Geeking out on Mac

I barely remember the version of myself that didn't think Apple computers were user-friendly. They are more expensive, yes, but they are also very reliable, flexible, and are capable of automated activity that will save you time.

Mac OS X offers a powerful tool called Script Editor. This is an application that uses Apple scripts as a language to perform tasks you program. For example, you can write a program that opens all of the browser tabs you like to use at the click of one button. Quitting all of your applications and shutting down your computer at a particular time each day is another example. Opening applications and instructing them to perform certain functions and telling your computer to

perform specific keystrokes are commonly used in Apple Script Editor.

Here is a script that opens up some .png files I have for the CA Music Standards:

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Here is the script working:

The best use of the Apple Script Editor is to automate functions you use all the time. It may not sound like you're saving much time, but the tasks you can automate, the more your computer can help you get things done more efficiently. As a teacher, I'm always looking for ways to save time. One of my scripts includes a function to take a snapshot of a window, title it, and replace the existing file of the same title on my desktop. This only requires that I select which window I want to take a snapshot of.

Here is what the code looks like:

Here is me doing the process using the mouse the first time, and then the script doing it for me the second time:

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