Discussed topics
Mac Finder introduction and basics
Siena provided an overview of the Finder application on Mac computers.
- Details
- Siena: Explained that Finder is where all file management lives, comparable to the Files app in iOS
- Siena: Demonstrated how to access Finder using Command-Tab
- Liz: Asked about creating files on iPad and where they would be stored
- Siena: Clarified that iPad uses the Files app rather than Finder, and files created in Pages would typically save to iCloud Drive
- Conclusion
- Finder is the central file management system on Mac
- The equivalent on iOS/iPadOS is the Files app
- Files can be accessed across devices when stored in iCloud Drive
Finder keyboard shortcuts
Siena walked through various keyboard shortcuts available in the Finder.
- Details
- Siena: Demonstrated accessing the menu with VO+M
- Siena: Covered file operations shortcuts including:
- Command-F for search
- Command-N for new Finder window
- Command-Shift-N for new folder
- Command-Control-N for new folder with selection
- Command-O to open files
- Command-W to close windows
- Command-I for file info
- Command-D to duplicate files
- Siena: Explained navigation shortcuts including:
- Command-Left bracket to go back
- Command-Right bracket to go forward
- Command-Up arrow to go to enclosing folder
- Command-Shift-F for Recents
- Command-Shift-O for Documents
- Command-Shift-D for Desktop
- Command-Option-L for Downloads
- Command-Shift-H for Home
- Command-Shift-C for Computer
- Conclusion
- Mac offers numerous keyboard shortcuts for efficient Finder navigation
- VoiceOver users can benefit from list view (Command-2) for easier navigation
File compression and zip files
Siena demonstrated how to compress and decompress files using the Mac’s built-in zip functionality.
- Details
- Roueida: Asked how file compression works and if it removes content
- Siena: Explained that compression packages files into a smaller size without removing content
- Siena: Demonstrated downloading a zip file (OSARA extension) and decompressing it
- Siena: Showed how to compress a folder of music files using Control-Option-Shift-M to access the context menu
- Palmer: Asked for clarification about the compression/decompression process
- Siena: Noted that compression results vary depending on file types
- Conclusion
- Zip files are useful for sharing multiple files at once or reducing file size
- The Mac has built-in utilities for compressing and decompressing files
- Compression doesn’t remove content but packages it more efficiently
Google Drive for cross-platform use
Discussion about using Google Drive for working across Mac and PC platforms.
- Details
- Ali: Asked if Google Drive can be used in the Finder
- Siena: Confirmed it works well and recommended it for users working across platforms
- Palmer: Asked about downloading Google Drive and how files sync between devices
- Ali: Discussed his workflow with Audio Hijack recordings and Reaper
- Siena: Explained how Google Drive allows starting work on one computer and finishing on another
- Conclusion
- Google Drive is recommended for users working across Mac and PC platforms
- The Google Drive app makes files accessible through Finder/File Explorer
- There’s a slight delay when syncing files between devices
Customizing the dock
Siena demonstrated how to add items to the dock and rearrange them.
- Details
- Siena: Showed how to add an application to the dock using Control-Command-Shift-T
- Siena: Demonstrated using sticky keys to make complex keyboard shortcuts easier
- Palmer: Asked about the Brave Browser that Siena was adding to the dock
- Siena: Explained how to move items on the dock using Option+Left/Right Arrow
- Siena: Showed how to remove items from the dock using the context menu (Control-Option-Shift-M)
- Conclusion
- Items can be added to the dock with Control-Command-Shift-T
- Sticky keys can help with complex keyboard shortcuts
- Items can be rearranged on the dock using Option+Arrow keys
- Items can be removed from the dock through the context menu
Zoom AI note-taking feature
Brief discussion about the AI feature in Zoom that was active during the meeting.
- Details
- Roueida: Asked about the “AI is active” notification on her screen
- Siena: Explained that AI is taking notes during the session
- Roueida: Asked if it’s possible to turn it off and if it shares content elsewhere
- Siena: Clarified that the notes only go to hosts and co-hosts
- Ivy: Asked if anyone can turn on AI and record
- Ali: Confirmed only hosts and co-hosts have those privileges
- Conclusion
- Zoom’s AI feature takes notes during meetings
- Only hosts and co-hosts can access these notes
- The feature doesn’t share content outside the meeting
Mac vs PC discussion
Participants shared their experiences and preferences regarding Mac and PC systems.
- Details
- Ali: Mentioned he likes both operating systems but prefers certain aspects of each
- Siena: Discussed using both platforms and their respective strengths
- Ali: Noted that Windows screen readers handle text editing better than VoiceOver
- Palmer: Discussed his experience with laptops and considering a new Mac purchase
- Ali: Shared his preference for full-size keyboards with numpads for screen reader commands
- Conclusion
- Both platforms have strengths and weaknesses for accessibility
- Personal preference plays a significant role in platform choice
- Hardware considerations (like keyboard preferences) affect user experience
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