Contents
What Is a Mac?
Types of Macs
How to Set Up Your Mac
The Desktop, Menu Bar, and Dock
Windows, Folders, and Icons
Spotlight
Programs, Documents, and Widgets
The Applications Folder
System Preferences
Accounts
Troubleshooting
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- Choose the right Mac laptop or desktop model for your needs
- Set up your Mac and master the basics of the Mac OS X operating system
- Use the Mac’s iLife software to organize your music, movies, photos, and more
What Is a Mac?
In 1984, Apple Inc. revolutionized the home computing market when it introduced the first Macintosh, or Mac, computer. The Mac was one of the first personal computers to utilize a graphical user interface, or GUI (gooey), and a mouse, rather than the command-line interface on which then-popular IBMs relied. The Mac became and remains popular because of its desktop publishing and graphics capabilities.
Why Use a Mac?
Like any computer, a Mac can help you create spreadsheets and word processing documents, crank out numbers for the family budget, and get you on the internet. However, the Mac really earns its accolades when it comes to organizing, displaying, and sharing your pictures, movies, music, and websites. Thanks to the iLife software package included with every new Mac, doing so is easier than ever.
Operating Systems
An operating system organizes and controls a computer’s hardware and software. Most PCs use the Microsoft Windows operating system. Macs use a system called OS X.
OS X
OS X (pronounced oh-ess-ten) first appeared in 2001. Its
latest versions are called Tiger (released in 2005) and Leopard (late 2007). OS X Leopard comes standard on all new Mac models.
Classic (OS 9)
Older Macs came with Classic, or OS 9, an earlier operating system. Until recently, new Macs could run both OS 9 and OS X, but the latest Intel-based Macs run OS X only.
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