Rick's Escaping NJ

Q: Is it Finder or Me?

Maybe I need a finder lesson.

 

I open finder and click on pictures.  I see 2 jpgs and 2 folders containing jpgs.  BUT, I've got dozens and dozens.  Are we using the same terminology?  If I put jpg in the search bar, it will find them.  When is a picture not a picture?  (Is that like the sound of one hand clapping?)

 

And while we're out it, is there a default "directory/folder" structure for how Macs store documents?  If I use an application, where will I find the documents/pictures, etc. that were created by it?

 

These are the kinds of things I didn't find in the PC->Mac tutorials.

 

<s> Trying to straighten out the learning curve. 

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3), Safari

Posted on Mar 21, 2012 5:21 PM

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Q: Is it Finder or Me?

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  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit Mar 21, 2012 5:37 PM in response to Rick's Escaping NJ
    Level 10 (123,652 points)
    Apple Music
    Mar 21, 2012 5:37 PM in response to Rick's Escaping NJ

    Hi Rick ...

     

    There are multiple image formats, not just JPG. There's PNG andTIFF, as well as JPG. So if you search for a .JPG formatted image, the results will be limited to that format only. Giving your photos a name makes it much easier to locate from a search.

     

    The "Finder" is where are your documents and system files are stored.

     

    Click the Finder icon Flurry-of-Mac-Apps-Updated-this-Week-17-09-2010-2.jpgin your Dock.

     

    You can also open a Finder window by double clicking the MacintoshHD icon on your Desktop.

     

     

    More than just PC to Mac tutorials available here >  Apple - Find Out How - Mac Basics

     

     

    edited by:  cs

  • by fane_j,

    fane_j fane_j Mar 21, 2012 10:03 PM in response to Rick's Escaping NJ
    Level 4 (3,677 points)
    Mar 21, 2012 10:03 PM in response to Rick's Escaping NJ

    Rick\'s Escaping NJ wrote:

     

    I open finder and click on pictures.

    I think you mean you opened your Home folder and clicked on a folder named "Pictures". The fact that it's named "Pictures" doesn't mean it contains all your pictures -- unless you put them there yourself.

    is there a default "directory/folder" structure for how Macs store documents?

    Depends on what you mean by "default 'directory/folder' structure". Mac OS X provides a few specific folders in the Home directory. Software may be written to go there by default when saving; usually, Apple's apps are so designed. It's good practice to keep to this structure, but there's nothing to prevent software to save to any location to which it has write permission, and, if you have admin privileges, you may store items anywhere you wish.

     

    If you're new to Mac, you need to read

     

    Mac 101: Mac essentials

    <http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2477>

     

    and other Mac 101 support docs.

  • by Rick's Escaping NJ,

    Rick's Escaping NJ Rick's Escaping NJ Mar 22, 2012 7:24 AM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Apple TV
    Mar 22, 2012 7:24 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

    Carolyn, I understand the multiple graphic/photograph formats.  I neglected to say that 98% of all my pictures are jpgs.  I kinda think, but am not sure I understand what you mean by the finder.  Am I using "Finder" as an Application (Verb) mistakingly?

  • by fane_j,

    fane_j fane_j Mar 22, 2012 6:48 PM in response to Rick's Escaping NJ
    Level 4 (3,677 points)
    Mar 22, 2012 6:48 PM in response to Rick's Escaping NJ

    Rick\'s Escaping NJ wrote:

     

    Am I using "Finder" as an Application (Verb) mistakingly?

    "Application" is a noun.

     

    You definitely need to read all the Mac 101 articles; better yet, you should read a book such as Pogue's "Missing Manual…" or Williams' "Little Mac Book".