Mastering the Mac

The desktop is likely the first thing you noticed when logging onto Mac for the first time- it's kind of hard not to! I'll cover what the purpose of the desktop is, how to use it efficiently, and point out the most useful items on the desktop. 

If you have used a Mac for more than a couple months and feel comfortable with the desktop, you can likely skip this lecture.

The dock is one of the most useful appendages to the desktop. I'll explain how to add and remove items from the dock and, in my opinion, the most important reason to have the dock. 

If you have used a Mac for more than a couple months and feel comfortable with the dock, you can likely skip this lecture.

The finder is your file management service on a Mac, and it's always working hard for you! I cover how to create and move files and folders around your computer, how to navigate through Finder, and options that are commonly used. 

If you have used a Mac for more than a couple months and feel comfortable with Finder, you can likely skip this lecture and take the following quiz to make sure you are up to speed before moving on in the course.

In this lecture I cover the organization of the Mac operating system, including how to update your system. I explain how all of your files and folders are organized to help you navigate through MacOS without getting lost.

Using applications may sound simple. But I go over proper ways to use, install, and delete any application from your computer. 

Understanding how to use System Preferences is one of the biggest ways to feel empowered when using your Mac. I show the most commonly used settings in there and when to use it.

This lecture is optional if you already know the keyboard shortcut for Force Quit. But I cover 9 other common shortcuts that'll take your Mac experience to the next level in terms of efficiency.

I believe Mail is the best app on a Mac that never gets used. Most people just don't know how to use it, and thus let it sit on the dock, but I walk you step-by-step through getting Mail set up with your current email address(es). 

Note: you will want to know the password for at least one of your email addresses while watching this lecture.

Safari is your portal to the internet, and considering how much time our society spends on the internet I think it's important to know the ins and outs of your internet browser so that you feel safe and comfortable. I'll walk you through basic navigation and settings used in Safari.

iCloud can seem confusing, but really it's just a service that Apple offers to put all of your personal files and settings on each of your devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.). I walk you through setting it up on your computer and explain what each of the settings do. 

Note: You'll want to know your AppleID (email address) and password while watching this lecture.

Having done tech support at Apple for several years, I have noticed several issues that seem to afflict most Mac users- frozen or slow computer, internet not working, or storage issues. I share some tips for beginners on things you can do when your computer is acting up.

The course wrap up. Thanks for taking the course, I'd love to hear from you!

I'd love to have you help me make this program better.  Will you fill out my survey?