Learning about Mac® OS X

This chapter from our book Troubleshooting Mac OS X provides links to a variety of recommended resources for learning Mac OS X.

Books

The following books are worthwhile additions to the libraries of both new and experienced Mac OS X users.

Troubleshooting Mac OS X

Dr. Smoke's Troubleshooting Mac OS X provides comprehensive, step-by-step troubleshooting advice for preventing or resolving hundreds of Mac OS X problems.

Learning Mac OS X

If you are new to Mac OS X or wish that Apple provided a printed manual, we recommend the following books authored by David Pogue:

For: Purchase:
Snow Leopard® Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual.

Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Snow Leopard Edition.

Leopard® Mac OS X Leopard: The Missing Manual.

Switching to Mac: The Missing Manual, Leopard Edition.

Tiger®

Mac OS X: The Missing Manual - Tiger Edition.

Switching to the Mac, Tiger Edition.

Panther® Mac OS X: The Missing Manual - Panther Edition.
Jaguar Mac OS X: The Missing Manual - Second Edition.

Learning Terminal

Mac OS X users desiring an in-depth guide to Terminal commands with numerous examples will want to read The Mac OS X Command Line: Unix Under the Hood by Kirk McElhearn.

Online Help

To learn about the many sources of online help available for Mac OS X and how to use these effectively, see our Obtaining Help Online FAQ.

Training

  • The Apple® Mac 101 Web site offers an online guide to using your Mac effectively.
  • Apple also offers Switch 101 to help those switching from other operating systems to the Mac and Mac OS X.
  • Atomic Learning® offers free Mac OS X Orientations classes, providing introductory tutorials in QuickTime® for Snow Leopard, Leopard, and Tiger.
  • If there is an Apple Store® in your area, check for the free Mac OS X orientation sessions and other classes offered at these locations.
  • MacAcademy® sells Mac OS X training courses on CD-ROM.

Web sites

In addition to the Apple Discussions, there are many Web sites offering useful Mac OS X hints, tips, tutorials, reviews, and advice. Our favorites are listed on our X-Links page.

Apple User Groups

Apple supports a variety of user groups worldwide. You may have heard of these by the acronym MUGS: Macintosh User Groups. To find an Apple User Group in your area, visit the Apple User Groups home page.

To get deeper into Mac OS X

    Did you find this FAQ helpful? You will find a wealth of additional advice for preventing or resolving Mac OS X problems in Dr. Smoke's book, Troubleshooting Mac® OS X.
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