Mac Basics Mountain Lion (Macworld Superguides)

Book excerpt: Whether you've just purchased your very first Mac or you're a long-time Mac user who wants a comprehensive guide to their OS, let Macworld's Mac Basics Superguide welcome you to the Mac and latest version of OS X, Mountain Lion. We'll help you move files from your old Mac or PC, get acquainted with the desktop, the Dock, Mission Control, and gestures. We'll provide a primer for tweaking your system preferences, changing your desktop wallpaper, setting parental controls, and adding third-party utilities. And we'll introduce you o the many built-in apps OS X has to offer, along with an overview on buying apps from the Mac App Store. When it comes to security, the Mac has some great features, and you needn't be confused: We explain just what Gatekeeper and app sandboxing are, and what they have to offer. And in case you get jammed up, the book has a whole chapter dedicated to basic troubleshooting and when to call in the experts. That's why we make Mac Basics, the Macworld Superguide dedicated to getting started with all things Mac. There are plenty of manuals and guides that explain every single system feature and setup detail; this book is instead designed to actively get you (or your family member) up and running without making you feel like you're studying a textbook. Our 230-page book has you covered from the first time you turn on your Mac. We walk you through the setup process and transferring any old files you might have; and introduce you to the menus, windows, and places you need to know about to get going. From there, we help you customize Multi-Touch gestures, organize your files, and tweak your preferences. We'll get your Mac suited up with third-party apps and accessories. And you can follow our troubleshooting tips and security suggestions to keep your computer safe and sound. You won't find everything they need to know about the Mac in this book. (That's what Macworld.com is for.) But we hope it can provide you with the tools you'll need and make you excited to learn more. If you are debating the upgrade to Mountain Lion, you might instead consider getting our Total Mountain Lion Superguide, which collects all our top-notch Mountain Lion coverage into one easy-to-read ebook. If you're insistent on staying with Lion or Snow Leopard, there's always our best-selling Total Lion Superguide, and our Snow Leopard version of Mac Basics.