Keyboard shortcuts can dramatically increase the speed at which you can use your Mac. For example, with a single tap, you can open the iCloud Drive directory in the Finder or set up file transfers via AirDrop. It’s very convenient, and hardly any user can argue with that fact. But unfortunately, only some remember keyboard shortcuts and only rely on the macOS graphical interface.

Even though it is clear and intuitive, depending on it alone will waste your time. That’s why we’ve collected in this article the most useful, essential, and convenient keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work significantly. As a result, you will complete the same tasks much faster than your competitors.

What You’ve Been Looking For and Now Found

There have probably been situations where you thought how nice it would be to press a couple of buttons instead of doing a whole set of actions to launch a particular process. And then, you’ll learn which buttons you should demand to supercharge your workflow. Below you will find a helpful all popular shortcuts for everyday use. But if you face any difficulties with them or need additional information, consider using a consulting service called Howly, where you can get a Mac consultation and help anytime online.

1 Open the iCloud Drive folder in the Finder

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) I in Finder

This shortcut will prove extremely useful if you store all your work documents in iCloud Drive. It instantly takes you to the root directory of Apple’s proprietary cloud storage.

2 Open the desktop folder in the Finder

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) D in Finder

With this command, you can quickly pick up files to move.

If you’re interacting with an ongoing project using the desktop and then scattering the files you’ve created into folders in “Documents,” here’s a great way to move quickly. Moreover, as practice shows, it is very convenient.

3 Setting up file transfers via AirDrop

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) R in Finder

When working in the office with other people, some users prefer to turn off AirDrop to avoid regular random accesses. However, you can turn it on very quickly with a simple keyboard shortcut.

4 Duplicate files or folders

Command(⌘) D

in Finder

Duplicate files are great for test adjustments of anything and everything. In addition, duplicate helps create new versions of layouts of any plan for customers and beyond.

5 Create a new folder for the files

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) N in Finder

It is the fastest way to create a new folder. You don’t need to use the context and any other menus when there is a simple keyboard shortcut to do it.

6 Quick Recycle Bin cleanup

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) Delete(⌫)

in Finder

For now, no need to reach for the Recycle Bin with the cursor. Instead, all you have to do is use the keyboard shortcut.

7 Add the selected item to the Dock

Command(⌘) Control(⌃) Shift(⇧) T

in Finder

Thus, for example, in the Dock, you can add a folder with files you need quick access to within the current project.

8 Hide or show the Dock panel

Command(⌘) Option(⌥) D

in any app

If you don’t need Dock temporarily, you can quickly hide it with a simple keyboard shortcut. If you need more screen space, you can conceal Dock as well.

9 Open an additional tab

Command(⌘) T

in many apps

Most built-in and third-party Mac applications work with a tabbed system. Instead of creating more and more windows, it’s easier to work with files in tabs within a single app. Not all software supports this system, but it works well in Safari and Finder.

10 Start the search in the Help Menu bar

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) ?/

in any app

With this search bar, you can quickly find any item from various sections in the menu bar. It is advantageous both for quickly starting one of them, and in case it is unclear where any of them is located.

11 Scrolling through documents, lists, files

Fn ▲ and ▼ arrows

in any app

Of course, it’s convenient to flip through any list with two fingers swiping vertically on the trackpad. However, some will like the alternative, which involves using the keyboard shortcut.

12 Quick access to the application settings menu

Command(⌘) <

in any app

It is the fastest way to start settings. Using this shortcut in any application opens its settings. Very convenient if you need to look there regularly.

13 Delete files, photos, songs

Command(⌘) Delete(⌫) in many apps

Not everyone knows how to delete files quickly. Those who have just moved from Windows wonder why files are not deleted simply through Delete(⌫).

14 Forced to terminate an application

Command(⌘) Option(⌥) Esc

in any app

Yes, within macOS, applications also sometimes need to be terminated. This keyboard shortcut opens up the most simplified custom version of the Task Manager, which can help you close something that’s unexpectedly frozen.

15 Add a particular symbol or emoji to the text

Command(⌘) Control(⌃) Spacebar(␣)

in any app

macOS has a very convenient system for working with memorable characters and emoticons.

