macOS basics: Finder, Spotlight and Time Machine

In short: With Finder (files), Spotlight (search) and Time Machine (backup), macOS comes with three central tools worth knowing for everyday use.

In more detail: macOS is the operating system of Apple computers. It is based on Unix (Darwin), has a uniform operating concept and many functions that Windows switchers must look for at first. Keyboard shortcuts mostly use Cmd (⌘) instead of Ctrl.

In Depth

Finder: managing files

The Finder is the file manager. Important: sidebar with locations, view as list/columns/gallery, path bar (View → Show Path Bar), tags (colour markers). The space bar shows a quick look. Deleting: Cmd+Backspace to the trash. Cmd+C / Cmd+V copies; Cmd+Option+V moves pasted files. Files are not deleted with Del and not “cut” when copying; moving happens via Cmd+Option+V.

Spotlight: searching and calculating

Cmd+Space opens Spotlight: launch programs, find files and emails, look up words, calculate (23*17), convert units, show weather and stocks. It also searches file contents. If problems occur the index can be rebuilt in System Settings.

Time Machine: backup

Time Machine backs up automatically to an external drive or NAS: hourly for the last 24 hours, daily for the last month, then weekly as long as there is space. Files or the whole system can be restored to an earlier point in time. The drive should be encrypted. Complement it, following the 3-2-1 rule, with a copy in another place.

More tips

• Mission Control (F3 or three fingers up) for windows and desktops; Stage Manager.
• Launchpad and Applications folder; uninstall programs by dragging to the trash.
• System Settings for Wi-Fi, display, privacy. FileVault encrypts the disk, Keychain stores passwords.
• Terminal (Unix commands), Homebrew for software.
• Screenshots: Cmd+Shift+4.
• Gatekeeper warns about programs from unknown developers.

See also: macOS, Backup strategy, Keyboard shortcuts, Taking screenshots