Settings and Menus
While using a program or app you may wish it had a feature that does not seem to exist. Often the feature you want can be turned on (or off) in settings.
One of the first things I do when I evaluate a new program is look at the settings and go through the menus. This tour will give you a good idea of what you can do with a program and what you can change.
One constant of settings is that they change. As soon as I write step by step instructions on how to do something it changes. You need to be agile and learn to recognize what is consistent and reliable and how to find things that change. Do not be afraid to do an internet search for a setting.
Find the Settings
Let’s be detectives and adventurers. Choose a program and give yourself a tour of its settings and menus. Notice the locations, images and names of the various options.
Most programs hide their settings in a few consistent locations. Usually in upper corners. Sometimes at the bottom at a website. Sometimes they are labeled and sometimes they are represented by images.
The PC usually keeps it’s settings within the program itself.
The MAC often has settings for a program hidden in the top bar of your screen next to the Apple (See the program’s name when it is active. The MAC also keeps it’s settings within the Apple menu. (usually in the upper left corner of your screen)
Other Names for Settings
- Options
- Controls
- Tools
- Preferences
- Properties
- Setup
- System
- … and sometimes they get creative…
Common Images that Represent Settings and Menus
A USEFUL FEATURE: Right Click (Rt. Click)
Hovering over something anywhere on your computer screen and clicking the right mouse button (or 2 fingers on a laptop trackpad) will give you a list of options about that thing. You will then use a regular “Click” (left mouse button) to choose something from the options list.
