Computer Basics

Best Practices

1. Setup shortcuts to the sidebar or add “favorites" in Windows
2. Use a view setting with high information density (list view or details view)
3. Use Spotlight (CMD+Space) or Start Menu (Windows key) to launch apps
4. Finder
   1. Show path
   2. Show information
   3. Calculate all sizes
5. Clean your desktop/downloads folder - don't use them for “permanent" storage.
6. Don't be overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning these folders. Instead, use the “junk drawer" analogy: create a new sub-folder (recommend using the date for the name) and put all those files in there!
7. MacOS: Understand the difference between Closing a Window and Quitting an Application

Best Practices for Mac Users

1. Setup Shortcuts in Finder:
   • Add frequently used folders to the sidebar for quick access.
2. Optimize Finder Views:
   • Use list view or details view to see more information about files and folders.
3. Quickly Launch Applications with Spotlight:
   • Use Spotlight (CMD+Space) to find and launch applications efficiently.
4. Finder Customizations:
   • Enable 'Show Path' to see the file path at the bottom of the Finder window.
   • Turn on 'Show Information' and 'Calculate All Sizes' to better understand folder contents.
5. Keep Desktop and Downloads Folder Clean:
   • Regularly clean these folders and avoid using them for permanent storage.
6. Manage Overwhelming Folders:
   • Use the “junk drawer” strategy by creating a new sub-folder named with the date and relocating clutter there.
7. Understand Application Management:
   • Recognize the difference between Closing a Window (CMD+W) and Quitting an Application (CMD+Q) to manage system resources effectively.