Mark L. Chambers - OS X Mavericks All-in-One For Dummies

OS X Mavericks All-in-One For Dummies

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Copyright 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey

Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2013949059

ISBN 978-1-118-69181-6 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-118-70756-2 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-70765-4 (ebk)

Manufactured in the United States of America

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Introduction

I remember the first moment I moved a mouse across an OS X Desktop. At that time, it was the beta of version 10.0 and I very well remember the word elegant as my first impression. (My second impression was Unix done better. ) Thats really saying something because Im an old personal computer operating system curmudgeon: I cut my computing teeth on Atari and TRS-80 Model III machines, and I still feel at home in the character-based environment of DOS and Unix. Of course, Ive also used every version of Windows that His Gatesness has produced (everything from Microsoft Bob and Windows/286 to the much-maligned Windows 8). And yes, Ive used Mac OS since before the days of System 7, using a Macintosh SE with a 9" monitor (and a built-in handle).

But out of this host of operating systems, could you really call one elegant before now? OS X now at version 10.9, affectionately called Mavericks is something different: a fine-cut diamond amongst a handful of semiprecious stones. Its the result of an unnatural marriage, Ill admit... the intuitive, graphical world of Mac paired with the character-based stability and efficient multitasking of Unix, along with the iOS operating system developed especially for Apples mobile devices. Who would have thought that they would work together so well?

Therefore, you can imagine how I immediately jumped at the chance to write a comprehensive guide to Apples masterpiece. (Although its been a full decade ago now, Ive never regretted the decision.) The book that you hold in your hands uses the classic For Dummies design; it provides you with the step-by-step instruction (plenty of which my editors grudgingly agree is somewhat humorous) on every major feature of OS X. It also goes a step further from time to time, delving into why something works the way it does or whats going on behind the scenes. You can chalk that up to my sincere admiration for everyone in Cupertino and what theyve produced.

What you wont find in this All-in-One is wasted space. All the new features of version 10.9 are here, including the arrival of the Dynamic Duo from the iOS world: Maps and iBooks. Youll also find coverage of all the current iLife and iWork applications. Everythings explained from the ground up, just in case youve never touched an Apple computer before. By the time you reach the final pages, youll have covered advanced topics, such as networking, AppleScript, Internet security... and yes, even an introduction to the powerful world of Unix that exists underneath.

I sincerely hope that youll enjoy this book and that it will act as your guide while you discover all the wonderful features of OS X Mavericks that I use every day. Remember, if a Windows-minded acquaintance still titters about your Mac mini, Ill understand if youre tempted to drop this weighty tome on his foot. (Of course, you can also boot into Windows and watch him turn purple truth is, he cant boot into OS X on his PC.)

The official name of the latest version is (portentous pause here, please) OS X version 10.9 Mavericks . But who wants to spit out that mouthful every time? Throughout this book, I refer to the operating system as OS X or simply Mavericks.

About This Book

No one expects a book in the For Dummies series to contain technojargon or ridiculous computer science semantics especially a book about the Macintosh! Apple has always strived for simplicity and user friendliness. I hereby promise that Ive done my absolute best to avoid unnecessary techno-talk. For those who are interested in whats happening under the hood, I provide sidebars that explain a little more about whats doing what to whom. If youd rather just have fun and ignore the digital dirty work, please feel free to disregard these additions (but dont tear sidebars out of the book because theres likely to be important stuff on the opposite side of the page).

However, even For Dummies books have to get technical from time to time, usually involving commands that you have to type and menu items that you have to click. If youve read any of my other For Dummies books, youll know that a helpful set of conventions is used to indicate what needs to be done or what you see onscreen: