In March 2001, Apple revolutionized the way in which computers ran by releasing "Cheetah," the first version of Mac OS X. Nearly 10 years later, Apple again rethought the experience of using a desktop computer in creating Mac OS X "Lion" (10.7). Now, using an Apple computer will be, in many ways, similar to using an iPad or an iPhone. Here are some of the key upgrades:
- Multi-Touch Gestures. With Lion, Apple reconsidered some of the basic components of the computer experience--scrolling and clicking, for instance--to make them more user-friendly and hands-on. With Multi-Touch gestures, you directly control the content of the screen with your fingertips. To zoom, you tap and pinch. To navigate, you swipe your fingers.
- Full-Screen Apps. Much like on an iPad or iPhone, your applications will now take up every pixel of your display. This will be especially useful when using apps like iPhoto and iMovie. You can now be fully immersed in editing, surfing, e-mailing, watching, and writing.
- Launchpad is now the full-screen home for all applications on your Mac. Instead of having to trudge through your applications folder to find what you're looking for (as in past editions of Mac OS X), all your apps can be easily found at Launchpad.
- Mission Control. With this feature, you can get a glimpse of every application your computer is running. This way, you can swiftly navigate between your apps.
- Auto Save. Forget about having to manually save your work. With Lion, you no longer have to press "control-S" every few minutes. Your Mac will automatically save with a feature called Versions, which takes frequent snapshots of your screen so you can view all iterations of compositions.
- AirDrop. With this new feature, you can share files with people around you. No Wi-Fi network is even required; they just have to be within 30 feet of your system.
- Mail. The new version of Mail in OS X Lion is now widescreen, just like it is on iPads and iPhones. Similarly, conversations in the same "thread" will now be linked together.
To upgrade to Lion, you need to have Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) and be running a computer with either an Intel Core or Xeon processor. Unlike previous versions, there will be no CD or DVD needed to upgrade. Instead, you will download the operating system from the Mac App Store for US$29.99. Before upgrading, you should back up your computer just in case. Also, check Software Update immediately after you install Mac OS X Lion.
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