16 Switch the application to a full-screen view

Command(⌘) Control(⌃) F

in many apps

This way, it will use the screen 100% efficiently. It is especially true when using laptops with relatively small screens. In addition, running applications on all inches will help increase your workspace, as well as shield you from other software that might be distracting.

17 Switching between the latest applications

Command(⌘) Tab(⇥)

in any app

Now you can quickly return to one of the most recent applications. It is analogous to the multitasking menu of the iPhone and iPad for quick access to the most recent apps you’ve recently used.

18 Creating screenshots with built-in tools

Command(⌘) Shift(⇧) 5 in any app

It is the most convenient tool for creating screenshots.

19 Instantly lock the screen of your Mac

Command(⌘) Control(⌃) Q

in any app

It will protect the data on your computer from the bad guys around you. For example, if you work in an office, lock your Mac’s screen whenever you leave it unattended.

20 Quick access to the monitor setup menu

Option(⌥) brightness button

in any app

You can quickly switch profiles or turn off unwanted modes. For example, if you occasionally process photos, you can quickly turn off True Tone mode, which distorts colors by adjusting the white balance to suit your computer’s surroundings. True Tone is instrumental when working with text and reading but not professionally interacting with visual content.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you have the superpower to handle all your work processes in a few seconds, while your competitors may take much longer. In addition, we can see that all Apple equipment is user-friendly and offers many excellent features and functions for its owners.

Everyone has heard of computer viruses and malware expecting inattentive users online. Here are some useful recommendations on MacBook cybersecurity.

MacBook Safety: The Guide to Secure Your Laptop Online

The world has gone online long ago. Viruses and malware programs have been remaining with us all the time, waiting for that chance to infect all the gadgets regardless of their OS and manufacturer. Windows PCs, Android and iOS phones or tablets, iMacs, and MacBooks are all in danger.
Still, cybersecurity is also being developed. In 2020, it is not something complicated and specialized. Software designers aim to make maximum safety available and understandable for every user by default.
The users of Apple devices and software solutions can be calm as well. Most frequently, all that is needed to keep your favorite MacBook and its data away from danger is the user’s attention.

1. Make Sure Your Operating System is Up-to-Date

Here is the point: hackers creating malware always target OLD operating system versions. The reason is that they study the codes and find security weaknesses to use while infiltrating into your MacBook’s system.
When you keep your OS X updated, you guarantee the most breakage points to be blocked by developers. The same thing works for all the applications you install on your laptop.

2. Use Programs You Know Exclusively

The software that users download and install on their MacBooks is probably the most frequently exploited gateway by hackers. Malware units are mainly like vampires. A vampire is known to require an invitation to enter someone’s living, and a malware agent needs your permission to be installed.
So, every installation of third-party apps, pirated or cracked programs, “keygens”, and other likely things are a threat to your laptop’s cybersecurity. It is strictly recommended to install exclusively licensed pieces of software if you want to avoid being hacked.

3. Avoid Random Links

Private data hunters and malware spreaders use every possibility to hook the inattentive user. A random link published on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, or any other website can lead you to a phishing site or an “infected” Internet page. Of course, web admins do everything they can aiming to block suspicious URL addresses and to warn their users about threats.
Still, warnings don’t always work, and no specialist is almighty. The key here is your attention. Again.

4. Filter Ads

There exist special browser extensions like AdBlock that block all the advertisement banners and pop-up windows from appearing on the screen of your MacBook. That’s how you prevent clicking on a random ad, and also don’t allow cybercriminals to track your online activities.
There exist both free and paid ad blocking solutions. Many antivirus packages include such software that is simple to install and use.

5. Use XProtect, the Built-In Mac Antivirus

It is really useful.
The market offers multiple antivirus software choices. However, not all of them can provide reliable protection from malware. The trouble is especially relevant nowadays when hackers target Mac OS weaknesses specifically with the latest virus modifications. The default antivirus solution provided by apple is actually enough to protect your MacBook from such threats as malware, spyware, phishing attacks, keyboard spies, and data leakage attempts.
There also exist specialized third-party antivirus apps designed to secure Mac computers specifically (for instance, Airo AV). Still, you need them only in case you feel the requirement for advanced security layers. Mostly, users will be enough with the functions and capabilities of XProtect.

