Finding Files

1. Choose Apple > Find File.
2. In the text box after "contains" type as much of the file name you are trying to locate as possible.To specify where to look for the file click the Find Items drop down list (which says "on all disks" by default) and choose the location you want to search. If you are looking for a file but do not know its exact name, click the "name" drop-down list to use another criterion for finding the file, such as size or date created. (You may know that you created the file yesterday.) You can also change the "contain" drop-down list to refine your search.
3. For more options, click More Choices. You can then use two criteria for finding the file.
4. Click the Find button. When the search is complete, a list of files appears.
5. To open one, double-click its icon.

Creating Desktop Aliases (Shortcuts)

An alias is an easy way to open a program or file. (On PCs, it's called a shortcut.) Place aliases on the desktop to access often-used programs and files you're currently working on. You can delete an alias any time without affecting the actual program or file. Here are the steps:

1. Open the window containing the file you want to make an alias of.
2. Locate the file. If you want to open a program with the shortcut, you need to find the file for the program. The file kind will say Application (if you are viewing the window as a list).
3. Select the file and choose File > Make Alias.
4. Mac OS creates an alias just below the file and highlights it.
5. Drag the alias to your desktop.
6. Click the shortcut's name once and type a new name, if you wish.
7. Press Enter.