Chapter 2. Working with Applications

IN THIS CHAPTER:

1 Install an Application from Disc or Download

2 Find, Launch, and Quit an Application

3 Add an Application to the Dock

4 Control an Application from the Dock

5 Minimize and Restore a Window

6 Grab the Window You Want

7 Assign an Opener Application to a File

8 Revert an Application to Factory Settings

9 Uninstall an Application

10 Run a "Classic" Application

11 Automate a Recurring Task

Without applications, all you can do with Mac OS X is move files around and change their names , or customize your work environment. Applications are what make a computer into a tool for accomplishing useful tasks , which is what this book is all about.

Mac OS X comes with many applications bundled by Apple as part of the operating system. Indeed, it is entirely possible to live the Digital Hub life (as promoted by Apple's marketing team) using only the applications that come with your Mac; after all, Apple produces more cutting-edge software for more diverse purposes than just about any other technology company in the world. Software such as iTunes, iMovie, and Safari that come with your Mac have one thing in common with high-end third-party applications such as Adobe Photoshop and QuarkXPress: They're all applications , which is to say they're self-contained programs you run to accomplish some task and quit when you're done using them.

This chapter addresses the skills necessary to manage your applications, install and delete them, and make them interact with your files so that they do what you need them to do.