DSGN-1000-1: Winter 2025

Mon, Jan 13

DSGN-1000-1: Introductions and basic MacOS

Objectives

  • Review course outlines and requirements
  • Confirm that all required software tools are working
  • Making sure your computer is set up properly
  • Operating system concepts and definition
  • Mac OS Tasks:
    • Desktop elements
    • The Finder
    • Start and shut down programs
    • Window elements
    • File management

  • Mac OS help system
  • Cut, copy, paste

Presentations

Operating Systems Presentation

Analog vs. Digital

In-class resources

Handouts

Download Basic Computers handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF

Assignments

Assignment 0:
  1. Create a 1 or 2 paragraph document in Word, Pages or another word processor outlining your previous computer experience. Upload it to Brightspace.You must name the file YOURLASTNAME_Assignment0.docx (for a Word file) or YOURLASTNAME_Assignment0.pages (for a Pages file.) If you do not have access to Pages or Word, you can use an online word processor such as Office 365 or Google Docs and download it as a Word file.

Upload the file to the Brightspace by 6 pm, Wed, Jan 15

Checklist:
  • Make sure to name the file correctly. Replace "YOURLASTNAME" with whatever your last name is.
Assignment 1:

  1. Take a picture of yourself, using your phone, webcam, or any other camera that you have access to. Do not use any filters or effects that would make you un-recognizable.

    Upload the file to the Brightspace by 6 pm, Wed, Jan 15

    You must name the file YOURLASTNAME_Assignment1.jpg

Checklist:
  • Make sure to name the file correctly. Replace "YOURLASTNAME" with whatever your last name is.
  • The file must be saved as a JPEG (jpg) file. Don't just try and change the name to .jpg - you need to save the file in the right format.
  • Apple uses the HEIC format for photos. If you end up with a HEIC format file (file name ends with .heic) you will need to open it in a program like Photoshop or Preview, and save a copy as a JPEG format file.

Additional resources

Uploading to Brightspace

If you are not comfortable with the Mac, or even if you are, Basic Mac OS tutorials are a good place to start. The section on managing files is vital.

Switching from Windows? Review and try out these tips for Windows users.

Prepare for next class

Review videos and handouts on next week's class page. Make sure Photoshop is working on your computer. Download and open the sample files from next week's lesson, and check the resolution of each in Photoshop - (Image->Image size).

Need help?

Ask me if you have any problems or questions. Post a public message to Slack, or send me an email.

Next steps…

If you are comfortable with the basics of Mac OS, try some more advanced techniques such as tabs in Finder windows, groups, and keyboard navigation.