Keep window elements together

[bthom70]

Ok Im a Mac newbie.
But this is driving me crazy.
How do I keep elemnts of the same windo together. Specifically in Mac Office Word, the 2 tool bars at the top kep getting in the way and hiding the minimize/close buttons.
Can I lock it so no document window can slide underneath?

How do I get back to a window under a window? Even if it was not minimized.
Why doesnt the dock show every window that is open?
I know multiple browser windows and multiple Word documents are sometimes stacked ( I hate this in Windows XP too) Can I turn this off like I can in XP?
But the Finder window does not show in the dock, WHY?

 

[Lacero]

Why doesnt the dock show every window that is open? <snip> ...the Finder window does not show in the dock, WHY?

That's just the difference between Macs and Windows, unfortunately. Which do I prefer? Macs of course!

The Dock only shows apps and minimized windows.

 

[feakbeak]

While I used Mac OS 7/8/9 a bit in college, I've always been a Windows user primarily. I bought my Mac Mini early this year to play with OS X and iLife. The way windows are handled is definitely different from Windows. Give it some time it will probably become more natural - it did for me. Now, I use my Mac with a bunch of open windows all over the place. Be sure to use Expose, it is your friend. Macs just work best that way.

Interestingly enough, I still often maximize most (not all) of my windows on Windows. It is just best to use each OS as it was designed to best be used. They each have their pros and cons and most of this stuff is a matter of preference anyway.

Bottom line - don't fight the design of the OS, you'll only cause yourself more pain.

 

[bthom70]

Ok in finder, How do I rename a file or folder?
In Windows the F2 key is rename and it highlites the name to edit.

You mean I spent $1999 on the newest rev 15" powerbook that can't do simple editing and keeping various elements of a window and toolbars together?


****trying to calm down. Masters Thesis is looming*****
I can see the next semester will interesting as I learn the ropes on my new Powerbook

 

[mad jew]

Ok in finder, How do I rename a file or folder?

Select it and press RETURN.

 

[Lacero]

Highlight the file. Click on the text you want to change and after a slight delay, the name becomes editable. To make the change, click anywhere outside or press return. If you make a mistake, press Command+Z to undo.

You can also edit a filename by selecting the file, and pressing Enter/Return on all keyboards.

 

[feakbeak]

You mean I spent $1999 on the newest rev 15" powerbook that can't do simple editing and keeping various elements of a window and toolbars together?

I think calming down would be a good idea. I'm not sure what you mean by simple editing but if you are talking about renaming files/folders you can do that as mad jew noted. As for the windows, that is just a design difference. You must've known that a different OS would not function just like Windows does. Give it some time, you can't expect to be flying around a different OS environment using all the keyboard shortcuts you are used to from Windows.

Go take a break... things will get better.

 

[bthom70]

Now thats just downright silly.
Using the Enter key as the rename function.
Thats just not right.

Ok, is there a link to a webpage with keyboard shortcuts?


Thanks for you help everyone
I bought "Switching to the Mac" Tiger Ed by Pogue its a great book but some of my questions arent in there.

I knew the switch to using a Mac would not come overnight, but 15 years of working in the IT field and old habits die hard.

edit ***breathe, breathe, Master's paper due by Midnight Sat., breathe, breathe.******

 

[feakbeak]

This seems like a good list. I thought Apple had an official page for OS X keyboard commands but I couldn't find it with 10 seconds of Googling so I gave up.

You may find this list of OS X terminal commands useful as well. That is, if you plan to use Terminal.