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Arron Artikai

Stop wasting time, feeling stressed and bugging your children or partner to help you when you get stuck. Know what you are doing every time you sit at your computer. Turn your projects into opportunities to really shine and express yourself without wasting hours on trying to work stuff out.

This is a way to reach your dreams. This is an exploration into your limitless potential.

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Stop wasting time, feeling stressed and bugging your children or partner to help you when you get stuck. Know what you are doing every time you sit at your computer. Turn your projects into opportunities to really shine and express yourself without wasting hours on trying to work stuff out.

This is a way to reach your dreams. This is an exploration into your limitless potential.

You will be guided through 9 levels of learning, starting at the very basics so you will never feel left behind. The 110+ micro video lessons are 2-8 minutes long and in easily digestible and practical chunks. You slowly build on your knowledge and will be amazed how quickly you achieve real progress.

Imagine knowing the other 70% of what your computer is capable of. You can become more productive and find new and exciting ways of working and playing to your fullest potential.

Each lesson has lots of directions and tips. They show the keys being used written on the screen so you never have to guess anything. We will never assume you know what we are talking about. We make sure we show you clearly. Arron has been teaching this course for years in person so he knows what people want to know, what the common issues and questions are and how to explain everything in ways that it just makes sense.

Be inspired throughout this practical course as you build a productive and joyful relationship with your computer. Imagine what your future looks like with this powerful gift to yourself. Are you ready to really give yourself freedom to fully express yourself with this powerful tool you have?

This will serve you powerfully for years to come. Learn at home at your own pace and fit the course around your lifestyle.

The lessons are planned sequentially, meaning that you will watch your skill level quickly improve. Of course you can just jump around to specific lessons – which is useful later on to revise something. There is so much packed in here that even experts learn a lot about how they can improve their practice.

  • 100+ micro lessons (2-8mins)
  • 9 sequential levels covering specific topics.
  • Life Coaching Tools to keep you on track and motivated.
  • Set up a Mac the way you want it
  • Have all your devices synchronised eg. IPhone, IPad and computer
  • Explore the incredible potential of iTunes
  • Learn simple ways to manage your filing and create order and ease
  • Lot’s of extra apps to improve your productivity and user experience
  • 30 day money back guarantee

Some of these are interactive and life coach you through your relationship, goals, motivation and intentions of how you use your computer. Would you like some more clarity of what might be getting in your way of being as productive and passionate as possible with your projects? As a successful life coach Arron has worked with this extensively. He understands how to move people through from being stuck to being successful. This is a holistic course. We don't want to offer you just the ability to use your Mac like a Pro. We also want you to feel good while doing it. To be passionately productive, to sit down at your computer and have confidence you won't get distracted by Facebook because you choose it, to feel powerful and capable every time you are using your Mac so you always reach your highest potential.

2nd Bonus

Some fun, playful and informative information with a 'special' guest talking about desk yoga, healthy technology boundaries, feelings about technology, structure and flow and loads more.

As a pianist, Arron understands the possibilities of muscle memory using shortcuts and practice to encourage flow and creativity. Dissolve the stumbling, clunky barrier of uncertainty and instead gracefully and easily achieve your intentions.

Don’t fall down the Google Hole and get distracted and frustrated with yourself. Knowing your technology will help you stay on task.

Aah, this is what we want for you and your life.

We want this course to be affordable because our vision is bigger than just teaching people how to use their computer. We want to empower people to build a healthy and productive relationship with their technology. We see this as a crucial skill in this new age where we are often forced to use technology just to function. Imagine how much time and energy knowing how to really use your Computer will save you over your lifetime, most likely hundreds or thousands of hours. Not to mention the blood sweat and tears. What a powerful investment with a massive return potential.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Feel empowered and calm as you learn how to command your computer
  • set up a mac the way that makes most sense for the way that you think and interact with technology
  • Get seriously productive and creative with devies synchronised and distractions reduced in innovative ways
  • To learn about your emotional baggage with computers and re-train your habits to let this go

Syllabus

Lets Start At The Beginning

Let's get started with an introduction to the level

Consider using a real pen and paper for taking notes throughout for quick reference later

Read more
Lessons
  1. Ways to think about the desktop to speed everything up (and get more relaxed in the process)
Notes To Remember
  • The desktop is a loading bay
  • Files of the desktop can be uninspiring
  • A cleaner desktop speeds up the machine and my workflow
Lessons
  1. Organise the files on my desktop
  2. Change how the files look on the desktop
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Sub-Menu: Ctrl Click on something
  • Go to ‘Show View Options’ to alter how the files look
  • ‘Sort By’ snaps to grid, ‘Clean Up By’ is not stuck to the grid
Lessons
  1. How do I create files on the desktop?
  2. Magic, I can look at files without opening them
  3. Moving files into folders
Notes To Remember
  • Ctrl Click is like ‘right clicking’ on a PC
  • When a new folder is created just start typing (no need to press delete first)
  • SHORTCUT – Quick Preview file: Select file and press Spacebar

