OS X
Quicksilver is a desktop app launcher.
Finder: Show All Files
To show hidden files in finder:
$ defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE $ killall Finder
To hide hidden files in finder:
$ defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE $ killall Finder
Note: the finder config file is:
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist
Locking files and folders to prevent changes
To find out about chflags:
$ man chflags
The ucfg flag makes a folder immutable. To remove the uchg flag from a folder:
$ chflags nouchg FolderName
Single User Mode
To boot a Mac into single user mode: restart and hold down Command-S after the chime.
Darwin Ports
Use DarwinPorts to install software. E.g.
$ sudo port install subversion
Force Quit
To force a non-responsive app to quit: Apple+Option+Esc