Best Beginners Books for New Mac User?

[Wheel_D]

Hello,

I have an older friend who's getting her first Mac, an M1 MacBook Air. Her computer proficiency is limited to Windows, so it's possible that Mac--particularly MacOS--could be a significant frustration. Would you all have suggestions for a worthwhile beginners handbook? Is the "Dummies" series a good option?

Many thanks!

 

[KaliYoni]

In the past, I found the Missing Manual series by David Pogue to be excellent for new users of Macs, iPhones, and iPads. There doesn't seem to be a Missing Manual for macOS Big Sur but he released a book called Mac Unlocked: Everything You Need to Know to Get Cracking in macOS Big Sur in late 2020. So, that's my recommendation.

 

[Apple_Robert]

The following video might be useful for your lady friend.

 

[Wheel_D]

In the past, I found the Missing Manual series by David Pogue to be excellent for new users of Macs, iPhones, and iPads. There doesn't seem to be a Missing Manual for macOS Big Sur but he released a book called Mac Unlocked: Everything You Need to Know to Get Cracking in macOS Big Sur in late 2020. So, that's my recommendation.

Thank you!

The following video might be useful for your lady friend.

Nice--I'll be sure to send it her way. Thanks!

 

[AZhappyjack]

Hello,

I have an older friend who's getting her first Mac, an M1 MacBook Air. Her computer proficiency is limited to Windows, so it's possible that Mac--particularly MacOS--could be a significant frustration. Would you all have suggestions for a worthwhile beginners handbook? Is the "Dummies" series a good option?

Many thanks!

David Pogue has written a whole series of books titled "Switching to Mac: The Missing Manual"... typically he updates it for each version of Mac OXS/macOS... was an invaluable resource for me when I switched back in 2009. Haven't seen a version for Big Sur, but the basics are there... including a whole section on Mac software to replace Windows software items...

Amazon.com: Switching To The Mac The Missing Manual

Amazon.com: switching to the mac the missing manual

www.amazon.com

 

[satcomer]

David Pogue has written a whole series of books titled "Switching to Mac: The Missing Manual"... typically he updates it for each version of Mac OXS/macOS... was an invaluable resource for me when I switched back in 2009. Haven't seen a version for Big Sur, but the basics are there... including a whole section on Mac software to replace Windows software items...

Amazon.com: Switching To The Mac The Missing Manual

Amazon.com: switching to the mac the missing manual

www.amazon.com

Um his Big Sur book has been out for awhile now: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982176679/ref=nosim/davidpogueA/

 

[AZhappyjack]

Um his Big Sur book has been out for awhile now: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982176679/ref=nosim/davidpogueA/

Yes, I've seen that one... and it might be helpful, but as I said, it's not part of the "Missing Manual" series. There doesn't appear to be a Big Sur version of that book.

 

[satcomer]

Yes, I've seen that one... and it might be helpful, but as I said, it's not part of the "Missing Manual" series. There doesn't appear to be a Big Sur version of that book.

Yea he left a one publisher when he left out on his own! So he had to go with another publisher so he probably couldn’t use the Missing Manual titles anymore!

 

[Wheel_D]

Once again, thanks to all for their replies.

Yes, it's my understanding that "Mac Unlocked" is less comprehensive than the "Missing Manual" series. Still, my friend is just becoming acquainted with the Mac, so "Unlocked" will probably suffice.

 

[satcomer]

Once again, thanks to all for their replies.

Yes, it's my understanding that "Mac Unlocked" is less comprehensive than the "Missing Manual" series. Still, my friend is just becoming acquainted with the Mac, so "Unlocked" will probably suffice.

Plus look at the Apple Support Document Mac Keyboard Shortcuts! They seem to update it at every Mac OS upgrade!

 

[Wheel_D]

Plus look at the Apple Support Document Mac Keyboard Shortcuts! They seem to update it at every Mac OS upgrade!

Thanks, satcomer -

It's useful for us both.

Also, I'd like to mention that I got my friend Mac Unlocked, based almost entirely on advice from this thread. Thanks, everyone--I'm sure she'll appreciate it!

 

[jparker402]

While I like books as references, please do not let your friend overlook the absolutely great Mac videos on YouTube! Suggest beginning with David A. Cox of TechTalkAmerica and MacMostVideo. There are many; just type in a subject and off you go!

 

[montycat]

I think the post by Weasleboy, the very first topic on the top of page you posted on is a great resource.

 

[decafjava]

While I like books as references, please do not let your friend overlook the absolutely great Mac videos on YouTube! Suggest beginning with David A. Cox of TechTalkAmerica and MacMostVideo. There are many; just type in a subject and off you go!

Let me add my recommendation for those two channels. Excellent resources!

 

[Wheel_D]

While I like books as references, please do not let your friend overlook the absolutely great Mac videos on YouTube! Suggest beginning with David A. Cox of TechTalkAmerica and MacMostVideo. There are many; just type in a subject and off you go!

Nice! I've just added both channels to my own YouTube subscriptions and will mention them to my friend.

May I also recommend Snazzy Labs' YouTube channel? I've learned quite a bit from him.

I think the post by Weasleboy, the very first topic on the top of page you posted on is a great resource.

Thanks for mentioning it. As a relatively new user myself, it's helpful for me, too!