Lessons

  1. What is the Menu bar and how is it used?
  2. Four ways to shut down my Mac
  3. Force Quit – When apps crash this saves the day
Notes To Remember
  • Sleep will save the way I have everything set up
  • Shutting down my Mac Laptop is possibly better for it when travelling around
  • Force Quitting will lose unsaved changes but it can save the day
Lessons
  1. Recent Items – Finding stuff quickly
  2. What are the tech specs of my Mac? (super geeky, but helpful)
Notes To Remember
  • The Operating System (OS) runs all of my applications and helps me find my data
  • The Processor is the speed of my Mac
  • The Hard Drive is the memory where everything is stored
  • The RAM is how fast they communicate with each other (so bigger RAM means faster working
Lessons
  1. How to find shortcuts
  2. Other Names and symbols for special keys
Notes To Remember
  • Shortcuts are to the right of the item in the Menu
  • Learning shortcuts helps me play my Mac like a musical instrument
  • Apple has a few names for special keys:
    • ⌘, Command and cmd
    • ⌥, Alt and Option
    • ^, Ctrl and Control
    • ⇧ and Shift
  • SHORTCUT – New finder Window: Command N
  • SHORTCUT – New folder: Shift Command N
Lessons
  1. Volume, wifi and battery icons
  2. Changing my date and time
  3. How do I want to see the clock?
Notes To Remember
  • To change date and time: Go to the clock in the menu bar, click on it and select ‘Open Date & Time Preferences’
  • Click the lock in bottom left to make changes if it’s not working
Lessons
  1. What is the Dock?
  2. Get more space on my screen (and be able to see the Dock clearly)
  3. Setting up the Dock to work the way I like it
Notes To Remember
  • Dock preferences: Apple icon > Dock > Dock preferences
  • Only the apps you use all the time should be on the Dock
  • Automatically hide/show dock to maximise your screen space
Lessons
  1. How do I add apps to the dock? (and remove them again?)
  2. Whats a great way to organise my Dock so i can find apps quicker?
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Open Applications folder: Shift Cmd A
  • Drag and drop applications to the dock
  • Organise via category
Lessons
  1. What is the trash and three ways to throw things in it
  2. Quickly and safely check what is in my trash before I empty it
  3. Secure empty trash vs just plain old Empty trash – what’s the difference?
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Undo: Cmd Z
  • SHORTCUT – Throw into trash: Select file/folder and Cmd Backspace
  • View trash in list view to organise the items in the trash (and organise by kind by clicking on the column title ‘kind’)
  • Put an item back out of the trash by Ctrl Clicking on the item and ‘Put Back’
  • To Delete far more securely
    • Finder > Secure empty trash
    • This takes longer

This is a coaching worksheet designed to raise awareness around Time beliefs. You can either print it off and fill in by hand or you can fill it in on your computer. It works best with the latest Adobe Reader Software that is free to download. Actually i recommend downloading it anyway - check out the link to do this.

Once you have installed Adobe Reader, go to your Application folder and open Adobe Reader. The go to File > Open and navigate to where this document downloads (typically in your downloads folder in Finder).

We get really effected by sitting at our computers a lot

Listen to your body for what it needs

Focus on the areas that most need it to relax

Be super mindful of not pushing yourself too hard as this is intended to relax - not to force anything!

Improvise different ways to massage it and balance, meaning that if you do one hand, do the other after.

Give your eyes some love too!

    This level is going to introduce a lot of shortcuts
    Your computer can be played like a musical instrument
    Viewing it as a musical instrument can help to create works of art and be mindful with your computer
    Give yourself time to learn the shortcuts - It will make a huge difference

Lessons
  1. How to find anything on your Mac super fast (and preview it before opening)
  2. Got private stuff? Stop spotlight searching parts of your computer
Stuff To Remember
  • Spotlight is a super powerful search tool to find pretty much anything on your computer
  • change the Privacy settings to stop spotlight searching somewhere
Lessons
  1. Can’t remember the name of the file your looking for? Here's a few cool and easy ways to find it.
  2. The fastest way to open an app… ever (speed trialists apply here!)
  3. Using the built in dictionary and calculator
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Spotlight – Cmd Spacebar
  • Use list view to search through masses of files
  • Working with Databases is fun
  • Open Apps from Spotlight
Lessons
  1. Two lightning fast ways to see how many apps you have open
Stuff To Remember
  • Lights under apps in Dock show which are open
  • SHORTCUT – Scroll Applications: Cmd Tab
Lessons
  1. Quit apps or close the window, what is the difference?
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Quit Applciation: Cmd Q
  • SHORTCUT – Scroll through apps: Cmd Tab
  • Quit apps superfast by combining these shortcuts for scrolling and quitting:
    • KEY – Hold down CMD the the whole time
Lessons
  1. Minimising and maximising windows – so what?
  2. Focus right in with the full screen feature
Stuff To Remember
  • Buttons in the top left of a finder window:
    • Yellow to minimise
    • Green to maximise
    • Red to close the window (remember that this doesn’t quit the application!)
  • Click and drag on the bottom right corner to resize a window
  • Use Full Screen to focus in
Lessons
  1. Set up a row of world clocks for quick reference
  2. Convert almost any measurement to any other
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Get to Dashboard:
    • Three fingers swipe side to side on trackpad
    • OR Ctrl left/right arrow
Lessons
  1. Thesaurus – find alternative words quickly when offline
  2. Remove widgets or get more from the internet
  3. Translate from many languages
Stuff To Remember
  • Download more widgets from the apple website here
Lessons
  1. Find the window you want without having to move everything out the way all the time!
Stuff To Remember
  • Access Mission Control SHORTCUTs:
    • 1 – Three Fingers Up on a trackpad
    • 2 – F3 on your keyboard
    • 3 – Ctrl Up and Ctrl Down
  • Choose the one that feels best for you and stick with itDock preferences: Apple icon > Dock > Dock preferences
Lessons
  1. Open multiple desktops to make your work easier and faster
  2. Group stuff from one desktop to another
Stuff To Remember
  • Multiple Desktops sit side by side
  • SHORTCUT – Move Between Desktops: Three Finger Side Swipe on trackspad or Ctrl and left or right
  • Group apps together on different desktops to help you focus
Lessons
  1. Get to your desktop really fast (plus how to use hotcorners)
Stuff To Remember
  • Access the Desktop:
    • 1 – SHORTCUT: Shift Cmd D
    • 2 – Set up a hot corner in system preferences
Lessons
  1. Recognising the icons from USB pen drive, CD/DVD & hard drive
  2. How to eject a USB pen drive
  3. What is a DMG? (and how do I use it correctly)
Stuff To Remember
  • In the Macintosh HD only touch the Applications folder and the Users folder
  • Always eject a Usb Pen Drive before removing it
  • .dmg = Disk image – You must:
    • 1 – Copy out the contents (don’t open from here)
    • 2 – These need to be ejected like a USB Pen Drive
Lessons
  1. What is the suffix and how to find out what it does
  2. Understanding what to do with specific filetypes (and finding out which app your Mac wants to open it in)
  3. How to open compressed files
Stuff To Remember
  • Common Filetypes that are worth learning
    • .zip = Compressed File -this is usually folder containing lots of files compressed into one
    • .jpg = image
    • .pdf = electronic document
    • .mp3 .m4a .wav = Audio Files
    • .mp4 .avi = movies
  • Preview a file – click on it and press spacebar
  • An alias is used as a doorway to a folder (it doesn’t duplicate the folder, it mirrors it)
  • Create an alias and zip file by Ctrl clicking on a file to bring up the sub menu

