One of my favorite websites for Mac tips is The MacTipper Blog. Along with a wide range of daily tips for experienced users there also is a weekly post called “Welcome2Mac“. The information found within the “Welcome2Mac” series is excellent for new users who are looking to learn more about their Mac.

Today the MacTipper posted about sideways scrolling with a mouse other than the mighty mouse (a tip new to me!), different Quicktime controls, and full keyboard access (definitely a time saver)…

Welcome2Mac: Sideways Scrolling, QuickTime Controls, Full Keyboard Access

“If you’re stuck with a one-dimensional scroll wheel instead of a scroll ball or trackpad, it is still possible to scroll left and right. Simply hold down the shift key when scrolling.

The first thing you need to know about watching QuickTime videos is that you can pause the video by single-clicking on the video section of the QuickTime player. You can play the video by double-clicking on the video section. If you want to scan backwards and backwards, just scroll left and right. In a QuickTime embedded player, scroll down and up instead of left and right.

If you have seen the blue glow around a button in a dialog box then you have probably wondered what it is for.

This blue glow tells you that you can hit the spacebar to activate that button. Don’t see the blue glow? Here’s how to enable ‘full keyboard access’:

Step 1: Open System Preferences and go to to ‘Keyboard & Mouse’ preference pane.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Keyboard Shortcuts’ section.
Step 3: Change the radio button at the bottom to ‘All controls’.

To use full keyboard access, hit space to active the glowing button. Use tab to move the glow to the next button. If you get good at using full keyboard access, you will soon be able to control the majority of your Mac without using the mouse. (In general a great time-saver.)

(Via The MacTipper Blog.)

So if you are looking for some great tips for yourself, fellow teachers, or a family member new to the Mac— make sure to subscribe to The MacTipper!

If you have any tips or questions for me, feel free to send them along through the edu.Mac.nation contact form.

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