If you are new to the world of Apple computers and have recently converted from a Windows system, you may be slightly puzzled as how to use the system. After just a little exploration on a Mac laptop computer, you will realize that using a Mac computer isn't complicated, and you may even discover that a Mac often is easier to use than a Windows-based computer system.
Step 1
Push the circular power button on the Apple Mac laptop. The operating system only takes only moments to load. Proceed with using the computer when it loads. Click the "Apple" logo in the upper-left corner of the desktop, select "Shut Down," and the Mac computer turns off.
Step 2
Examine the icons on the bottom of the screen. This is the "Dock," a feature similar to the desktop icons on a Windows computer. Click on any icon and that program will be launched.
Step 3
Click the "Finder" icon in the lower left corner of the desktop (it looks like a face). This is similar to the "Start" menu of a Windows computer. A window loads, allowing you to access the programs and files on the computer. Access programs not on the dock by clicking "Macintosh HD," followed by "Applications," and all of the programs installed will be displayed. This is similar to clicking the "All Programs," "Accessories" option on a Windows computer.
Step 4
Click any program listing and drag it to the dock for easy access to the software.
Step 5
Insert a CD into the disc drive of the Apple Mac laptop and a CD icon appears on the desktop. Double-click the CD icon to access the information on the disc. If it is an installation CD, the software installation wizard automatically loads. As with a Windows installation CD, follow the prompts to install the software.
Step 6
Connect an external hard drive to a USB port of the Mac. Once the computer detects the hard drive, a removable device icon appears on the desktop. Double-click the icon to access the device's information.