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CHAPTER
4
4 Working With Your Operating System
An operating system, or OS, is the environment that defines how the items on your
computer’s desktop are represented and how you interact with them.
Your computer comes with Mac OS X installed as the default operating system, and with
Classic, an environment for using Mac OS 9 applications while the computer is running
Mac OS X. Your computer cannot use Mac OS 9 as the primary operating system.
About Mac OS X
Mac OS X advanced technologies include an elegant user interface, incredible graphics
capabilities, and added system stability and performance. Mac OS X manages your computer
processes so you can concentrate on what you want to do. You don’t need to restart your
computer if something goes wrong with one software application—Mac OS X shuts down
only that application so you can keep working without restarting the computer. The
Mac OS X virtual memory manager allots the amount of memory your software applications
need to operate efficiently.
When you’re ready to learn more about Mac OS X, read the Welcome to Mac OS X PDF in
Documents/Learn More About Your Mac on your computer’s hard disk. This book introduces
the features of Mac OS X and provides tips for using Mac OS X to perform common tasks. If
you’ve used other computers but are new to the Macintosh, read Switching to the Mac in
Documents/Learn More About Your Mac on your computer’s hard disk. If you experience any
problems while using Mac OS X, see the troubleshooting tips in the back of this book or
choose Help > Mac Help.
Important Because Mac OS X is already installed on your computer, you don’t need to
follow the installation instructions in Welcome to Mac OS X. You need to follow the
instructions in Welcome to Mac OS X only to log in and begin using Mac OS X.
LL2222.Book Page 61 Friday, December 13, 2002 12:11 PM