By changing persepctive your computer can, once again, become an incredible window into possiblity.

This interactive worksheet demonstrates a method to approach shortcuts and helps you come up with your own way of working.

Fill in your answers on the PDF or print it off and use pen and paper.

  • How do you feel about your computer?
  • Do you spend more time with it than the people you are clostest too?
  • Getting distracted is quite common
  • Be gentle with yourself with your habits, you can change them if you choose to
  • Putting boundaries with yourself can be powerful INSTEAD of forceful
  • What could your healthy boundaries with technology look like?

Organising Data is loads of fun! Let's discuss this Section. This is for those of you that are very unorganised with data, but even if you are organised you will hopefully learn some really cool tips and tricks in here.

Lessons
  1. Help me find my files fast – Setting up my finder windows in cool ways
  2. How do I fine tune the feel of windows and apps
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – New Finder Window: Cmd N
  • Make sure you can see:
    • The Side Bar
    • The Tool Bar
    • The Path Bar
    • The Status Bar
  • Get the Side bar to a size that works for you
Lessons
  1. Setting the finder sidebar up
  2. Add my most used folders to the finder sidebar for super fast access
  3. Ordering the sidebar to make sense
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Preferences: Cmd Comma
  • Change what is on your sidebar to suit your working style
  • Add project folders remove folders from the side bar by Ctrl Clicking on it
Lessons
  1. How do I change what is on the toolbar? (the bit at the top of the finder window)
  2. What are the different ways I can view my files in finder?
  3. Which kind of view is better?
Notes To Remember
  • Customise the toolbar to work faster
    • Change to icon and text view for toolbar icons
  • Icon view – Best for Images
  • List view – Best for sorting through a folder
    • Add more columns - Ctrl click on the top of a coloumn
  • Coloumn view – most helpful for navigating through your hardrive
    • Use the path bar for quick navigation
  • Coverflow – Best for flowing through images
  • Be dynamic! Use the different views for different activities
Lessons
  1. Cool things about column view
Notes To Remember
  • Use shortcuts with one hand where you can to play your computer better
  • Column view helps us see the data about a file
  • Resize the columns to be able to see everything
  • Hold alt whilst resizing the columns to change all at once
  • Use the path bar to navigate to folders above the present one
Lessons
  1. Set up the dock to access your files super fast
Notes To Remember
  • Put folders on the right side of the dock by dragging a folder into a space
  • Change the view to list view to access your files really fast
Lessons
  1. I don’t know where I am saving my files, how do I find out?
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – Save: Cmd S
  • Know where you are saving your work! (a few seconds to consider it now saves a LOT of time later on)
  • Create new folders as you go to build a good file structure
Lessons
  1. Three ways to selecting specific files in a list
Notes To Remember
  • SHORTCUT: To select files in a list:
    • 1 – Click on a file
    • 2 – Hold shift
    • 3 – Click on last in list
  • SHORTCUT: To select AND deselect specific files:
    • Hold Cmd and click
Lessons
  1. I’m a visual person – I want to colour my files
  2. Putting loads of files in a folder really fast
Notes To Remember
  • Colour Code documents to visually group them
  • Put selected files into a folder by Ctrl Clicking and choosing ‘new folder with selection’
Lessons
  1. How do I sort my stuff? There is so much of it all over the place!
  2. How do I select specific files in a list for moving?
  3. How do I shove a load of files into a follder really quickly?
  4. How do I resize and move 2 finder windows in preparation of file moving?
Notes To Remember

If you haven’t been through the other lessons in this level please go do it first so this will make more sense

  • Moving Stuff Fast:
    • Layout 2 finder windows – one above the other
    • Top window is list view
    • Bottom window Column view
    • Move from the top window to the bottom window
  • Don’t be nostalgic – looking at stuff beyond a quick glance is for later
  • Include an archive folder to put in stuff you don’t want to delete yet
  • Create a folder called Unknown for sorting later
  • Put numbers before a file or folder to force its order in a list

This can big a really big thing, moving all the data. This worksheet gives hints and tips to make the process methodical and fun. It also addresses some of the core emotional processing that can go on around doing The Big Data move to support youe very step of the way.

It is really helpful to acknowledge your feelings about moving data. These feelings are usually what create the stories about why you cannot do it.

