I wish I would have found you ages ago.”

Online Learner

Creating Opportunities For A Better Life.®

OS X Lion

Single page view print copy

Exploring OS X Lion

New features in OS X Lion

OS X Lion introduced many changes and improvements, both small and large. Below are a few of the most important new features:

LaunchpadLaunchpad
Mission ControlMission Control
  • Launchpad: Launchpad is designed to be an easier way to launch and manage your applications. When you open Launchpad, you will see icons for all of the applications on your computer. You can then open or rearrange them. If you've used an iPad or iPhone before, you'll notice that Launchpad has a similar look and feel.
  • Mission Control: Mission Control allows you to view all of the documents and applications that are open, and it also allows you to switch between different virtual desktops. If you are familiar with other versions of OS X, this may remind you of the Exposé and Spaces features. This is because these features have been combined to create Mission Control.
  • Full-screen apps: OS X Lion makes it easier to have a full-screen view of an app by hiding the Dock, menu bar, and everything else. This is especially useful if you are using a laptop with a smaller screen. If you want to switch between different full-screen apps, you can use Mission Control.
  • Auto Save: Although many programs already have an Auto Save feature, Lion has taken the idea a step further. Many programs in Lion do not have a manual Save button and instead rely only on Auto Save. Lion also keeps track of all of the changes using a feature called Versions, which allows you to restore an earlier version of your document if you make a mistake.
    Using a pinch gesture to zoom outUsing a pinch gesture to zoom out
  • AirDrop: AirDrop lets you easily send files to nearby computers using your computer's built-in wireless card. You will see a name and icon for each computer that has AirDrop, and you can share a file by dragging it onto the icon.
  • Multi-touch gestures: Multi-touch gestures can be used with a trackpad or with Apple's Magic Mouse to perform specific tasks. Lion uses many different types of gestures, such as pinches, taps, double-taps, and swipes, to create a smoother computing experience. However, they are optional, so you can still use traditional pointing and clicking if you prefer.
  • Improved accessibility: Lion adds improvements to the VoiceOver app, which is used by blind and low-vision users to access apps in OS X. VoiceOver includes voices in 22 languages, as well as support for Braille displays.
 
1 2 3