A Macintosh (Mac) computer system is highly advanced but easy to use once you get the hang of it. Loaded with essentials such as automatic virus protection, the latest wireless technologies and advanced Intel chips the Mac computer is highly innovative. Mac computers are manufactured and sold by Apple Inc.; they can be used with the Microsoft Office Suite and are also Windows compatible. The newer models also have Wi-Fi capabilities. If you’re accustomed to working with the Windows OS converting to a Mac system might not be as second-nature as you think. Here is a basic guide to getting familiar with your Mac.
Things you will need
- A Mac Computer
Instructions
- Once you’ve acquired your new Mac computer transfer your files from the old computer to the Mac and install any new Apple software. Apple retail stores offer assistance in getting this done.
- The next step is to get familiarized with your Mac; know how to get around your Mac. Once you power on you will be greeted by the Finder.
- The Finder assists in locating all the applications, files, folders, hard disks, CDs etc. It can also be used as an organizer and search engine (for the computer only).
- The Desktop is the main screen of the Finder. At the very top of the screen is the Menu Bar and at its far left is the Apple Menu. The Apple Menu is a useful tool that gives you access to varied items. The File and Edit Menus are the same as on your Windows OS.
- Double click the hard disk icon to go to the Finder Windows. Finder Windows gives you a visual of your computers contents. At the top of the Finder Windows is a Title Bar and to the left is a Side Bar. Your Account/Home and Applications folders are found at the bottom.
- On the right side of your Desktop is a folder named the Launcher. It’s a special window that provides easy access to programs and other items. You can also activate it from the Control Panel in your Apple Menu. At the far right end of the Menu Bar is the Application Switcher. This allows you to switch between programs that are running simultaneously.
- The Apple Menu is a folder found within the system folder and is always available; you can move programs files and folders to it which will always be available.
- If you need information on any file, application or folder use the Get Info command. Select the respective file, folder or application and from its File menu scroll to Get Info. You can also access Sharing, Memory and Change Icon commands from this file menu.
- Once you have familiarized yourself with the Mac interface you can move on to creating user accounts, installing or upgrading software, saving files and other essentials.
