Mac OS Applications

Mac OS X includes a variety of software applications that you can use to perform tasks on your computer.

This chapter provides instructions for getting started with the following Apple programs in the Applications folder (Figure 1):

Address Book, which enables you to keep track of contact information for friends, family members, and business associates.
Calculator, which enables you to perform calculations and conversions.
Chess, which is a computerized version of the game of chess.
Dictionary, which provides word definitions and synonyms.
DVD Player, which enables you to play movies on DVD discs.
iCal, which lets you keep track of appointments, events, and to-do lists.
Image Capture, which enables you to download image files from a digital camera or import images from a scanner and save them on disk.
iSync, which enables you to synchronize some data on your computer with another computing device.
iTunes, which lets you play CDs, record music from a CD to your hard disk, burn music CDs, or upload music to an iPod or other MP3 player.
Preview, which enables you to view images and PDF files.
QuickTime Player, which enables you to view QuickTime movies, sounds, and streaming video.
Stickies, which enables you to place colorful notes on your computer screen.

Tips

The Mac OS X 10.4 installer places icons for some Mac OS X applications in the Dock (Figure 2).
Figure 2. By default, the Dock is configured with icons for several Mac OS X applications.
Mac OS X includes a number of other applications that are discussed elsewhere in this book:
- TextEdit is covered in Chapter 9.
- Dashboard is covered in Chapter 10.
- Font Book is covered in Chapter 11.
- iChat, Internet Connect, Mail, and Safari are covered in Chapter 13.
- Sherlock is covered in Chapter 15.
- Automator and AppleScript are covered in Chapter 20.
- System Preferences are covered in Chapter 21.
- Most applications in the Utilities folder are covered in Chapter 22.