Infinite Regression

Since getting my iMac, I’ve spent a lot of time searching the web for tips and tricks on how to use it, and funky new applications to make my life easier (or more interesting). I thought, that given the increase in the numbers of people switching to mac now, that I would consolidate all my info here. I’d like to point out that the contents of this page is not fixed, it will change and be updated regularly as and when I find stuff that is worthy.
So, to business.

I will assume for this that you already have a basic knowledge of OS X. If you don’t, read the manual.

Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts

Inline Dictionary
Hover your cursor over a word in a compatible program (Safari, TextEdit, etc.), hold Ctrl + ⌘ (the Command, or Apple key) and press D, a small box will pop up containing the dictionary definition for the word under your cursor. This box will move around with your cursor and give real time definitions for as long as you hold the modifier keys (Ctrl + Command).

Quick Zoom
Hold Ctrl on your keyboard and roll your scroll wheel to quickly zoom in on any object on-screen. (Very handy)

Hide and Show Dock
Assuming you don’t want your dock on auto-hide, but want it out of the way for a minute, hold Option (alt or ⌥) and Command and press D.

Get a Multi Button Mouse
By multi-button, I mean at least 5 buttons. Then you can set them up for left, right, and middle click, with the two remaining buttons as shortcuts for dashboard and exposé. This is a very handy set up, and I find myself using all the buttons constantly.

Java
Java, regardless of its multi-platform abilities, is widely know for being slow and an utter processor hog. I have cursed it countless numbers of times, both in Windows, and during uni, when I was forced to program in it (I’m sure it was some sort of obscure torture method). However, as far as I can tell, OS X’s Java implementation is integrated. It is not a separate system like Linux and Windows. Updates come from Apple, not Sun. And damn is it fast. Admittedly, it’s not close to native code, but when compared with other platforms, OS X runs Java like it was born to do it. So, if you’re new to Macs and have had bad experiences with Java before, don’t tar OS X with the same brush. (an fine example being I could never get Azureus to work on Windows, OS X runs it fine.

Installing and Uninstalling
Installing apps it quite simple, when you download a program, it will usually arive in one of two forms, a disk image, or a package (sometimes a package in a disk image). Programs in disk images can usually be installed simply by dragging them to your applications folder. Thats it. You’re done. Larger, more complex apps usually come as disk images, two that occur to me are Apple’s iWork, and Adobe’s Creativity Suite. These can be double clicked, and run a wizard not unlike your usual Windows installer.
Uninstalling apps you installed by drag-dropping is very simple. Drag it to your Trash. Simple yes? Apps that were installed via package either have an uninstaller somewhere, or they give instructions in a readme as to how to uninstall. My advice is, before installing something that uses a package, make sure you know how to uninstall (unless you’re 100% sure you’re keeping it)

This is not the end. XD
More will be added as and when I think of it. Next up is probably video and audio players. kthxbai.