How to Do Everything MacBook Air | How to do Everything

How to Do Everything MacBook Air

Authors: Jason Rich

Published: August 2012

eISBN: 9780071802512 0071802517 | ISBN: 9780071802499

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

About the Author

About the Technical Editor

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

What Does this Book Cover?

Conventions Used in this Book

Part I: Get to Know Your MacBook Air

Chapter 1: Get Familiar with Your MacBook Air

The Evolution of the MacBook Air

Choose the Right MacBook Air Model

The 11-Inch MacBook Air System Configurations

See What the 13-Inch MacBook Air System Configurations Deliver

Additional MacBook Air Models Coming Soon

Upgrade Your Existing MacBook Air

What Makes the MacBook Air Different from a Windows-Based Computer?

Discover What’s Included with Your MacBook Air

Get to Know Your MacBook Air

Get Started with Your MacBook Air’s Keyboard

Start Using Your New MacBook Air

Navigate Your Way Around the Desktop Screen

Connect Your MacBook Air to a Wi-Fi Internet Connection

Manually Check for OS X and Software Updates

Powering Off vs. Power Nap/Sleep Mode

Chapter 2: Learn the Basics of the Mac OS X Operating System

Using the MacBook Air’s Multi-Touch Trackpad

Mastering the Multi-Touch Trackpad Finger Gestures

Discover What’s New in OS X Mountain Lion

Sync Important Information with iCloud Integration

Send/Receive Text Messages and Instant Messages Using Messages

Don’t Forget Anything: Use Reminders

Jot Down Important Memos with Notes

Stay Informed with Notification Center

Share In-App Content Using Share Sheets

Twitter Integration Allows You to Tweet from Within Apps

Experience Multiplayer Games via Game Center

Share What’s on Your Screen Using AirPlay Mirroring

Take Control over Your Computer’s Security with Gatekeeper

Navigate Your Way Around the OS X Operating System

Find Apps, Documents, or Files Using the Finder

Use Launchpad to Run Apps

How to Quit Any App

Customize the Look of Your Desktop

Many Customizations Can Be Made from Within System Preferences

Chapter 3: Make the Switch from Windows to a Mac

Discover the Differences Between Microsoft Windows and OS X

Onscreen Differences Between Windows and OS X

Working with Keyboard Shortcuts

System Preferences Replaces Windows Control Panel

Get Used to the Windows vs. Mac Differences

Migrating Your Data from a PC to the MacBook Air

Determine if Mac Versions of Your Favorite Software Are Available

Use Apple’s Migration Assistant to Easily Transfer Your Files and Data

Other Data Migration Options

Manually Transferring Data and Files from a PC to Your MacBook Air

Download Any of Your Past iTunes Purchases

Transfer Your Data and Go

Part II: Discover the Mac OS X Mountain Lion Operating System

Chapter 4: Set Up the Software that Comes with the MacBook Air

Customizing the Settings in System Preferences

Options Available Under the Personal Heading of System Preferences

Options Available Under the Hardware Heading of System Preferences

Options Available Under the Internet & Wireless Heading of System Preferences

Options Available Under the System Heading of System Preferences

Customizing OS X’s Preinstalled Apps

Customizing the Contacts App

Customizing the Calendar App

Customizing the Dashboard

Customizing the FaceTime App

Customizing the Messages App

Customizing the Font Book

Customizing Your MacBook Air’s Apps Offers Many Benefits

Chapter 5: Install New Software onto Your MacBook Air

Six Options for Installing New Software onto Your MacBook Air

Shopping at Apple’s Online-Based App Store

Learn About Featured Software

See the Best-Selling Mac Software by Viewing the Top Charts

Search for Software from the Categories Listings

Review and Access Your App Store Purchases

Keep Your Apps Up to Date Using the Updates Feature

Download and Install Software Directly from the Web

Installing Software Using the MacBook Air’s Optional SuperDrive

Install Software from a USB Thumb Drive

Link Your MacBook Air to an iMac or MacBook Pro to Share a SuperDrive

How to Learn About New Mac Software

Chapter 6: Transferring and Organizing Data, Files, and Folders

Quick Tips for Using Finder

How to Move Files or Folders Around on Your Computer

Drag and Drop Files from One Location to Another

Move Files or Folders Around Using the Select, Select All, Copy, and Paste Commands

Using an External Hard Drive or Storage Device with the MacBook Air

Sharing Files and Data with Other Computers

Using Email to Transfer Files Between Computers

Using a Cloud-Based File Sharing Service

Using Online-Based File Sharing Services

Use OS X’s AirDrop Feature to Share Files Wirelessly Between Mac Computers

Use OS X’s File Sharing Feature to Move Files Between Two or More Computers Wirelessly

Chapter 7: Use Apple’s iCloud to Sync All Your Devices

Setting Up an iCloud Account

Managing Your iCloud Account from Your MacBook Air

Using iCloud with iTunes

Customizing How iTunes Works with iCloud

Downloading Past iTunes Purchases on Your MacBook Air

Using iTunes Match to Access Your Entire Digital Music Library Through iCloud

Chapter 8: Add Optional Peripherals and Accessories to Expand Performance

Understanding the Differences Between USB Ports, the Thunderbolt Port, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth

Using Your MacBook Air’s USB Ports

What the MacBook Air’s Thunderbolt Port Offers

Making a Wireless Connection via Wi-Fi

Using the Bluetooth Capabilities of Your Computer

How to “Pair” a Bluetooth Device with Your MacBook Air

Connecting a Printer to Your Computer

Set Up a New Printer or Scanner to Work with Your MacBook Air

Using an External Storage Device with Your MacBook Air

Using a USB Thumb Drive with Your Computer

Part III: Use Your MacBook Air Anytime and Anywhere

Chapter 9: Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Digital Slide Show Presentations on Your MacBook Air

