Mac 101
Mac 101: Capture sharp screenshots
Earlier this week, we described several ways to create screenshots with your Mac. Using the keyboard shortcuts in the Finder is great, but you may have noticed that the results aren’t very sharp. Ivan at creativebits noticed that, too, and figured out how you can correct the problem.
He explains that a basic screenshot creates a JPEG with a resolution of 60 by default. As is often the case, the solution is just a couple of Terminal commands away. Set the default format to png, pdf or tiff for much better results.
If you’re not the Terminal type, check out Skitch, which takes simple, great-looking screen captures.
Popularity: 5% [?]
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ... 
Mac 101: System Preferences
This is another entry in our continuing Mac 101 series, aimed at new Mac users. These tips are old hat for veteran Mac users, but will save some people a lot of grief.
I know several people who have switched from Windows to the Mac over the past year. While they’re happy with their decision, they all tell me the same thing: “I don’t know where to find anything.”
Typically, the topic arises when they’re looking for the “control panel” to change a system setting. Since Apple’s System Preference panel looks different that the Windows Control Panel, it isn’t immediately helpful.
Until they ask it what they’re looking for.
There’s a small search box in the upper right-hand corner of the System Preferences window. Typing a keyword or two into that field reveals just where that function lives with a “spotlight” effect. For example, if I want to adjust my alert volume, typing “volume” highlights the Sound panel.
This method also provides helpful text. For example, typing “email” produces this list
- Email faxes
- Email and chat restrictions (parental controls)
- Limiting email and instant messages
- Sending permission emails
Each is accompanied by a link in the preference pane. The search results aren’t flawless, of course, but they’re better than staring at a field of unfamiliar icons, and have brightened the Mac experience for many a switcher.
Popularity: 5% [?]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Mac 101: Eliminate shadows in screen grabs
Sharing screen grabs and screencasts is a great way to show someone exactly how to do something with their Macs. You’ve got several choices for screencast software (here’s a list of posts in our screencast category), but snapping a simple screen grab is much simpler.
Using Apple’s Grab application you have a few options:
1. Shift + Command + 3 produces a snapshot of the whole screen
2. Shift + Command + 4 produces a crosshair that you can drag over a specific area of your screen
3. Shift + Command + 4 followed by the space bar turns the crosshair into a camera
Number three will let you grab a single window. The problem is that it includes that window’s shadow, which you might not want. Fortunately, MacOSXHints has described how to exclude the shadow. A single line typed in the Terminal will get the job done.
That’s great and all, but for some real fun, take a screenshot of a collegue’s desktop, move all his desktop icons onto his hard drive, set your screenshot as the desktop image and feign ignorace while he clicks furiously on his “icons.” You’re welcome.
Popularity: 3% [?]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Mac 101: Finder window preferences
As we know, the Finder offers four ways to display your files. Namely icon view, list view, column view, and Cover Flow. Perhaps you prefer one over the others (let’s say column view), but your windows open to icon view by default. That can be annoying but here’s how to fix it.
First, open a new Finder window. Next, select your preferred display method and then close the window without doing anything else. Don’t open a folder, drag an icon, nothing. Now subsequent Finder windows will default to your preferred setting.
Popularity: 5% [?]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
Mac 101: Safari tabs
Here’s a quick tip for Safari users. As you know, tabbed browsing is best thing to happen to the ‘net since The Tron Guy. Keyboard jockeys create new tabs by pressing Command-T. But there are a few of you who dislike releasing the mouse, even for a second.
You folks can simply double-click the grey area next to a tab to create a new one. Everybody wins!
[Via Geek&Mild]
Popularity: 9% [?]
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
