Opening a new instance of OSX on the same Macbook Pro?

[appleperson1]

Hi,

I can't even really figure out how to phrase this query, so I will describe my issue. I have a macbook pro that I use for everything. I also want to use it to do some writing, but it's hard to write when I can still access everything else easily - the web, movies, music, etc. So - I want to be able to log in to a completely separate and almost empty instance of osx so I can JUST be typing - nothing else.

I guess even just opening the computer up and only ever seeing a wordprocessor would work. As if it were a typewriter...

So - does anyone have thoughts on how to do this?

Thanks!

 

[overanalyzer]

There are a number of applications specifically for the purpose of distraction-free writing. You can Google for them, but here are some links to start:

http://thenextweb.com/lifehacks/2011/08/08/the-top-5-minimalist-writing-applications-for-the-mac/

http://lifehacker.com/5689579/five-best-distraction+free-writing-tools

http://www.gradhacker.org/2012/01/25/even-more-distraction-free-writing-tools/

http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/07/7-distraction-free-writing-environments-for-authors/

 

[appleperson1]

Thanks for the reply. I found those apps, but I am really looking for something that will make sure I can't just alt-tab over to something else. I don't trust myself enough just to use a minimalistic app!

Any thoughts?

 

[Macman45]

Thanks for the reply. I found those apps, but I am really looking for something that will make sure I can't just alt-tab over to something else. I don't trust myself enough just to use a minimalistic app!

Any thoughts?

Not unless you want to have two OSX partitions on your HDD /SSD.

That's about the only way I can think of to achieve this, and ALT+TAB won't work...It would mean a re-boot between the two.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Create a new user and set the Parental Controls and only allow one or two applications to be used.

 

[SMDBill]

Hi,

I can't even really figure out how to phrase this query, so I will describe my issue. I have a macbook pro that I use for everything. I also want to use it to do some writing, but it's hard to write when I can still access everything else easily - the web, movies, music, etc. So - I want to be able to log in to a completely separate and almost empty instance of osx so I can JUST be typing - nothing else.

I guess even just opening the computer up and only ever seeing a wordprocessor would work. As if it were a typewriter...

So - does anyone have thoughts on how to do this?

Thanks!

Are you referring to "new instance" of OSX along the lines of the virtual workspace available in Linux where you can be looking at/using your desktop and hit a keystroke (CTL + right arrow or similar) and go to a new desktop that appears like no applications are currently running but all apps are available to use just like the original desktop, while all your applications previously open and in use are still running on the other desktop?

 

[appleperson1]

Yeah - that sounds about right. No knowledge of Linux stuff - but it sounds good. Is there that for Mac?

 

[SMDBill]

Yeah - that sounds about right. No knowledge of Linux stuff - but it sounds good. Is there that for Mac?

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4139762?start=0&tstart=0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_desktop

 

[benwiggy]

Create a new user and set the Parental Controls and only allow one or two applications to be used.

I second this. A new user account that you log into, in which you can only access one app and no internet would be the way forward. Virtual Desktops or VMs of OS X are completely unnecessary.

 

[SMDBill]

I second this. A new user account that you log into, in which you can only access one app and no internet would be the way forward. Virtual Desktops or VMs of OS X are completely unnecessary.

Very true. I mis-read the question the first time and thought the OP was asking about needing a clear workspace without all the other apps that may be open appearing. Wanting to self limit to one application is more of a personal issue over self control to not be distracted by the availability of other software so I'll defer to others to help with that part.

 

[appleperson1]

Thanks very much for the help all. Greatly appreciated.