Chapter 2: Exploring Aqua GUI

Overview

This Chapter familiarizes you with the basic environment of Mac OS X. As with all Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), Mac OS X consists of windows, menus, icons, and controls. Apple calls this environment Aqua. It is a consistent, elegant interface, rich in color and depth; yet it is possible to get lost as you explore the world of Aqua. In addition to the Aqua environment, Mac OS X enables you to work concurrently in Classic, an emulation of the environment from Mac OS 9. In the Classic environment, the menu bar, windows, and controls look and operate somewhat differently than their Mac OS X counterparts.

Cross Reference

Classic is covered in greater depth in Chapter 17.

By the conclusion of this Chapter, you will have a greater understanding of the basic elements of the OS, and most importantly, a stronger grasp of the terms and phrases used in following Chapters. Before describing menus, windows, icons, and controls, this Chapter explains how you start a session in the Mac OS X environment and concludes by explaining how you log out, restart, or shut down to end a Mac OS X session.