I'm migrating from PC world and one thing I've wondered is: Is is possible on a Mac to make your applications run with a background so you can't see the desktop and other open programs behind the application you're in?
The desktop is the background. If you don't like the way it looks, you can change it to something more attractive (or less distracting) in System Preferences. You can also hide desktop icons from the Finder's preferences.
You can hide other applications by assigning them (or moving them) to different Spaces, as toMACsh noted or individually by choosing the Hide and Hide Others commands in the Application menu.
Shop for your Apple, Mac, iPhone and other computer products on Amazon.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.