  • Knowing how to do this stuff is half of it. Getting start is the other half
  • To know how to use time Mchine please see the next section
  • It is helpful to connect with the feeling you want once the data is sorted before you start
  • This is a one time fix usually - then it is just maintenance
  • We can create an environment with our Mac that inspires us into the Flow
  • Why do you use your computer?
  • Set an intention about why your coming to the computer...
  • Close apps that you don't need...
  • You will get to take more responsibility!
Lessons
  1. Three ways to access system preferences
Notes To Remember
  • 1 – Apple in corner > System Preferences
  • 2 – On the dock
  • 3 – Use spotlight (Cmd Spacebar) to open the fastest
Lessons
  1. What kind of external hard drive do I need for time Machine?
Notes To Remember
  • Get to know the size of your HD
    • 1024KB = 1MB > Average song is 3MB
    • 1024MB = 1GB > Average movie = 1GB
    • 1024GB = 1TB
    • The order is KB > MB > GB > TB (Kangeroos Mostly Grow Tails)
  • 1 – Check the size of your hardrive (HD) and write it down
  • 2 – Buy an external drive that is larger than your Mac HD – Here is a good 1TB on on amazon and a 2TB on Amazon
  • 3 – Plug it in and we are ready for the next video
Lessons
  1. How do I get my external hard drive ready for Time Machine (aka formatting)
Notes To Remember
  • It is best to do this with a new HD before using Time Machine on it and for Time Machine we format to: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
  • SHORTCUT -Applications folder: Shift Cmd A
  • Use Disk Utility to wipe HD’s or Pen Drives
    • MS-DOS (FAT) is for Mac/PC Compatability – You can only transfer 4GB of data at a time with this
    • Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for Mac only
Lessons
  1. What is Time Machine?
  2. How do I set up Time Machine?
  3. How Do I bring back old stuff from time machine?
Notes To Remember
  • Time Machine Backs up your computer
    • Each subsequent back up will only back up your changes since the last back up
  • Make sure you select the right disk
Lessons
  1. Protect your computer with a password, and use it in smart ways
  2. I can’t open apps that are downloaded from the internet, why not?
  3. What is filevault? Do I need this?
Notes To Remember
  • Put a password on your Mac, even if basic
  • It’s good to set it to need a password at 1minute after sleep or screen saver begins
  • Allow applications downloaded from ‘Anywhere‘ (you’ll need to click on the lock)
  • Filevault will slow down yor machine a LOT
Lessons
  1. What apps know where I am?
  2. What apps have access to my contacts?
Notes To Remember
  • Remember to click on the lock to make changes here
  • Enabling Location services gives information out about where I am to apps I choose
  • Location Services is used for ‘Find My Mac‘ incase you Mac get’s lost or stolen
  • Allowing access to contacts is a matter of convenience – I recommend allowing Skype if you call friends, it makes it a lot easier
Lessons
  1. How do I change my master password? (the one for my log in and installing stuff)
  2. Change your picture on the computer
  3. Stop an app from automatically loading when you start your mac
  4. Reclaim Space on your screen – Get your name off of the menu bar on the top right
Notes To Remember
  • Your Computer Password is different to your Apple ID
  • Disable any log in items that are bothering you
  • Set Automatic Log In with your name to avoid having to key in your password eveytime you load up (this is less secure but more convenient)
  • Remove fast user switching if you are the only one using the Mac
Lessons
  1. STOP SHOUTING AT ME!!! Make your Mac quieter (and get far more focus!)
  2. Get rid of those alert boxes that keep poping up!
Notes To Remember
  • I recommend taking off ALL alerts and only use banners on apps you really need to
  • Also consider removing all badge app icons and sounds
  • Ask Yourself:
    • 1 – Do I need a banner at all for any apps?
    • 2 – Do I want a badge app icon?
    • 3 – Do I want to hear a sound?
Lessons
  1. Check out all your notifications in one place
Notes To Remember
  • Choose wisely which notifications you want to see in the top left so you are not bombarded with information
Lessons
  1. Stop alerts with one click, then start them again with another!
Notes To Remember
  • Switching off notifications with this will stop all notifications for 24 hours (giving you a chance to focus in)
    • Press Alt (or Option) to switch notifications on and off
    • Press at the very top of notification center
Lessons
  1. How to change your screen saver
  2. Check out probably the best sceen saver of all time and download it for free
Notes To Remember
  • Ctrl Click on Desktop > ‘Change Desktop background’
  • Use a solid colour for minimal distractions
  • Download Electric Sheep here (It’s free, it’s amazing)
Lessons
  1. Setting up and removing ‘hot corners’ to get to stuff quicker
Notes To Remember
  • Hot corners are in system preferences > Screensaver > Hot corners
  • It is a good idea to have desktop in the top left to give you quick access
Lessons
  1. Automatically send your computer or display to sleep (this is really good for your computer)
  2. Automatically start your computer so it is ready for you when you are
Notes To Remember
  • Access this through System preferences > Energy Saver
  • Set it up to suit your way of working and so it doesn’t make the screen go dark really fast!

In this noisy technology world there are ways to quieten down the din. This worksheet will help you explore some of the more detailed tech and the emotional baggage that can go with it.

What difference does it make to have a password for you?
What do you use to focus?

A brief Introduction to the level

Sorry I made a mistake in the vid! Time Machine was in Level 4!

Lessons
  1. Get your keyboard behaving properly so it keeps up with you
Notes To Remember

