2008-03-20

Monthly "Overview of Mac OS X" class

This class takes place the Third Thursday of Every Month,
at the Ridgway Library, behind the Town Hall in Ridgway

Mac OS X Class Outline
[How far we get depends on time and student's level of expertise.]

Introduction

General overview of computer hardware:
  • RAM (memory)
  • Hard disk
  • Processor
  • Optical drives, etc.
  • Mouse vs. trackball; one-button vs. two-button
Understanding where your files are:
  • Folder hierarchies
  • Understanding the “Open/Save dialog box”
  • General “getting around the system” tips, etc.
Overview of Internet-specific software programs:

Internet Browsers; usage & tips:
  • Safari, Firefox, Camino, etc.
  • Learning to “google”
  • Tabbed browsing
  • Internet safety/security
General email usage & tips:
  • Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Entourage, etc.
  • Quoting, forwards, etc.
  • “To”, “CC” and “BCC” fields, and how to use them

Other possible topics, depending on time and student's interests:

  • Backing up your data
  • Digital music, iTunes, and iPod/other digital music players
  • How to shop for a new computer
  • Other stuff as needed?



Helpful links

Great sites for general OS X info:
"http://www.macosxhints.com/"
"http://www.osxfaq.com/"
"http://diveintoosx.org/"
"http://macosx.com/"

Top-notch source for real help books:
"http://www.missingmanuals.com/"

Excellent Mac-oriented electronic books:
"http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/"
[coupon code for 10% off of any of their e-books: CPN31208MUG]

Troubleshooting sites:
"http://www.macintouch.com/"
"http://www.macattorney.com/panther.html"
"http://www.macfixitforums.com/"
"http://forums.macosxhints.com/"

Computer shopping sites:
"http://dealmac.com/"
"http://dealram.com/"
"http://dealcam.com/"
"http://dealcoupon.com/"
"http://www.pricegrabber.com/"
"http://www.bestwebbuys.com/"

My favorite sites for buying hardware:
"http://www.newegg.com/"
http://www.chiefvalue.com/"
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/"

Great overall site for reviews of both products and retailers:
"http://www.resellerratings.com/"