Using Microsoft Office with Your MacBook Air

Office Offers Application Data and Content Integration

Sharing Microsoft Office Files and Data

There’s No OneNote, but Word Offers the Notebook Layout

Apple’s iWork Apps Offer a Microsoft Office Alternative

Other Software Options to Meet Your Needs

Database Management on the Go Is Easy Using a MacBook Air

Manage Financial Data with Quicken or QuickBooks for Mac

Your Data Is Available When and Where You Need It

Chapter 10: Surf the Web on Your MacBook Air

Surf the Web from Almost Anywhere

Getting to Know the Safari Web Browser

Access Safari’s Pull-Down Menus from the App’s Menu Bar

Finding Your Way Around Safari’s Toolbar

Using Safari’s Share Menu

Store Articles and Web Content for Later Viewing Using Reading List

Taking Advantage of Safari’s Privacy Features

Sync Your Saved Bookmarks with Other Computers and Mobile Devices

Chapter 11: Set Up Existing Email Accounts for MacBook Air

Discover the Features and Functions Offered by the Mail App

Set Up Your Preexisting Email Accounts to Work with the Mail App

Setting Up Your Email Accounts from Within System Preferences

Setting Up Your Email Accounts from Within the Mail App’s Preferences Window

Navigating Your Way Around the Mail Apps Menu Bar and Toolbar

The Anatomy of an Incoming Email Listing Within the Mail App

Reading Your Incoming Emails Using the Mail App

Printing Email Messages Within the Mail App

Customizing the Mail App’s Toolbar

Composing Outgoing Emails from the Mail App

Using Email Signatures at the End of Outgoing Messages

Setting Up the Mail Account Preferences

Using the Notification Center Window with the Mail App

Chapter 12: Bring the iLife Apps into Your Life

Discovering All that the iPhoto App Is Capable Of

Ordering Prints from iPhoto Using Apple’s Photo Lab

Using iPhoto’s Various Organizational and Editing Features

Editing and Enhancing Photos Using iPhoto

Sharing Your Photos from Within iPhoto

Creating a Backup of Your Digital Image Library

Discovering How iMovie Can Make You a Skilled Home Movie Producer

Using GarageBand to Create Music

Chapter 13: Get Organized with the Contacts and Calendar Apps

Syncing Contacts and Calendar Data from Other Apple Devices via iCloud

Maintaining Detailed Contact Records Using the Contacts App

Viewing Contact Entries in Your Contacts Database

Creating a New Contact Entry

Editing or Deleting a Contact Entry

Managing Your Schedule Using the Calendar App

Adding Events to Your Calendar(s)

Editing and Deleting Events from Your Calendars

Customizing the Calendar App

Part IV: Entertain Yourself with iTunes Content, Games, and More

Chapter 14: Find and Enjoy Music, Movies, TV Shows, and More with iTunes

Making an Online Content Purchase from the iTunes Store

The Cost of Purchasing Music, Movies, and TV Shows from iTunes

Accessing the iTunes Store from Your MacBook Air

Acquiring Music from the iTunes Store

Listening to iTunes Music Purchases Using the iTunes Software

Shopping for TV Show Episodes from the iTunes Store

Shopping for Movies from the iTunes Store

Watching TV Show Episodes and Movies Using the iTunes Software

Controlling Your Viewing Experience

Streaming Web Content Instead of Purchasing and Downloading It

Chapter 15: Play Games on Your MacBook Air

Finding the Best Games to Experience on Your MacBook Air

Discover Fun-Filled and Challenging Paid Games

Some Games Are Offered for Free from the App Store

Top Grossing Games Often Offer Expandability

Browse the App Store to See All Games Offered

Access a Game Listing’s Description

Online Games Offer Another Option for Entertaining Yourself

Apple’s Game Center Is Now Available to MacBook Air Users

Part V: Easily Handle All of Your Mobile Computing Needs

Chapter 16: Travel with Your MacBook Air

Getting Your MacBook Air Ready to Transport

Choosing a Case for Your MacBook Air

Choosing a Slipcover for Your MacBook Air

Add a Design and Scratch Protection to Your MacBook Air with a Skin

MacBook Air Case and Slipcover Manufacturers

Access the Internet While on the Go

Preparing to Travel Overseas with Your MacBook Air

Chapter 17: Use FaceTime, Skype, or VoIP Software to Communicate and Video Conference

Using FaceTime for Video Conferencing

Setting Up Your Free FaceTime Account

Participating in FaceTime Video Conferences

Receiving an Incoming FaceTime Call

Participating in a FaceTime Call

Using Skype for Video Conferencing or Voice-over-IP Calls

Choosing the Skype vs. Skype Premium App

Registering for a Free Skype Account

Using the Skype Free App

Alternatives to FaceTime and Skype

Chapter 18: Run Microsoft Windows and Windows Software on Your MacBook Air

Using Boot Camp to Run Microsoft Windows and Windows-Based Software

Running Boot Camp Assistant for the First Time

Choosing Between OS X or Windows When Turning on Your MacBook Air

Taking Advantage of the Parallels Desktop 7 Alternative

Taking Advantage of Remote Desktop Solutions for Controlling Windows Software from Your MacBook Air

Appendix: What to Do if Something Goes Wrong

Take Precautions with Your MacBook Air

What to Do if Something Goes Wrong

Restarting an App that Crashes

What to Do if Your MacBook Air Won’t Turn On

The MacBook Air Won’t Connect to the Internet

How to Get Help from Apple

Keep Your MacBook Air’s Serial Number Handy

Index