Getting Started in macOS 11 Big Sur

Name: Getting Started in macOS 11 Big Sur
Author: Nizar Dajani

Learn the basic features to get started in using macOS Big Sur

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Course: On-Demand

In this lesson, you will learn about the Mac OS desktop interface. The view you see in front of you here is the typical Mac OD desktop interface. In the very top left, we have the Apple menu. The options here are the same no matter what application you have opened. I will discuss each option you see in this Apple menu in an upcoming video in this course. Then, immediately to the right of the Apple menu is the application menu. This menu bar changes based on which application is currently active, and since I currently don't have any open apps, then by default, the Finder applications menu will be displayed. Then, to the far right of the menu bar we currently have three icons. We can have more icons, but for the purpose of this lesson, I wanted to keep it simple. The first icon, which looks like a magnifying glass, is called Spotlight and it allows us to search our computer. Then, next to Spotlight, we have the Control Center icon. This gives you access to features you use most often, and you have full control over which features you want to show up here. For example, I have quick access to my wifi settings, also Bluetooth, as well as Airdrop, among other things. And again, you can customize this as you wish. And after the Control Center, we have an icon of what looks like an analog clock. This is the Notification Center, and as the name applies, this is where we can view all our notifications. When I click on it, all my notifications as well as any configured widgets fly in from the right side of my screen. Then at the bottom of my screen, we see a group of icons. This is called the Dock. This area displays apps that you most often use. For example, I have shortcuts to Finder, Safari, and Mail, just to name a few. And as with most things in Mac OS, the Dock can also be customized as you wish. Then, the majority on my screen is taken up by what is called the desktop. This is the area that is between the menu bar at the top and the Dock at the bottom. You can use this area to store files, you can customize the appearance of the desktop, and you can also have multiple desktops. So in this lesson, we learned about the Mac OS desktop interface. Thanks for watching.

Beginner Provider : Nizar Dajani 10 Lessons · 52m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

macOS is loaded with features, settings, and apps to make the experience efficient as well as user-friendly. Starting with the desktop interface and delving into the main components of what makes the Mac a Mac, this module will help you learn and leverage these different components. For example, how do you search on a Mac? What is the Apple icon that is always found in the top left of my screen? How do I customize the horizontal bar (the dock) at the bottom of my screen?

In this module, you will learn about the macOS desktop interface, working with windows, shutting down and restarting the computer, as well as learning about the apple menu, the menu bar, spotlight, control center, notification center, the dock, and finder. This is a loaded module with many lessons, but it’s a great place to start learning about these key aspects of macOS Big Sur.

What You'll Learn

Identify the macOS Big Sur desktop interface and its main components
Describe the built-in apps of macOS
Explain how to customize macOS, including the dock
Recognize macOS features such as Spotlight, Control Center, and Notification Center
Navigate the Apple menu, the menu bar, and Finder
Perform basic operations like working with windows, shutting down, and restarting the computer

Key Takeaways

macOS includes features, settings, and apps designed to make the experience efficient and user-friendly.
The module covers core macOS components including the Apple menu, menu bar, Spotlight, Control Center, Notification Center, the dock, and Finder.
Learners explore the desktop interface, working with windows, and shutting down and restarting the computer.
The horizontal dock at the bottom of the screen can be customized, and Spotlight is used to search on a Mac.
This is positioned as a foundational module and a starting point for learning the key aspects of macOS Big Sur.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this macOS Big Sur module cover?

It covers the macOS desktop interface, working with windows, shutting down and restarting the computer, and key components including the Apple menu, the menu bar, Spotlight, Control Center, Notification Center, the dock, and Finder.

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes. The module is described as a great place to start learning about the key aspects of macOS Big Sur, beginning with the desktop interface and the main components of the Mac.

What will I be able to do after completing this module?

You will be able to describe the built-in apps of macOS, recognize the different features of macOS, explain how to customize macOS, and identify the macOS interface.

How is the module structured?

It is a loaded module with many lessons, including The Mac OS Desktop Interface, Working with Windows, Shutting Down and Restarting, The Apple Menu, The Menu Bar, Spotlight, Control Center, Notification Center, Dock, and Finder.

Will I learn how to search and customize my Mac?

Yes. The module addresses how to search on a Mac using Spotlight and how to customize macOS, including the dock at the bottom of the screen.