Dashboard is an screen overlay that gives you instant access to small apps, known as widgets, that perform specific tasks, e.g., package tracking, flight information, weather, stock prices, etc.,.

Dashboard literally appears and disappears with a single keystroke.

In OSX 10.7 Lion, Apple turned the Dashboard overlay off. To turn it back on:

• Go to the black Apple in the top left-hand corner and select System Preferences.
• Click Mission Control.

• Uncheck Show Dashboard as a Space.

• Click the red cherry button to close System Preferences.

Using Dashboard:

• On any Mac, click the Dashboard icon in the Dock to open. If you don’t see the icon, drag it from the Applications folder onto the Dock.

• On the Macbook Pro, click the 5th button from the left on the top row (F4). It’s marked with the Dashboard symbol that looks like a speedometer.

• The Macbook Air and Macbook Pro with Retina display, do not have a dedicated Dashboard button. You can access Dashboard from the Dashboard icon on the Dock or, if you’re comfortable, program a custom key in System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts.

When you are in Dashboard, click anywhere outside of a widget to return to the desktop

Adding and Removing Widgets:

These instructions are for OSX 10.7 Lion or OSX 10.8 Mountain Lion.

If you’re running an earlier version of OSX, this guide may suffice, though there are differences in the older Dashboard interface. If you get stuck, give Google a shot and you’ll find what you need.

• Go into Dashboard, either by clicking on the icon in the Dock or tapping the Dashboard key.
• At the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, you’ll see a plus and a minus button.

To Add A Widget From Your Computer:

• Click the plus button.
• A screen appears showing all available Widgets on your computer.
• To add a Widget to the Dashboard, double click it’s icon.
• It will drop onto the Dashboard with a cool ripple effect. Grab it and drag it to move it around.

To Add A Widget From Apple or a Third-Party Company:

• Click the plus button.
• A screen appears showing all available Widgets on your computer.
• Click on the More Widgets… button in the bottom left-hand corner to go to Apple’s Widget Website. Download as many as you like.
• You’ll find many third-party companies offer Widgets. After you download, most install instantly.
• With all downloaded Widgets, you will be asked to confirm the installation.

To Remove Any Widget From The Dashboard:

• Click the minus button.
• A screen appears showing all available Widgets on your computer. There is a small black button with an X in the top left-hand corner of each Widget. Click this button to remove the widget.

How To Use A Widgets:

• Go into Dashboard, either by clicking on the icon in the Dock or tapping the Dashboard key.
• Move your cursor over the Widget. A small “i” will appear in one corner.
• Click the “i” and the Widget revolves taking you to a setup screen.
• Click Done when you are finished. The Widget should now be functioning.

Widgets I Use:

• iCal Events – Quickview of your Calendar. Covered in post – iCal Events – It’s What Happens Next
• Currency Converter – What it says. You can download it here.
• Flight Tracker – Know when your relatives touch down at LAX. Comes with the Mac.
• Movies – Browse by movie or theater, watch trailers and book tickets. Comes with the Mac.
• Delivery Status – Track a package – Cool Apps – Track A Package With Delivery Status Touch
• Dashnote – Simple notebook that synchronizes on Dashboard across your devices. Join Simplenote.com.
• NASA Image of the Day – Downloaded from Apple’s Widget Website. Listed in the Reference category.

Have a great weekend.

If you have questions, please use the Comments section below.