OS X Mavericks: Use Dasbhoard widgets
Under OS X Mavericks you will find various dashboard widgets that make everyday life easier with practical functions. For example, you can find a digital calculator, a translator or a weather display. In our guide you will learn more about the different dashboard widgets.
Dashboard widgets: clock, translator and weather
On your dashboard, you operate various elements that you can add and remove at any time. Many of these so-called widgets are already preinstalled. You can call up the dashboard using various methods: Swipe your fingers from right to left on your trackpad or magic mouse. Otherwise just open "Mission Control" (F4 key) and click on "Dashboard".
- A useful tool is the translator: simply enter the phrase you want to translate and then select the desired language. There are a lot of language packages available.
- The calculator is very popular. You can carry out spontaneous calculations on your Mac.
- The weather widget informs you about the adversity at your location. By clicking on the "i" symbol, you manually enter your location.
- If you want to remove a widget, click on the minus symbol in the lower left corner and then press on the X symbol next to the respective widget.
Mac OS X Mavericks - add new widgets
By clicking on the plus symbol at the bottom left, you can download additional dashboard widgets. On the one hand, you can see your installed widgets here. On the other hand, you will be linked to Apple's widget download area.
- Open your dashboard and then click the plus icon at the bottom left.
- Then select the "More widgets ..." option.
- You are now directed to the Apple website with further widgets. Here you will find numerous categories to find the right one for your taste.
- After downloading a widget, all you have to do is unzip the zip archive and install the unpacked file with a double click.
In the next practical tip you will learn how to read messages from iMessage under OS X Mavericks.