22 Oct 2013, 8:28 a.m.
Here is what Mavericks looks like when you first run it—an empty desktop with a distracting picture and the familiar dock. You’ll probably want to use System Preferences to change the background to a solid color.
The Finder in full-screen view, showing all usable files. Note the multiple tabs, now available in the Finder for the first time.
Safari’s improved sidebar now lets you scroll through every page in your reading list simply by swiping downward on the trackpad. Here the second page on the list is scrolling into view as I finished reading the first page.
Mavericks’ Maps has most of the features you expect, including turn-by-turn directions for driving and walking, but not the public-transport instructions available in Google Maps.
A simple menu lets you report problems in the Maps app, as in this view where the satellite image doesn’t align correctly with the map.
Street addresses in the Contacts app include a link to Maps. Note the new, clean interface in Contacts, without the leather covers and ribbon from older versions.
The Calendar app automatically displays a small map of the location listed in the information panel. Note the clean look of the Calendar, without the silly-looking imitation leather from previous versions.
When the notification center alerts you to the arrival of a new message, you can reply by clicking a Reply button, without opening the Messages app.
When the notification center alerts you about available updates, you can also tell OS X to download updates automatically in the future.
OS X 10.9.2 lets you use FaceTime audio, just like iOS 7 devices, for those times when you don't want your caller to see you.
If a spammer or annoying person is filling your iMessage inbox, you can now block them in Apple OS X Mavericks 10.9.2.
The System Preferences app lets you add login information for multiple networks, now including LinkedIn.
In System Preferences, an App Store panel replaces the old Software Update panel. Note the new option to install system and security updates automatically.
The Notifications preferences now control Safari’s new push notifications, which let web sites send notifications in the way that apps do under Mountain Lion.
Here’s an example of web push notifications in the Notification Center. Web sites need to register with Apple and add special code that can push notifications to OS X.
The Accessibility panel in System Preferences now includes app-specific permissions for applications that click buttons and manipulate other user-interface elements.