Key Repeat does not apply to normal letters – mainly it applies to backspace

Lessons
  1. Get your mouse running around at just the right speed
  2. Single, double and treble clicking
Notes To Remember
  • Practice with the mouse tracking speed – this can make a BIG difference!
  • Practice with the natural scrolling direction switched on and off – see what works for you
    • Single click to select a place in a documents
    • Double click to select a word
    • Treble Click to select a sentence
Lessons
  1. Two lightning fast ways to see how many apps you have open
Notes To Remember
  • Practice with tap to click – it will make for a more graceful experience – give some time to get used to it.
  • Switch on two finger tap to use instead of Ctrl Click
  • Right click = Ctrl Click = Two Finger Tap
Lessons
  1. Quit apps or close the window, what is the difference?
Notes To Remember
  • Resolution numbers:
    • 640 x 480 =640px wide x 480px high
    • Px = a pixel = a little square of light
    • So this means that a screen is 640 little square wide by 480 little squares high
  • Leave this on the best resolution (usually at the top of the list) unless you need to make the screen bigger
  • It’s good to know where to come if you want to make everything bigger – the other way in in the very next lesson
Lessons
  1. Make the mouse pointer bigger
  2. Zoom in on the screen to make things bigger
  3. Get the computer to tell you what it’s doing (for sight impaired)
  4. Flash the screen for an alert (for hearing impaired)
Notes To Remember
  • When active we can Zoom with:
  • Zoom in – Alt Cmd =
  • Zoom out – Alt Cmd -
Lessons
  1. Get audio, video and pictures opening in the right application when you inset a drive
Notes To Remember
  • Choose what application will automatically open your files – this is a massive time saver
Lessons
  1. Choose a different app to open a file
  2. Make any media file open in the right app EVERYTIME
Notes To Remember
  • 1 – Drag a file to an application on the dock
  • 2 -Two finger tap or ctrl click on the file
    • Go to ‘open with’ to choose another application
  • 3 – Change the ‘default’ that a file opens in
    • Go To ‘get info’
    • Press ‘change all’ to make every file with the same suffix open in this chosen application
Lessons
  1. Find the window you want without having to move everything out the way all the time!
Notes To Remember
  • 1 – Global Volume affects all sound from the computer
  • 2 – Application specific volume does not affect other applications
  • SHORTCUT: Access sound preferences fast: Hold Alt when clicking on the volume in the menu bar
  • SHORTCUT – Change volume without the Dot: Hold shift whilst changing the volume
Lessons
  1. How to connect to wifi and how to turn it off
  2. My wifi isn’t working correctly, how to self-diagnose problems
Notes To Remember
  • A network is usually when we have a router connected to a phone line that gives us wifi
    • Top two lights = about the wifi card in your computer
    • Middle two lights = about the router and if it is working
    • Bottom two lights = Tells you if there is a problem with you internet service provider
  • The computer will connect to the order of wifi hotspots from the top to the bottom – move them to put your favourites at the top

If you followed all of the lessons then you should be very empowered by this point to command your computer

There is not a search box on here as I had hoped! Appologies. Instead go back to the course desciption with the button in the top left. Once there use the shortcut Cmd F to bring up a search box to find a key word on the page.

Using Digital calander can be a reallly good way to stay organised. If you use a paper one already consdier making the shift if it feels good after these lessons

Lessons
  1. What is iCloud and how do I set it up?
  2. What does iCloud backup and what doesn’t it backup?
Stuff To Remember
  • iCloud synchronises specific data between all of your Apple devices
  • You need an Apple ID to log in – this is different from your computer password
  • You can only Sync Contacts over one service – iCloud, Gmail, hotmail etc – so you must choose which is right for you
  • Mail backs up only @me.com or @iCloud.com – not your other mail accounts
  • Safari backs up only Safari and not the other browsers
  • Photo stream backs up 1000 images from your camera roll – then starts again by deleting the first ones
  • Documents and data does not back up all your documents and data – only stuff we choose for it too
  • Find my Mac is a way to find your computer if it gets Stolen or lost
Lessons
  1. What should I use iCloud for and what should I be careful of?
  2. How can I upgrade my iCloud account and should I do it?
  3. How do I change my credit card details or billing address in iCloud?
Stuff To Remember
  • Backing up your iPhone into iCloud will fill up your iCloud super fast
  • Backing up your iPhone to your computer (via iTunes – We’ll look at this in level 8) means you’ll probably never run out of space in iCloud and not need to upgrade the account

A brief overview of what iCloud is and what it is capable of.

Lessons
  1. Setting up GMail, Yahoo and Hotmail on the Mac (and why you can’t sync iCloud AND gMail for calendars or reminders)
  2. Easily connecting with Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo and Flikr for sharing
Stuff To Remember
  • This is used for connecting your email address to the computer and also various other services
  • This is a REALLY important point: Setting up your accounts to synchronise here means that if you are without internet you can still access your data
  • If you have Hotmail or Yahoo – give it a go to sync it – you won’t damage anything.
    • If it doesn’t work properly and you don’t know how to fix it then it’s worth getting someone more technical in
  • We can also connect to Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo and Flickr
Lessons
  1. Setting up the environment
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT- Access calendar preferences: Cmd Comma
  • Spending a little time to set this up means that you’ll find putting in events later really simple
Lessons
  1. Creating an event,
  2. Changing the event details
  3. Repeating a regular event
  4. Setting a reminder for an event
  5. Inviting others to an event
  6. Deleting an event
Stuff To Remember
  • Play with this for a little while adding and deleting events – Playing is the way to get faster and more comfortable
  • This is very intuitive – drag and drop
  • Adding notes to an event:
    • 1 – Find some events details online
    • 2 – Highlight the text online
    • 3 – Copy the text (SHORTCUT Cmd C)
    • 4 – Come to the notes section and paste (SHORTCUT Cmd V)
  • SHORTCUT – Delete an event: Click on the event and press Backspace (or delete)
Lessons
  1. Creating different calendars
  2. Choosing where to store the calendars and why
  3. Giving calendars colour
Stuff To Remember
  • Creating different calendars is about categorising events. We can then see them easily through colour coding
  • Consider what calendars would work for you. Choose colours that mean something to you (I like green for paid work)
  • Consider what categories would suit your life.
  • For example:
    • Children’s Calendar
    • Family Events Calendar
    • University Term Calendar
Lessons
  1. Should I sync from iCloud or another email account?
  2. Adding calendars to gMail and syncing to Apple mail
Stuff To Remember
  • This lesson is ONLY relevant to you if you want to use your Google account to synchronise Calendars
  • Also you must first have added Google to your Mail, Contacts and Calendars – (see earlier in this level for how to do this)
  • To Synchronise Apple Calendar with your Google Calendars:
    • 1 – Go to Apple Calendar Preferences
    • 2 – Go to Account tab
    • 3 – Select GMail
    • 4 – Select Account information
    • 5 – Click on ‘refresh calendars’ Menu
  • Only set up the colours for your Apple Calendar as the Google Calendar colours won’t affect the Apple ones
  • For older Mac’s you need to add Google Calendars in the preferences > Gmail > Delegation > tick all of the boxes for the calendars you want to see
Lessons
  1. Searching calendars
  2. Navigating around – different views & today
Stuff To Remember
  • TRACKPAD SHORTCUT: Scroll between weeks: Two finger swipe to the side on Calendar