6. Use Confidential Browsers

Despite being quite comfortable and loved by MacBook users, the default Safari app by Apple is not the safest thing to use. Most probably, you heard about such programs as Tor and Opera. Those are safe and confidential web browsing solutions.
The use of alternative safety browsers is among the top measures to provide your MacBook with the best cybersecurity. Such programs don’t let intruders track the user’s web activity and surfing history, hide their IP-addresses (which means hiding physical location), and even block suspicious scripts hidden on fraud websites.

7. Have Backups

It’s an axiom of data security, though most users don’t keep up with this rule. None of the data protection measures is perfect. There always exists a chance for malware agents to intrude on your MacBook’s system and cause software malfunctions, data losses, and even hardware breakages.
By backing up your Mac regularly, you can be sure to have a copy of all your files all the time, even if a MacBook will be broken, stolen, or lost. Apple has the built-in Time Machine function to simplify the process of creating regular backups. Of course, this means you need to sacrifice a lot of your hard drive space to it, but the confidence about your data being safe is worth anything in our times.

For many decades, Mac machines stayed ahead of their Windows counterparts in terms of safety. They demonstrated a higher level of resilience against malware. Therefore, they built a permanent safety reputation in the minds of many users. This image can be further solidified by the fact that we have never had a Mac epidemic. That’s why it’s hard to convince many people that Mac computers are also vulnerable to malware. If you are one of them, you should change your mind. The reason is that the 2020 State of Malware Report shows that modern hackers are directing more attacks against Macs. The report shows that hackers increased their attacks on Mac PCs last year alone by a staggering 400% increase, emphasizing how important it is to take precautions and beef up your PC safety. Read on to discover how you can detect and remove viruses targeting your Mac.

 

Detecting Malware: Top Signs to Look For

Detecting viruses on your Mac is easy if you know how to do it. Below are the leading signs you need to look for to know whether your machine is infected or not.

• Your PC will suddenly start performing slower than ever.
• You will notice strange ads popping up on your machine’s screen.
• You will also notice some strange app icons on your Mac’s desktop, yet you never installed them.
• A virus infection can replace your custom browser with a new one.
• You will notice your machine redirecting you to strange web pages when loading.
• You will also see severe threats and warnings popping up and forcing you to download specific programs.
• Your machine or its programs start shutting down or restarting automatically.

Removing Malware

So, what do you do if malware has already invaded your Mac? Here are two main ways of removing malware from your PC.

Manual Removal

If you have identified the malicious app disturbing your Mac, you can start by closing and rooting it out of its system’s processes. You will need to do so by:

1. Opening the Activity Monitor by typing its name in the Launchpad;
2. Locating the malicious program the Processes;
3. Using the [x] button to stop the process.
4. Afterward, you will return to the Applications and send the program to the Trash bin and empty it immediately.

Although this method is easy and straightforward, you will need more time to do it successfully. Also, by the time you were sending it to trash, it may have scattered into different folders. So, it’s safer to use an effective antivirus app.

Cleaning Your Login Data

At times, many malware programs hide in your Mac’s bootup process. Fortunately, you can remove them without a sophisticated antivirus app. Here is how to do it.

1. Opening the Apple menu, then the System Preferences.
2. Choosing the Users & Groups section.
3. Next, ensure you have highlighted your username.
4. Then, open the Login Items tab.
5. Use the “—” sign to disable all the malware.
6. Lastly, reboot the machine to apply the changes.

Additional Steps:
You also need to take the following steps to safeguard your Mac.
If you fear that the malware you dealt with could return, you can create a new user profile on your machine. The reason is that most malware targets users and not devices.
It would be best if you ran a malware detector on your PC to ensure that it is always safe.
You can also restore your machine’s older version to eliminate the virus. This solution is easy, although you may lose any change you made after you made the last backup on the Mac.
If things remain complex, don’t fear to call for technical support to deal with the malware.
Although Macs lead their Windows counterparts in safety matters, recent hacking onslaughts have exposed them to attacks. Therefore, be aware that you are not 100% safe unless you stay ahead of hackers. To help you do this, we shared insights on how to boost your security by detecting and removing malware. We hope you will use them well to remain on top of the security game.