Basic Mac Navigation

Quick Links: | Apple Icon | File Menu | Special Menu | Blue Telephone | Application Icon | Helpful Keystrokes | Finder | Trash | Restarting | Return To Mac Home Page |

Navigation is fairly simple with Macintosh. This tutorial will cover the basic menus and functions.

Apple Icon Menu:

The Apple Icon Menu contains About this Macintosh which lists total and available RAM and system software versions, as well as Virtual Memory info. It also has a reference to the Control Panel in it for easy access.

The File Menu: 

The File Menu contains a choice to Find. If it does not contain a choice to Find, then switch programs to Finder. It also contains the Get Info command. This command allows you to select an application's icon and when you choose Get Info from the File menu (while the application is inactive).

You can find out how much RAM a given application is allowed to use as well as change this amount. 

Special Menu: 

This menu contains choices for Restart, Shutdown and Empty Trash.

Blue Telephone Icon:         top right-hand corner of the Macintosh desktop in Systems 7.1 to 7.9 or use the control strip pictured below to get to either of the following icons: 

   or

The blue telephone icon drops down into a bunch of useful options. For example, you can open FreePPP Setup or just Open Connection. It also allows you to launch any application that is installed on your Macintosh. You can also get to the Mac 8+ dialer options (usually Remote Access) by clicking on the in the control strip.

The Finder/Application Icon     (top right-hand corner of the Macintosh desktop)

This lists all running programs. It should always contain Finder. This icon will change to match the program in the foreground of your monitor. The main title bar menu options will also change to reflect the program in the foreground.

Trash:

You delete files and things by dragging & dropping them in the trash can pictured above. Just put your pointer over the item and then hold down on the mouse button while moving the pointer over the trash. Release the mouse button and the item will go into the trash. Afterwards, click the special menu at the top and choose the "empty trash" option as pictured below.

Restarting Your Computer:

You restart your computer by clicking the special menu and choosing restart as shown below.

Helpful Keystrokes to know:

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