[Simple Ways to Tweak, Customize and Secure OS X 01] • Master Your Mac

Mac OS X is so easy a monkey could use it, right? Well, half right. Beneath that glossy surface the fearless user will find lots of powerful features that aren't immediately obvious. The Practical Mac aims to help users cross that divide. Readers start with productivity tips and shortcuts: quick ways to improve and customize their Mac by changing hidden defaults, discovering faster workarounds, and enabling undocumented Mac OS X features. Next, readers learn how to automate tedious tasks with macros, triggers, and Automator scripts. Readers then learn how to turn their Mac into a file or Web server, handle massive amounts of media, and enable helpful features like Voice Commands. They also learn how to get serious security, like firmware passwords, FileVault full-disk encryption, and ways to protect themselves while connecting on the road. With troubleshooting and upgrade tips like repairing disk permissions, repairing the hard disk, and instructions for creating a bootable USB drive for emergencies, readers learn how to keep their Macs in fighting shape.