Touch Bar.
  • The Touch ID button is on the far right on the Touch Bar.

Turning Off a MacBook

  • Two methods:
    • Primary:
      • Open the Apple menu
      • Select Shut Down… (provides an option to save the open file).
    • Force shutdown:
      • hold down the Touch ID button for approximately 5 seconds (quits all apps without the option to save files).

The Mac Desktop

  • Menu Bar
  • Dock
    • Quick access to frequently used apps or folders
  • Status Menu
    • Quick access to Wi-Fi, Battery life, Sync, and other features
  • Spotlight
    • Lets you search your Mac
  • Siri Access
    • Lets you ask Siri questions
  • Notifications
    • Shows notifications from Apple or 3rd party apps
  • Trash: Similar to Windows Recycle Bin

The Mac Keyboard

  • Differs from a PC keyboard
  • Most Mac keyboards lack a Backspace key.
  • Keys to left and right of space bar include:
    • Command key: used in shortcuts, similar to a PC’s CTRL key
    • Control key: used with mouse or trackpad click to open menus, similar to PC right-click
    • Delete key: used in place of PC backspace key, deletes to the left of the insertion point

The MacBook Pro Trackpad

  • Force Touch trackpad
  • Multi-touch allows user to spread, contract, 3-finger tap, etc.
  • Force sensitive; pressing down on the trackpad makes a “click” sound that opens additional trackpad features.

Control-Click Gesture

  • Opens small menus
  • Similar to a personal computer (PC) right click.
  • Two (2)-finger click on trackpad works the same as Control + click.

Touch Bar

  • Located on the keyboard above the number row.
  • Provides quick access to commonly used features.
  • When Mac is opened, allows user to log in using finger touch ID.
  • After login, displays Escape button (esc), volume and brightness control, and Siri access.
  • When using an app, displays commonly used app features.

The Finder

  • The Finder menu is on the initial view when Mac starts.
  • Can be accessed by clicking the Finder icon located on the Dock.
  • Displays:
    • Applications
    • Documents
    • Recently opened files
    • iCloud documents
    • Other cloud-based files, if available

The Launchpad

  • Accessed by clicking the icon located on the Dock.
  • Similar to Windows Start button.
  • Allows users to open any app on the Mac.
  • Provides an interface similar to an iPhone screen.

The Dashboard

  • Accessed by clicking the Dashboard icon located on the Dock.
  • Provides quick access to mini apps including:
    • Calculator
    • Clock
    • Calendar
    • Other widgets (small info apps)
  • To add widgets, click the + located in the lower-left corner.

Mission Control

  • Accessed in several ways:
    • swipe up with 3 fingers
    • through the Finder
    • click the icon in the Launchpad
  • Displays all open apps on one screen
  • Allows users to quickly switch between apps

Sleep Mode and Power Nap

  • Sleep: Allows MacBook to save battery life when inactive
  • Power Nap: Mac continues to check for Email or calendar updates while in Sleep mode
  • To adjust Sleep mode or Power Nap:
    • Open Apple menu
    • Select System Preferences
    • Select Energy Saver

Adding Additional Users to a Mac

  • Adding Mac users:
    • provides separate desktops and preferences
    • each user has their own login
    • administrator can set parental controls or select which apps can be used
  • To add a new user:
    • from Apple menu or Launchpad, open System Preferences
    • Select Users & Groups
    • Unlock settings
    • Add user

MacBook’s Security Setting Options

  • Security Settings: Several tools to keep your data safe.
    • FireVault encrypts hard drive and allows user to wipe data if the computer is stolen.
    • Firewall limits incoming connections.
    • Location Services limits: Keeps apps from reporting computer’s location.

Creating a Backup Using Time Machine

  • Provides backup and restore capability
  • Requires an external hard drive or network storage
  • Mac recognizes external storage device upon connection, prompts you to backup files
  • To restore files:
    • from Apple Menu or Launchpad, select System Preferences
    • Select Time Machine
    • Open Documents folder
    • Scroll to locate file
    • Click Restore

Personalizing Wallpaper (Desktop Picture)

  • Several ways to change Wallpaper image
    • From the image itself:
      • Control > Click
      • Select Share
      • Select Set Desktop Picture
    • From the Finder:
      • Navigate to image
      • Control > Click
      • Select Set Desktop Picture
    • From System Preferences:
      • Select Desktop & Screen Saver
      • Click Desktop tab
      • Click on desired image

Adjusting Screen Savers and Hot Corners

  • Screen Saver provides an Image or images to be displayed when the computer is in Sleep mode.
    • Image
    • Slide show
    • Message
  • Hot Corners
    • controls that can be activated by clicking corners of the desktop
    • options include starting Sleep mode, opening Launchpad, opening Dashboard, etc.

Adjusting Screen Savers and Hot Corners (cont.)

  • To adjust settings:
    • Navigate to System Preferences
    • Select Desktop & Screen Saver
    • Click Screen Saver tab

Adjusting the Force Touch trackpad

  • Three (3) sets of adjustments are accessible through System Preferences.
  • Point & Click:
    • adjusts tap (1 finger touching, but not clicking)
    • clicking
    • 2-finger click
    • tracking

Adjusting the Force Touch Trackpad (cont.)

  • Scroll & Zoom
    • configure the “pinch” and “spread” gestures for image viewing
  • More gestures
    • 3-finger movements
    • Finger and thumb gestures

Creating a Folder

  • Folders help to organize files, documents, photos, etc.
  • Three (3) common methods to create folders:
    • First – navigate to new folder location, then use one of the following methods:
      • in the Finder menu, select File > New Folder
      • control + click > Select New Folder
      • press Shift + Command + N

Saving a File in a Folder

  • The default folder is Documents
  • 3 common methods to save files in specific folders:
    • New Document:
      • Save in folder when naming
    • Existing Document:
      • Drag to folder
      • Select File > Move to…
      • Press Shift + Command + N
    • Save file to a different disk by holding the Command key and dragging

Copy a Files

  • Several common methods to copy files.
    • Hold down the Option key and drag the file to a new folder
    • Open the File menu and select Duplicate
    • Hold down the Command key and press the D key

Copy a File to a USB drive

  • Several methods to copy to a USB drive:
    • Drag the file to the USB drive’s icon when it appears on the Desktop
    • Open the file, expand the File menu and select Move To…
    • Open a Finder window, drag the file to the USB drive on the left side of the window (located under Favorites)

Safely Ejecting a USB drive

  • Several methods to eject the USB drive:
    • Drag the USB drive’s icon to the Trash
    • Select the USB drive (click on the icon)
    • open the Finder, expand the File menu, and select Eject USB drive
    • Open a Finder window, locate the USB drive on the left side of the window (located under Favorites), then click the small eject icon on the right of the name.

Renaming a File

  • Several methods
    • select the file, press the Return key and type the new name
    • hold down the Control key and click to open the shortcuts menu. Select Rename…
    • with the file open, expand the File menu and select Rename…
  • With the Mac OS, nearly every character can be used in a name except for the colon ( : ) and the slash ( / )

Deleting a File

  • Several methods to delete a file:
    • drag file (or folder) to the trash
    • hold down the Control key and click on the file to open shortcuts menu, then select Move to Trash
    • select the file (or folder) and press Command + Delete
  • Even though a file or folder is placed in the Trash, it is not deleted until the Trash is emptied.

Emptying the Trash

  • Several methods to empty the trash:
    • open the Finder, expand the Finder menu, click Empty Trash
    • press Shift + Command + Delete
    • hold down the Control key and click on the Trash icon, select Empty Trash
  • Files are not deleted until the Trash is emptied.

Taking a Screen Shot

  • Mac keyboards lack a PrintScreen key
  • To paste a .png image of the entire screen onto the desktop:
    • Command + Shift + 3
  • To paste a .png image of a selected area onto the desktop:
    • Command + Shift + 4
  • To copy a screen shot onto the clipboard (similar to the PC PrintScreen key feature):
    • Command + Control + Shift + 3

Using the Grab Utility

  • Grab is like a more powerful version of the Windows Snipping Tool app
  • Accessed by Finder > Applications > Utilities
  • Open the Capture menu to:
    • copy portions of images
    • take screenshots
    • capture a timed (video) action
    • capture sounds (such as clicking)