Introduction to Apple Mac OSX

Finding Files and Programs
OSX does not have the regular start menu you see in Windows. We navigate the file system and programs using the Finder. Finder is the equivalent of Windows Explorer, by double clicking on the Macintosh HD on the top right corner of the desktop you open a finder window. Here you will find all files and folders including all programs. By clicking on the apple in the top left corner you will see your recent documents and files. Programs are opened using the Dock across the bottom of the screen or in the application (Finder) folder.

Using the Dock
To quickly launch your programs the Dock can be set up to include “shortcuts” or using Mac’s naming convention “aliases”. It is possible to drag and drop your applications from the application folder to the dock in order to create these aliases.

To remove an item from the Dock, merely drag and drop it away.

The Trashcan
The trashcan is located on the right hand side of the Dock and can be used in much the same way as the Recycle Bin in Windows. To empty either right click the can or follow Finder > Empty Trash

Eject using the Trashcan
The Trashcan is also used to eject CDs, DVDs and External Drive by dragging and dropping to the trashcan location. You can also use the eject key on the keyboard. Please see the keyboard navigation later in this document.

Closing windows and closing applications
Close (Red) – Closing the window only closes the window and not the program. The program will still be running in the background. Programs that are running are shown with a highlighted with dot under the application icon on the dock.

Minimise (Amber) – Minimised programs programmes are held in the dock. To maximise the window click on the icon in the dock.

Maximise (Green) – The maximise button will maximise the window based on the space available on your screen.

To close a program completely click File > Quit.

Expose
It is really easy to switch between programs and windows on an apple mac. The expose key (F3)

Alt + Tab in windows = Apple + Tab on a Mac
As you may tab between programs on your PC  you can also do this on a Mac to speed up your workflow. Apple + Tab has the exact same effect as Alt + Tab.

The Apple Key serves a similar function as the Windows control key

The Apple Mouse
Mighty Mouse Right Click (lack of physical right click button)
Although you can’t see a right click button on the Mighty Mouse the function does exist. By clicking the area of the mouse where you would usually right click you will discover the drop down menu. Also ctrl + click has the same desired effect.

Scroller Ball
The Mighty Mouse also has a scrollball unlike the PC version that provides the capability to not only scroll pages but also scroll left and right particularly useful for scrolling timelines.

The Apple Keyboard

Sound inputs and settings
The sound settings control sound for most Mac programmes.

Apple > System Preferences > Sound

However, Premiere Pro has its sound control settings.

Premiere Pro > Preferences > Audio

While editing you may need to switch between your sound outputs.
There is a headphone socket on the front and back of the computer and one microphone socket on the back. Note if you are using the external speaker and you plug in the headphones the sound output will automatically switch to headphones. If you intend to use the external speakers you will need to change the sound settings in system preferences and if you are using Premiere Pro change the Audio setting as shown above.

Input Devices
Most USB and Firewire devices will run automatically when plugged into the Mac. There are ports on the front and back of the unit.

The different ports you may come across are as follows

On / Off Button

Headphones

USB
USB

Firewire 400

Firewire 800

USB

Firewire 400 – Firewire 800

Optical

Line in – Headphones

Ethernet

The Firewire connection is the most frequently used for video and camera connections. An explanation of the different types follows.

Firewire 400 (6 pin)
In relation to filming the firewire 400 lead is the most popular way of connecting the camera to the computer. Usually this cable will have a 6 pin male (connects to the computer) and 4 pin male (connects to the camera. This cable also allows for device control which allows you to control the camera using buttons or programs on your desktop rather than the device.

Firewire 800
Firewire 800 is an even faster connection and often used for hard drives and is capable of very fast data transfer speed.

Firewire 400 (4 pin)

The camera end of the firewire 400 lead. Although most cameras have USB connections the firewire lead allows for faster data transfers capable of real time playback on the computer as you view and capture footage.

Apple Mac Keyboard (277) Apple Mac Mouse (245)