El Capitan is the latest release of OS X that offers a number of new useful features and improvements that will make your Mac experience more enjoyable. Apple continues working on performance and stability of its operating system with every update, but there are also valuable and compelling new things aimed at expanding the abilities of OS X. So here is a list of tips and tricks you definitely should learn:
Split View mode
This mode lets you have two apps open at once in full screen mode. This is an irreplaceable feature when you take notes in Outline and would like to easily drag and drop content from Safari or other apps to your notes. Just click and hold the green full screen button for a couple of seconds and Split View will be activated. Then move Outline’s window to one side and, for example, Safari to another side. You can use the vertical line separating two apps to regulate how much space each of apps gets.
Hide the menu bar
El Capitan allows to automatically hide and show the menu bar so that users can get more screen space. To enable this option, open System Preferences dialog and go to General, then click the corresponding checkbox. After that, the menu bar will automatically disappear when not in use. If you want to bring it back, just put your cursor at the top of your Mac’s screen.
Find your cursor
This is a small, but useful feature, especially when you have many open windows and can’t locate your cursor. To find it, shake your mouse or swipe your finger back and forth on the trackpad. This turns cursor into a big arrow, so you won’t miss it anymore.
Delete files immediately
OS X El Capitan now makes it possible to delete files even faster than before. Choose a file you want to delete and hold down the Option key, the Delete option will immediately appear in the File menu. You can skip the File menu and use Option+Cmd+Delete shortcut either once a file is selected.
Two-factor authentication
New security method requires not only entering a 6-digit code, but also access to your device where you were logged in with your iCloud account before or trusted phone number to be able to get a code via text message or phone call. So even if someone has your password, it’s hard to hack into your account. You can enable this feature in System Preferences -> iCloud -> Account Details -> Security. After clicking on the button “Turn on Two-Factor Authentication” you will be prompted to set up trusted device or phone number. Note that this feature is available not for all users at the moment.
App Store password settings
Similar to iOS, there are new security options for in-app purchases and free downloads for the Mac App Store. You can make it harder or easier depending on your personal preference. To do that, head into System preferences, choose App Store, and customize your settings.
Devices using iCloud
If you forgot which devices use your iCloud account you can check this out in System Preferences -> iCloud -> Account Details -> Devices. You will see a list of devices signed in with your iCloud account. So if you don’t use one of them anymore, just remove this device from your account and be sure no one has access to your personal data.
