Anniel34
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: How do I get back to desktop from a web page

This is my first iMac so please be patient. I have iPods,iPads and a new IPhone, but the iMac is not as intuitive as I had thought. I will come back here with all my questions as you all will sure know more than me.

 

So, when I am on a web page in Safari, how do I get back to the Desktop quickly? Can I keep all my programme icons at the bottom of the screen and is there an icon for Desktop.

 

Looking forward to some advice.

 

Anniel

Posted on Mar 31, 2016 10:54 AM

by Ferd II,Apple recommended
Ferd II Ferd II
Level 7 (28,395 points)
Applications
A:

Anniel,

 

OS X El Capitan: See open windows and spaces in Mission Control is a good place to start learning how to master your windows.

 

OS X El Capitan: Mission Control preferences will explain how to adjust Mission Control.

 

Also, Command-Tab is a fast way to switch between applications. Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support

 

The icon for your Desktop is named "Finder."

 

You can add as many "programme" icons to the Dock, as you desire, but adding too many will clutter the appearance and functionality.

SmallWings.png

Posted on Apr 1, 2016 3:05 AM

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Anniel34

Q: How do I get back to desktop from a web page

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  • by Ferd II,Apple recommended

    Ferd II Ferd II Apr 1, 2016 3:05 AM in response to Anniel34
    Level 7 (28,395 points)
    Applications
    Apr 1, 2016 3:05 AM in response to Anniel34

    Anniel,

     

    OS X El Capitan: See open windows and spaces in Mission Control is a good place to start learning how to master your windows.

     

    OS X El Capitan: Mission Control preferences will explain how to adjust Mission Control.

     

    Also, Command-Tab is a fast way to switch between applications. Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support

     

    The icon for your Desktop is named "Finder."

     

    You can add as many "programme" icons to the Dock, as you desire, but adding too many will clutter the appearance and functionality.

    SmallWings.png

  • by Old Toad,Apple recommended

    Old Toad Old Toad Apr 1, 2016 3:05 AM in response to Anniel34
    Level 10 (141,095 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 1, 2016 3:05 AM in response to Anniel34

    Using the Command(⌘) - tab key combination will cycle you thru the open apps quite easily.

    take-screenshots-windows-without-drop-shadows-mac-os-x.w654.jpg

    Repeat the key combination until the app you want is highlighted and stop.  You'll be in that app.  Select the Finder icon and you'll be back at the Desktop.

    OTsig.png

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Mar 31, 2016 1:04 PM in response to Anniel34
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Mar 31, 2016 1:04 PM in response to Anniel34

    Press F11 and you will go immediately to the desktop.

  • by Phil0124,

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Mar 31, 2016 1:10 PM in response to Duane
    Level 7 (27,397 points)
    iPhone
    Mar 31, 2016 1:10 PM in response to Duane

    Move your mouse to the top left corner of the safari window and use the "Minimize" Minimize there like you would on Windows.

     

    OS X El Capitan: Window basics

     

    If Safari is in full screen mode, the top bar will not be visible but as soon as you move the cursor to the top edge it will appear.

  • by Ferd II,

    Ferd II Ferd II Mar 31, 2016 1:20 PM in response to Duane
    Level 7 (28,395 points)
    Applications
    Mar 31, 2016 1:20 PM in response to Duane

    Duane,

    Press F11 and you will go immediately to the desktop.

    In my experience, that selection appears to depend upon the model of keyboard, and the settings available in System Preferences...>Mission Control.

  • by pokey b,

    pokey b pokey b Mar 31, 2016 1:41 PM in response to Anniel34
    Level 3 (582 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 31, 2016 1:41 PM in response to Anniel34

    Congratulations on your new i-Mac !  To get to know your Mac maybe try this: Click on a blank space on your screen. You will then see the menu at the top of the screen change to "Finder". Click on "Help" and select the bottom item in the list "Get to know your Mac". It's Apple's own tutorial. Once you get to know your machine a bit it will seem so easy.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-03-31 at 3.35.16 PM.png

  • by Duane,Apple recommended

    Duane Duane Mar 31, 2016 3:09 PM in response to Ferd II
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Mar 31, 2016 3:09 PM in response to Ferd II

    I've never had a problem with it. The one thing to remember is that if you are using the function keys as media keys you must press the combination Fn+F11.

     

    Of course if someone or some software changes the setting it won't work.

  • by Ferd II,

    Ferd II Ferd II Mar 31, 2016 6:34 PM in response to Duane
    Level 7 (28,395 points)
    Applications
    Mar 31, 2016 6:34 PM in response to Duane

    Duane wrote:

     

    Of course if someone or some software changes the setting it won't work.

    Another user choice which can make a difference is System Preferences...>Keyboard>Shortcuts.

  • by coolguy 73,

    coolguy 73 coolguy 73 Mar 31, 2016 6:59 PM in response to Anniel34
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 31, 2016 6:59 PM in response to Anniel34

    If you want to get back quickly you can enable 'hot corners' in system preferences by searching it in system preferences or you can press cmd+n

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Mar 31, 2016 7:19 PM in response to coolguy 73
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Mar 31, 2016 7:19 PM in response to coolguy 73

    coolguy 73 wrote:

     

    If you want to get back quickly you can enable 'hot corners' in system preferences by searching it in system preferences or you can press cmd+n

    ?? command+n opens a new window in most applications.

  • by Anniel34,

    Anniel34 Anniel34 Apr 1, 2016 3:07 AM in response to Duane
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 3:07 AM in response to Duane

    If I press F11 it takes me to the sound volume on my iMac.

  • by Anniel34,

    Anniel34 Anniel34 Apr 1, 2016 3:17 AM in response to Anniel34
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 3:17 AM in response to Anniel34

    I am so grateful that you all took so much time and trouble to assist me. I should let you know that I am in my 80s now and I decided to buy an iMac because they are so beautiful and as I have iPads and iPods and a new iPhone ( which is the best thing since sliced bread!) I decided I should have some fun and get an iMac. It is challenging after all the years I have used Windows and I am not so quick to learn as I used to be, but now I have been in this community, I will feel more confident if I need to ask for help.

     

    I am now trying out all the suggestions'

     

    Thank you everyone

     

    Anniel34

  • by Duane,

    Duane Duane Apr 1, 2016 6:06 AM in response to Anniel34
    Level 10 (124,018 points)
    Apr 1, 2016 6:06 AM in response to Anniel34

    Maybe you missed my other post above... "... if you are using the function keys as media keys you must press the combination Fn+F11."

  • by pokey b,

    pokey b pokey b Apr 1, 2016 6:22 AM in response to Anniel34
    Level 3 (582 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 1, 2016 6:22 AM in response to Anniel34

    I am so impressed by your adventurous spirit !   Good luck and have fun.

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