Lessons

  1. Setting up the environment
  2. Adding, removing and completing a ‘to-do’
  3. Creating a new list for specific projects and moving between them
  4. Make a to-do for a specific date and location
  5. Finding reminders in spotlight
Stuff To Remember
  • If you use to-do lists these are really helpful – especially if you have other apple devices
  • Having structure can be flexible and can mean that flow is far more free within that
  • You can have more time to play - consider using that play time away from the computer.
Lessons
  1. Setting up the environment in contacts
  2. Syncing with your contacts from your email address (and why this is an amazing thing to do!)
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT: Preferences: Cmd Comma
  • Sync your contacts with either iCloud, Google, hotmail or Yahoo – This means that they will all be backed up
  • Remember that you can only sync with iCloud OR another service, not both
  • If you want to configure this on your iPhone – Go to Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Add New
  • The reason to sync these is so that you will never lose your contacts
Lessons
  1. How do I create New Contact?
  2. How do I edit a contact?
  3. Setting the template for a new contact
  4. How to add a new field when entering a new contact
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT- New Card: Cmd N
  • Add a birthday to have it show up in your calendar (if selected from in the claendar preferences)
  • Set up the template to suit you
  • it may take a little bit of time to build up but it will be so worth it – if you have a paper version why not type up all the addresses here?
Lessons
  1. Setting up the environment to work for you
  2. Updating the toolbar to show only what you need
  3. Setting the general preferences
  4. Change how you view the inbox
Stuff To Remember
  • Mail is great so you can read mails when offline, you can also write emails for when you go back online
  • Make sure you can see the sidebar
  • Set up your toolbar to suit what you need
    • Select icon and Text in the toolbar to see everything
Lessons
  1. Creating a new email
  2. Replying to an email
  3. How to format your email
Stuff To Remember
  • SHORTCUT – New Message: Cmd N
  • Get to know what kind of formatting you can do on an email
Lessons
  1. Changing the colour, font and size of your emails
  2. How to add a signature (this puts your details at the bottom of every email automatically)
  3. Adding images or other data to an email
Stuff To Remember
  • Go to preferences > Fonts & Colors to chance how the message looks automatically
  • You have to create a signature in preferences and then drag it over the account that you want it in
    • SHORTCUT – Spell Check: Ctrl Click on a word with red underline for spelling options
    • Save the signature by copying the preferences
  • Generally keep email attachments below 10Mb (because not all email companies allow more than this)
  • If you attach an image – choose the size in the email document
    • Sizes: 1000Kb (Kilobytes) = 1Mb (Megabyte)
    • 10Mb – max size of email
    • 3Mb – average song
Lessons
  1. Send via CC and BCC
  2. Groups
  3. Where to find the addresses that keep automatically showing up
  4. Choosing which email address to send from by default
Stuff To Remember
  • Add members from a group in contacts by tying in the name of a group
  • Find autofilled recipients in previous recipients (and you can stop them automatically showing up)
Lessons
  1. Creating a folder to file emails (and ideas on where and why to do this)
  2. Creating ‘smart mailboxes’ to filter specific emails into one place
Stuff To Remember
  • Mailbox is a folder in your email account
  • When you add your email account it will bring in all you folders from that account
  • It can take a few minutes for the folder to show up as it needs to update on Google’s (or hotmail/Yahoo’s) servers
  • Create mailboxes (folders) inside other mailboxes to get really organised
  • IMPORTANT – If you delete the mailbox you delete the messages, so check through first

Loads of ideas on how to get those emails under your belt.

Learn how to use rules to filter your emails

Lessons
  1. Setting up Gmail to receive multiple email addresses to make it simpler in Mac Mail
Stuff To Remember
  • Go to the cog in the top right > settings > Accounts > add another email address
  • To add the other accounts into Apple Mail like this:
  • [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
  • Its the comma and space between the address that is important
  • These emails must match exactly the ones you added in your Google account
  • So here is the process
    • 1 – Add the Accounts in GMail
    • 2 – Add emails to Apple Mail Preferences > Accounts
    • 3 – Separate emails by a comma and space
    • 4 – Choose which email address you want to send from

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Integrates life coaching tools, which may help learners develop a healthier and more productive relationship with their technology and address emotional barriers to efficiency
Designed with sequential levels and micro-lessons, which allows learners to build knowledge gradually, while also offering value to experts seeking to refine their practice
Includes desk yoga and discussions on healthy technology boundaries, which may appeal to learners interested in holistic well-being and mindful technology use
Covers topics such as file management, system preferences, and syncing devices, which are essential for efficient Mac use and can significantly boost productivity
Teaches macOS features and functionalities, but does not specify the version, which may be a drawback for learners using the latest macOS releases
Uses older screenshots and lesson examples, which may confuse learners using the latest macOS releases, as the interface may have changed since the course was created

