My iMac (Mountain Lion Edition) Book

Prologue: Getting Started with the iMac 1

Getting to Know the iMac Hardware 1

What You Need to Know 4

Understanding iCloud and Apple ID 12

Windows Compatibility 13

Chapter 1 : Managing Your iMac Desktop 19

Organizing in the Dock 20

Customizing Finder Windows 24

Arranging and Grouping Files 26

Previewing Document Contents with Quick Look 28

Using Instant-Access Utilities in the Dashboard 31

Finding Information with Spotlight 34

Keeping Track of Application Events with Notifications 38

Chapter 2 : Making the Most of Your iMac’s Screen Space 43

Swimming in a Sea of Application Windows with Mission Control 44

Managing and Launching Applications with Launchpad 53

Managing Auto Open and Save Features 61

Chapter 3 : Connecting Your iMac to a Network 65

Connecting to a Wired Network 66

Connecting to a Wireless Network 67

Manually Configuring Network Settings 72

Creating Virtual Private Network Connections 78

Managing Multiple Connections with Locations and Configurations 80

Seeking Automated Network Assistance 83

Chapter 4 : Accessing iCloud, Email, and the Web 87

Setting Up iCloud 88

Exploring Unique iCloud Services 92

Getting Started with Accounts 100

Using Mail 102

Web Browsing in Safari 128

Chapter 5 : Being Social with Messages, FaceTime, Twitter, Facebook, and Game Center 149

Instant Messaging with Messages 150

Video Calls with FaceTime 168

Using the Mountain Lion Twitter and Facebook Posting Support 174

Getting Your Game on with Game Center 178

Chapter 6 : Keeping Contacts, Appointments, Reminders, and Notes 191

Managing Contacts in Contacts 192

Working with Schedules in Calendar 206

Remembering with Reminders 220

Keeping Track with Notes 226

Chapter 7 : Sharing Devices, Files, and Services on a Network 237

File Sharing on Your iMac 238

Sharing Files via Share Sheets 250

Sharing Printers 255

Sharing a Scanner 258

Sharing an Optical Drive 260

Sharing Your iMac Screen 262

Sharing Your Internet Connection 268

Chapter 8 : Entertainment on the (iMac’s) Big Screen 273

Using DVD Player 274

Viewing Browser Video or Downloaded Video Files 277

Creating a Media Library in iTunes 281

Building the Ultimate Media Center 309

Chapter 9 : Installing and Managing Software on Your iMac 319

Mac App Store 320

Installing Non-App Store Applications 326

Keeping Your Applications and Operating System Up-To-Date 329

Chapter 10 : Making the Most of Your iMac Hardware 333

Going Green with Energy Saver 334

Updating Keyboard and Dictation Settings 336

Changing Trackpad and Mouse Options 341

Adjusting the iMac Display 346

Setting Sound Input and Output 350

Recording Audio, Video, and Screen Actions 355

Chapter 11: Connecting Devices to Your iMac 361

Connecting USB Input Devices 362

Using Bluetooth Devices 364

Using External Displays and Projectors 369

Connecting to an Apple TV (or Other Device) with AirPlay 373

Connecting and Using a Printer .377

Connecting and Using a Scanner 382

Chapter 12: Securing and Protecting Your iMac 387

Working with Users and Groups 388

Tracking Passwords with Keychain Access 396

Encrypting Your Mountain Lion Disk 400

Limiting Application Execution 402

Achieving Network Security with the Built-In Firewall 403

Backing Up Important Information 406

Chapter 13: Troubleshooting Your iMac System 417

Dealing with Troublesome Software 418

Restarting and Correcting a Frozen Machine 422

Fixing Disk Problems with Disk Utility 427

Gathering Information About Your iMac 431

Remember Your Backups! 435

Chapter 14: Upgrading Your iMac 437

Upgrading Your Built-In Hardware 437

Adding External Storage 441

Index 447