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:

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.

If you are looking for a fast read to help you get deeper into Terminal, you may also enjoy the following books by Dave Taylor and Brian Jepson:

Online Help

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

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 Leopard, Tiger, Panther and Jaguar.
• 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

There are many Web sites in addition to the Apple Discussions where you can find 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 Apple’s Find a User Group Web site. For additional information about Apple User Groups, visit the Apple User Groups home page.

To get deeper into Mac OS X

• A vast resource of free technical documentation from Apple can be found on the Mac OS X Documentation page of the Apple Developer Connection Web site. I especially recommend reading Mac OS X Technology Overview.
• Since Mac OS X is based in part on a version of FreeBSD®, you may find the Documentation section of the FreeBSD Web site informative, especially the Resources for Newbies, Handbook, and FAQ.
• Some good technical books on Mac OS X are published by O’Reilly & Associates, Inc.

Related links

• Obtaining Help Online.

• Additional sources of Mac OS X training can be found by clicking here to search Google™.