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Reviews summary

Master your mac with clarity

According to learners, this course is a highly effective and easy-to-understand guide for mastering essential Mac skills. Students particularly appreciate the bite-sized video lessons, which make learning digestible and practical. The instructor is frequently praised for his clear explanations and engaging teaching style. While primarily aimed at those new to Mac or looking to improve efficiency, many found it provided useful shortcuts and tips even if they weren't complete beginners. A unique aspect noted is the inclusion of sections focusing on the relationship with technology and productivity mindsets, which some found beneficial for a more holistic approach to using their computer.
Unique focus on technology relationship and mindset.
"I found the sections on productivity and my relationship with technology surprisingly insightful."
"The 'life coaching' elements added a different dimension to just learning features – it helped me think about *how* I use my Mac."
"While not my primary reason for taking the course, the mindset lessons were a nice bonus."
"Some parts felt a bit less relevant if you just wanted technical tips, but the overall approach is interesting."
Highly recommended for new or less-techy Mac users.
"If you are new to Mac, this course is a must-have. It starts from the very basics and builds your confidence."
"Perfect for people who feel overwhelmed by their computer. It breaks everything down step-by-step."
"Even though I've used a Mac for a while, I learned so many fundamental things I wish I knew sooner."
"This course gave me the foundation I needed to feel comfortable navigating my Mac."
Short videos make learning manageable and focused.
"The micro-lessons are fantastic! They are short, focused, and make it easy to learn one concept at a time."
"I love the format of the short videos; it makes it easy to fit learning into a busy schedule."
"Breaking down topics into bite-sized chunks really helped me retain the information."
"The video length is just right – long enough to explain the concept but not so long that you get distracted."
Instructor is engaging, knowledgeable, and patient.
"Arron is a wonderful instructor, very clear and easy to listen to. He makes learning fun."
"The instructor's style is very calming and encouraging, which is great for someone who feels anxious about tech."
"He explains complex ideas in a very simple way and anticipates questions you might have."
"I found Arron's guidance incredibly helpful and motivating throughout the course."
Lessons are easy to follow and highly practical.
"This course is very clear and easy to follow, explaining things in simple terms that anyone can understand."
"The lessons are well-structured and provide practical tips I could use immediately to improve my workflow."
"Everything is explained perfectly and in a simple way to grasp easily, especially for beginners."
"I feel much more comfortable and capable using my Mac after these practical lessons."
Minor aspects might not reflect latest macOS.
"While the core concepts are solid, a few minor interface details seemed slightly different in the latest macOS version."
"The sections on older apps like iPhoto or specific settings might need a small update for current users."
"Learned a lot, but you might notice slight variations depending on your operating system version."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mac Clarity - Master Your Mac with these activities:
Review Mac Basics
Reinforce foundational knowledge of macOS before diving into advanced topics.
Show steps
  • Review the macOS user interface, including the Finder, Dock, and Menu Bar.
  • Practice basic file management tasks such as creating, moving, and deleting files and folders.
  • Familiarize yourself with system preferences and settings.
Read 'macOS: The Missing Manual'
Supplement course material with a comprehensive guide to macOS.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'macOS: The Missing Manual'.
  • Read relevant chapters corresponding to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts
Improve efficiency by practicing essential macOS keyboard shortcuts.
Browse courses on Keyboard Shortcuts
Show steps
  • Identify a set of commonly used keyboard shortcuts.
  • Practice using these shortcuts regularly in your daily workflow.
  • Gradually incorporate more advanced shortcuts as you become comfortable.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Take Control of macOS System Preferences'
Deepen your understanding of macOS System Preferences with a dedicated guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Take Control of macOS System Preferences'.
  • Read chapters related to the System Preferences covered in the course.
  • Experiment with different settings to understand their effects.
Create a Troubleshooting Guide
Solidify understanding by creating a guide to troubleshoot common macOS issues.
Show steps
  • Research common macOS problems and their solutions.
  • Document the troubleshooting steps in a clear and concise manner.
  • Share your guide with other students for feedback and improvement.
Optimize Your Mac Setup
Apply course knowledge by optimizing your own Mac setup for productivity and efficiency.
Show steps
  • Assess your current Mac setup and identify areas for improvement.
  • Implement the techniques learned in the course to customize your system preferences, organize your files, and streamline your workflow.
  • Document the changes you made and the reasons behind them.
Help Others in Online Forums
Reinforce your knowledge by helping other students with their macOS questions.
Show steps
  • Join online forums or communities related to macOS.
  • Actively participate in discussions and answer questions from other users.
  • Share your knowledge and experience to help others troubleshoot problems and optimize their Mac setups.

