Using the Dock on Your MacBook Optimally

Most everybody who has compared Apple computers to PCs has heard that Apples are supposed to be user friendly than their counterparts. One of the reasons for this is what is called the dock. This feature is one of the many key components that make Apples superior to PCs. However, if you are new to using an Apple or if you have not yet purchased your Apple computer, you may be unfamiliar with your dock. Like anything else that creates efficiency, it is only possible to maximize your use of the dock if you fully understand what it is capable of. So if you are a new MacBook or MacBook Pro owner, take a moment to peruse this post and gain a better understanding of your dock.

What is the dock? The dock is the list of icons that allows users to quickly access different applications and documents with ease. In essence, it is a grouping of shortcuts to the applications you use most frequently. Depending on your preferences, it is located on the bottom, left or right side of your computer screen.

Fitting the dock to your preferences: To make changes to your dock, simply click on the apple logo located in the upper left hand side of your screen and scroll down to the word “Dock.” Upon clicking on Dock, a window will appear with a variety of options to select from. It is a good idea to play with the different features to determine how you prefer your dock.

Magnification and Hiding: The magnification and hiding options allow you to minimize or hide your dock when you do not need it. With the magnification feature, you can scale your dock down to a very small size and it will balloon up when you position your arrow over it. With the hiding feature, the dock completely disappears until you place your arrow over the bottom, left, or right side of your screen, depending on where your dock is positioned.

Dock Preferences: In the dock preferences window you can customize your dock so that it is precisely how you desire it to be. With a scaling tool, you are permitted to make your dock as little or as big as you want it to be. With a similar tool, you can make your magnification effect work to a greater or lesser degree. Many people find it useful to size their dock down significantly and scale their magnification up significantly. In this fashion, the dock can always be present on your screen without consuming too much space, and then become highly visible once you position your arrow over it.

Understanding the dock feature on your Apple computer will help you get the most of your system. Your Apple is indeed user-friendly, but only if you understand what it is capable of.