The option key on the Mac keyboard enhances some of the actions you can perform.
In all these tips, hold down the Option key and perform the indicated action. The Option key is usually located on the bottom row of the keyboard between the Command (Apple) key and the Control key. There is one on each side. You only need to press one of them.
Option + Click a window shut
Closes all the windows behind it.
Option + Double click an icon
The icon will open, closing the window the icon is in .
Option + Click on Special, Clean Up
Aligns all the icons from left to right and top to bottom
Option + Empty Trash
Deletes all files including any that are locked. Locked files normally cannot be deleted. They can be unlocked by the check box in File, Get Info.
Option + Drag a file or folder to different window
Copies the file or folder, leaving the original as is. The default without the Option Key held down is for the file or folder to be moved.
In AppleWorks, hold down the Option Key as you type a space between words
Inserts a non line-breaking space so the two words will not be separated by an endofline word wrap. Works with dashes too.
In AppleWorks when inserting the date or time (Edit, Insert Time or Insert Date)
The date or time stays as is and is not updated when the file is reopened.
In Word processing, use the Option Key with the Arrow Up or Arrow Down Key
Jumps to the start or end of the current paragraph.
In AppleWorks, clicking on a graphic
Copies the graphic
This item is for your home computer. It does not need to be done on the school computers
Option + hold down the Command key on start up
Rebuilds (cleans up) the desktop. This can be done once a month as a housekeeping chore. Extensions should be turned off first. Turn off extensions by going to the Apple Menu, Control Panel, Extensions Manager. Uncheck the X in Extensions. Restart the machine holding down the Option and Command Keys. Let the desktop rebuild. Go back and insert the X in the Extensions part of Extension Manager. Restart the machine again.