System Preferences is the application used by Mac OS X to modify user preferences. A variety of Preference Panes for controlling the current user session, networking, hardware and other settings are included with Mac OS X. Additionally, preference panes can be installed by third party installers for hardware devices or system-wide utilities.
The posts below describe various ways you can use System Preferences to configure your Mac the way you want to.
The latest Macbooks have a great multi-touch trackpad. Even when I am using an external keyboard and mouse, I often reach for the trackpad.
I knew it was capable of handling multiple gestures. I didn’t know how capable though until I stumbled into the Trackpad System Preferences application. They have video demonstrations inside the app.
Configure the Multitouch Trackpad
You can view the demonstration and setup your Trackpad by clicking the System Preferences and choosing the Trackpad configuration application.
OS X now includes a built-in Firewall. The Firewall will help keep your system safe from hackers, especially on unknown networks. This video tutorial shows you how to enable the OS X application firewall and configure it for proper use.
It’s important to keep the software on your Mac up to date. Apple releases security updates and software improvements from time to time. Some of these are critical updates that Apple recommends that you install. This process is easy if you use the Software Update application built into OSX.
When you install OSX the Software Update application is set to run weekly. The application works by going out onto the internet to Apple servers and downloading any software updates. Then, if updates are available you are presented with a dialog box requesting you to install the updates. Some of these updates may require you to reboot the computer.
To manually check for updates, click the Apple menu in the menu bar and select Software Updates. This will open the update dialog presenting you with a list of updates that are ready to install.
Software Update is configured through the System Preferences application. Select System Preferences and Software Update to configure the application settings. Through this settings dialog you can configure the frequency of updates and look at a list of installed updates in your system.
Keep your Mac healthy by running Software Update and you will have years of happy computing.
The Dock is the application launcher provided by the Finder.
The Finder generally sits at the bottom of the screen. However, it doesn’t have to remain there. The Dock can be configured to display on the left or right sides of the screen. It can also be animated to provide feedback when something happens.
This can happen easily by using the System Preferences application. The following video demonstrates how to make the Dock behave the way you want it to.
