Apple 145 manual Finding out what programs are open, Switching programs, Open programs

Working with several programs at a time

You can open as many programs and desk accessories as your computer’s memory allows.

All open programs are listed in the Application menu at the right end of the menu bar. The name of the active program (the one you’re using right now) has a checkmark next to it, and its icon appears in the menu bar.

The Finder icon

Commands to hide or display open windows

Open programs

Checkmark indicates the active program

Finding out what programs are open

If you have several programs and windows open, you can find out which program is active and what other programs are open by pulling down the Application menu.

Switching programs

You can switch to another open program or desk accessory by choosing its name from the Application menu.

If a program’s icon is dimmed in the menu, that means its windows are hidden. Choosing the program from the Application menu displays its windows.

You can also switch to another program by clicking in a window that belongs to an open program, or by double-clicking a program icon (or the icon of a document that was created with the program).

Hiding and showing windows on the desktop

You can hide all windows except those of the active program by choosing the Hide Others command from the Application menu.

The other programs remain open even though the windows are hidden. When you switch to another program, its windows are displayed.

If you want to see all the open windows, choose Show All from the Application menu.

94 Chapter 6: Setting Up Your Programs