I need to grasp a few things

tom_hoyle · Mar 11, 2006

Hey guys,

I've been using my shiny new mac since early january now and I've pretty much got it down. I've learnt the commands that I need to know and switched from windows quite quickly and with relative ease.

I do however have 2 queries:

1. How do I 'hide' files on a mac, I've not been able to figure it out. I have a program called Cocktail that I can use to view hidden files easily, I just don't know how to hide them to start with!

2. Is there a 'ctrl+alt+delete' style command? I'm currently running an app (alterpod), it's meant to be backing up my iPod firmware but it doesn't seem to be doing anything, I've also ejected my iPod so it can't be doing anything but it's still running and I can't quit. I've discovered that sometimes there is a 'Force Quit' option but it's not there. I'd just like to be able to close the app really, if it's not possible i'm sure a reboot will sort it!

Thanks, Tom :ninja:

yogi · Mar 11, 2006

1: Hidden Files on Mac OS X are hidden by the system, so they are system files. There is no obvious way to hide files, or protect folders, either.

Typing Ctrl + Command + Q + Esc together will bring up the force-quit app menu.
You can also jsu right click (control-click) an apps icon in the dock and say "force quit". Or you can call up the activity monitor app and quit the relevant process.

tom_hoyle · Mar 11, 2006

yogi said:
1: Hidden Files on Mac OS X are hidden by the system, so they are system files. There is no obvious way to hide files, or protect folders, either.

Typing Ctrl + Command + Q + Esc together will bring up the force-quit app menu.
You can also jsu right click (control-click) an apps icon in the dock and say "force quit". Or you can call up the activity monitor app and quit the relevant process.

Ah, now there's another thing, is the 'command' key the one with the apple and the squiggle thing?

It didn't seem to work as you said it would!

macAttack · Mar 11, 2006

to bring up the force quit menu click the command one, (with the apple on it) the option one, and the escape button, all at once.

technologist · Mar 11, 2006

The actual keyboard shortcut is Command-option-esc. This is the same as choosing "Force Quit..." from the Apple menu.

cradom · Mar 11, 2006

If you want to hide a file or folder from the Finder, name it with a period as the first character in the name. Not all apps will let you do this, you might need to rename it in the terminal.

That being said, this will NOT keep someone from seeing the file or even opening it. It just wont be obvious.

Discerptor · Mar 12, 2006

tom_hoyle said:
Hey guys,

I've been using my shiny new mac since early january now and I've pretty much got it down. I've learnt the commands that I need to know and switched from windows quite quickly and with relative ease.

I do however have 2 queries:

1. How do I 'hide' files on a mac, I've not been able to figure it out. I have a program called Cocktail that I can use to view hidden files easily, I just don't know how to hide them to start with!

2. Is there a 'ctrl+alt+delete' style command? I'm currently running an app (alterpod), it's meant to be backing up my iPod firmware but it doesn't seem to be doing anything, I've also ejected my iPod so it can't be doing anything but it's still running and I can't quit. I've discovered that sometimes there is a 'Force Quit' option but it's not there. I'd just like to be able to close the app really, if it's not possible i'm sure a reboot will sort it!

Thanks, Tom :ninja:

1: Just make the filename start with a period.

2: Option+Command+Escape will take you right to the Force Quit window, allowing you to force quit any application open or force Finder to relaunch. Option as in Alt, not Control.

yogi · Mar 12, 2006

Man i must have been smoiking or so... funnily, when I did that last night, Front Row came up! Why did that happen!? well, the right combination is Option+Command+Esc, i.e. Alt+Apple+Esc

tom_hoyle · Mar 12, 2006

Thanks all, you've been a great help, now I know how to force wuti of an application and I now understand the keyboard a bit better!

Cheers!