Career center

Learners who complete Mac Clarity - Master Your Mac will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Freelancer
A freelancer works independently, providing services to multiple clients. This demanding job requires excellent self-management, organization, and efficiency in using their computer. The course, which focuses on mastering your Mac, directly addresses the needs of a freelancer. The course is designed to minimize distractions and maximize your productivity, which is essential to working independently. This is particularly beneficial, as it will help freelancers manage their projects and time effectively, and will also teach methods to improve their workflow. By implementing the skills taught in this course, a freelancer can optimize their Mac and streamline their work processes.
Small Business Owner
A small business owner manages the daily operations of their company and is responsible for its success. This role demands excellent technology skills, organization, and productivity. This course, designed to help you master your Mac, can give you the tools to organize your digital workspace, streamline your workflow, and reduce time spent on technical issues. This will help small business owners save time, energy, and stress. Additionally, the course emphasizes productivity and focus, which are critical for success when running a business. Through the course, small business owners can learn to create a more efficient and productive environment for themselves and their company.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. This career requires excellent computer skills, organization, and the ability to quickly learn new software. Given the course's focus is on Mac mastery, a prospective virtual assistant can gain deeper knowledge of their computer's capabilities, improving overall productivity and their ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. This course helps with learning essential skills, like managing files and applications, and setting up devices to work in harmony to enhance working efficiency. The course also introduces tools for time management and focus, vital for anyone who works remotely.
Administrative Assistant
An administrative assistant provides crucial support to ensure office efficiency. This role often requires managing digital files, scheduling appointments, and using various software applications. The course, with its emphasis on mastering the macOS operating system, helps you navigate your computer with confidence, manage files effectively, and improve your overall productivity. By learning shortcuts and advanced features of your Mac, you become more efficient at daily administrative tasks. This is particularly relevant as the course teaches to manage files, create order, and synchronize devices, all of which are key skills for an administrative assistant. This is especially valuable for those who want to minimize time spent on basic computer operation.
Executive Assistant
An executive assistant provides high-level administrative support to executives. This role requires excellent organizational skills, time management, and proficiency in using various software applications. This course, with its strong emphasis on mastering the Mac operating system, will allow you to manage your computer with confidence, improve productivity, and set up systems that enhance your daily work. This is particularly helpful for an executive assistant, as it will help you minimize time spent on basic technical issues and maximize time spent on more important tasks. The course aims to make you more productive and more joyful in your relationship with your computer, which can be valuable in a fast-paced executive environment. Learning all the shortcuts and methods covered in this course should also prove valuable.
Personal Assistant
A personal assistant provides administrative and personal support to an individual. This role often includes managing schedules, handling correspondence, and organizing digital files. This course, which focuses on mastering your Mac, will help you to become more efficient in all areas of your work. The course will teach you to set up your computer to work in a way that suits your needs, which can streamline your workflow. It will also provide methods to organize files and sync devices, which is key to providing excellent personal assistance in a fast-moving world. With the course’s aim to provide you with a joyful relationship with your computer, personal assistants will gain more confidence and efficiency working on a daily basis.
Office Administrator
An office administrator is responsible for various administrative tasks that support the smooth day-to-day functioning of an office. This role often involves managing office systems, maintaining digital documents, and coordinating communications. This course, by focusing on mastering your Mac, will be an asset in helping an office administrator work more efficiently and effectively. The course teaches you to manage files, organize documents, sync devices, and set up the computer to work the way you think, all of which translate directly into the duties of an office administrator. This course also emphasizes productivity and focus, crucial traits for effective office management. You should find this course helpful in your day-to-day operations.
Office Manager
An office manager ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of an office. This involves managing technology resources, maintaining digital records, and implementing efficient workflows. As a key part of an office manager’s duties, you will have to use computer programs effectively. This course, by focusing on mastering your Mac, will help you become adept at navigating the operating system, organize files, synchronize devices, and be more productive. This is especially useful for an office manager, as the course's emphasis on building a productive and joyful relationship with your computer can boost your ability to streamline the office environment. The course also teaches methods for organization and focus.
Project Coordinator
A project coordinator assists project managers in planning, executing, and closing projects. This role often requires creating timelines, managing documents, and coordinating communications. Project coordinators must be able to use technology and software tools effectively to keep a project on track. This course provides the tools to efficiently manage their computer, organize files, and learn shortcuts which lead to greater efficiency. The course also teaches you how to create order and set up systems that can be valuable in the organization of any project. Furthermore, learning to sync devices helps ensure all team members have access to the latest project files. The course's focus on productivity and efficiency align well with project coordination responsibilities.
Content Creator
A content creator develops written, visual, or video content for various platforms. This career requires proficiency in computer skills and organization, as well as the ability to use technology effectively. This course, geared towards mastering your Mac, will help you navigate your computer system efficiently, organize your files, and focus on creating engaging content. The course also includes life coaching tools to keep you on track and motivated, which is beneficial when working independently. By implementing the skills taught in this course, a content creator can streamline their process and fully express their creative ideas, without getting bogged down by the technology.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager creates and manages content on social media platforms. This role requires excellent computer skills, organization, and the ability to navigate multiple online tools. This course, by focusing on mastering your Mac, can help you improve your overall efficiency and productivity in managing content. The course teaches you to reduce distractions and organize all of your various digital tools. By learning to use all the shortcuts and productivity tools, social media managers can better schedule posts, manage communities, and monitor performance metrics. This course is designed to enable you to be more effective with all your day-to-day tasks.
Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative helps customers with their questions, complaints, and requests. This role often requires using various computer systems to access information, document calls, and provide follow-up. This course, by helping you master your Mac, will help improve the efficiency of the technology you use every day. It will help you become more confident and productive when you deal with customers. This will help you handle customer issues with speed and accuracy. Moreover, the course’s focus on productivity will help you manage your time more effectively when dealing with customer requests.
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. This role requires strong computer skills, organization, and the ability to quickly learn new technologies. This course, by focusing on mastering your Mac, can help improve your technical writing skills. You can use what you learn in this course to become more efficient with your daily tasks. Furthermore, the course can assist you to set up your Mac so that you write with more inspiration and less distraction. This is especially useful for those who want to fully express their ideas in their writing without any technological barriers.
Online Instructor
An online instructor develops and delivers courses through online platforms. This role requires proficiency with technology, strong organizational skills, and the ability to create engaging content. This course, with its focus on mastering the Mac, can assist in creating a more efficient and enjoyable work environment. By implementing the skills taught in this course, you will be able to manage digital files, synchronize devices, and set up your computer in a way that suits your own particular needs. You will be better prepared to focus on both the technology and course content while you teach. This course also teaches skills for time management, which are very beneficial for planning and organizing your course materials.
Data Entry Clerk
A data entry clerk inputs information into computer systems. This role requires accuracy, efficiency, and proficiency with technology. This course, with its focus on mastering your Mac, can help you gain proficiency using your computer and optimize your workflow. By learning shortcuts and advanced features that can help you navigate the operating system faster and more efficiently, data entry can become more manageable. This course also introduces methods for file organization that can help you ensure your data is well-structured. It is especially useful for those who wish to maximize productivity and minimize time spent on basic computer operations.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mac Clarity - Master Your Mac.
Provides a comprehensive guide to macOS, covering everything from basic operations to advanced features. It's a great resource for both beginners and experienced users looking to deepen their understanding of the operating system. The book is particularly helpful for understanding the nuances of macOS and troubleshooting common issues. It serves as a valuable reference tool throughout the course and beyond.
Focuses specifically on macOS System Preferences, providing in-depth explanations of each setting and its impact on your Mac's performance and user experience. It's an excellent resource for understanding how to customize your Mac to suit your individual needs and preferences. The book is particularly useful for exploring advanced settings and optimizing your Mac for specific tasks. It serves as a valuable reference tool for fine-tuning your Mac's behavior.

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