iMac For Dummies Cheat Sheet

iMac For Dummies

If you're new to the iMac, you'll be eager to discover its exciting possibilities. To get the most out of your iMac or iMac Pro, use the keyboard shortcuts for macOS Big Sur, follow a recommended maintenance schedule, and, if you run into a problem, follow the troubleshooting steps.

Big Sur finder keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts help make working in macOS Big Sur on your iMac quick and efficient. Key combinations provide easy options for performing common tasks on your iMac, such as displaying and manipulating windows and copying and moving files.

Key	Function
Command+A	Selects all items in the active window (icon view), all items in the column (column view), or all items in the list (list view and Cover Flow view)
Command+C	Copies the selected items
Command+D	Duplicates the selected item or items
Command+E	Ejects the selected volume
Command+F	Displays the Find controls in a new Finder window
Command+H	Hides All Finder windows
Command+I	Shows info for the selected item or items
Command+J	Shows the view options for the active window
Command+K	Displays the Connect to Server dialog
Command+L	Creates an alias for the selected item
Command+M	Minimizes the active window
Command+N	Opens a new Finder window
Command+O	Opens (or launches) the selected item
Command+R	Shows the original for the selected alias
Command+T	Opens a new Finder tab
Command+V	Pastes items from the Clipboard
Command+W	Closes the active window
Command+X	Cuts the selected items
Command+Z	Undoes the last action (if possible)
Command+,	Displays Finder Preferences dialog
Command+1	Shows the active window in icon mode
Command+2	Shows the active window in list mode
Command+3	Shows the active window in column mode
Command+4	Shows the active window in cover flow mode
Command+[	Moves back to the previous Finder location
Command+]	Moves forward to the next Finder location
Command+Delete	Moves selected items to the Trash
Command+Up Arrow	Shows the enclosing folder
Command+`	Cycles through windows
Command+/	Shows/Hides Status bar
Command+?	Displays OS X Help Viewer
Command+Shift+A	Goes to your Applications folder
Command+Shift+C	Goes to the top-level Computer location
Command+Shift+G	Goes to the specified folder
Command+Shift+H	Goes to your Home folder
Command+Shift+Q	Logs you out
Command+Shift+N	Creates a new untitled folder in the active window
Command+Shift+P	Shows/Hides Preview pane
Command+Shift+T	Shows/Hides Tab bar
Command+Shift+U	Goes to your Utilities folder
Command+Shift+Del	Deletes the contents of the Trash
Command+Option+H	Hides all windows (except Finder windows)
Command+Option+I	Opens the Inspector for the selected items
Command+Option+N	Creates a new smart folder
Command+Option+T	Shows/Hides the Finder window toolbar and sidebar
Command+Space	Displays the Spotlight search box
F3	Displays the Mission Control screen
Control+Down Arrow	Shows all open windows for the current application using Mission Control
Command+F3	Hides all windows to display the Desktop using Mission Control
Spacebar	Displays the contents of a file using Quick Look

Recommended maintenance schedule for your iMac

Following a recommended maintenance schedule for your iMac will help you avoid problems and keep your computer running smoothly. Use this iMac maintenance guide as a handy reminder.

Task	Schedule
Check for updates within System Preferences	Automatic setting (Software Update pane in System Preferences)
Back up with Time Machine	Automatic
Delete unnecessary user accounts	As necessary (Users & Groups pane in System Preferences)
Scan for viruses (using Avast Security from Avast)	Automatic
Check all volumes for errors (using Disk Utility)	Once a week
Check for the latest drivers for your external hardware	Once every six months (or after adding new hardware)
Delete temporary Internet cache files and old system logs (using the Big Sur Manage Storage feature)	Once a week

iMac troubleshooting steps

Anyone can troubleshoot, so if you run into a problem with your iMac, don’t be dismayed! Follow these troubleshooting steps to get your iMac back up and running.

Reboot.
Check all cables.
Investigate recent changes you made to your hardware or software.
Run Disk Utility and repair your volume(s).
Check the contents of your Trash for files you might have deleted accidentally.
Check your Internet, wireless, and network connections to make sure they’re still working.
Run a virus scan, using your antivirus application.
Disable your account’s Login Items and reboot.
Turn off your screen saver.
Run System Information and check the status of your hardware.

About This Article

About the book author:

Mark L. Chambers is a technical author, computer consultant, programmer, and hardware technician with over 30 years of experience. He has written over 30 computer books, including MacBook For Dummies, 9th Edition and Macs For Seniors For Dummies, 4th Edition.