How to Change the Desktop Background on an Apple Macintosh Computer

Apple's OS X makes it very easy to change the desktop background, or wallpaper, on a Macintosh. It is an instant change and does not require rebooting the computer. A computer can use pre-loaded images, photographs from iPhoto or downloaded desktop backgrounds (these need to be the correct size for the screen, which can be found under Display in the System Preferences).

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Click the blue Apple icon in the top left corner of the screen (it should be next to the name of the current program being used).

2. Choose "System Preferences." Click the button marked "Show All" at the top of the System Preferences console that appears.

3. Locate the Desktop & Screen Saver icon under the division marked "Personal." Select it by double clicking on it.

4. Select the "Desktop" button at the top of the Desktop & Screen Saver console that opens. It is blue when selected. The current desktop image is displayed and a list of folders (Apple Images, Nature, Plants) with other options. At the bottom of the list of folders, links to the computer's iPhoto Library, "Last Import" "Last 12 Months" albums, and user-created albums are displayed.

5. Browse the pre-loaded images or iPhoto pictures to select a new image. Double-clicking on the new image can change the background.

6. Select a downloaded or created wallpaper by selecting the folder icon marked "Choose Folder" in the folder listing. This opens the standard OSX file browsing window. Navigate it to find the appropriate file, and select it. Rotate the Desktop Background image by clicking the check box next to "Change Picture" at the bottom of the console. Select the length of time to display pictures from the drop-down box.

7. Quit System Preferences when done.