Mac Basics

Learn about your Mac from a Certified Ethical Hacker, Recognized Apple Teacher, and former AppleCare Senior Advisor.

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 3.6

- Smartly connect to mobile
- office
- and home networks with a Macintosh computer.
- Intelligently protect a Macintosh with native and third-party applications.
- Fully understand iCloud and AppleIDs
- and how their services give you a seamless experience

What you'll learn

Smartly connect to mobile
office
and home networks with a Macintosh computer.
Intelligently protect a Macintosh with native and third-party applications.
Fully understand iCloud and AppleIDs
and how their services give you a seamless experience
Use your Mac with confidence
How to use and protect your Mac when you're out in public

* Requirements

* Own an Apple computer and have at least Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) installed on it.
* No knowledge of Apple computers is needed as a prerequisite for this course.

Description

Important Information: This course is designed to mimic an instructive friend helping you to learn the Mac. It is not a hyper-focused course where you go from slide to slide. It's meant to be informative, fun, and relaxed. (Students who have macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13) will find this course still relevant. The fundamentals really never change, so come on in. ;) 

This course is for those who are new to Apple computers. Whether you're transitioning from Windows, or you've just purchased a Mac for the first time, this course is built solely for you, the new Mac user. The only item required for this course is an Apple computer with at least Mountain Lion (OS X 10.8) installed on it.

(Click the Apple icon in the upper left-hand corner of your screen and tap "About this Mac" to see in the "Overview" tab, what version your operating system is.)

In short, this course will be like sitting down with a friend who gently guides and teaches you everything you need to know about your Mac. I loved taking care of people and their Macs while at Apple HQ, so you'll get nothing less here at Udemy.

Join the thousands of students who've already taken the plunge to learn about one of the best computers ever made!

Side note: This course has over 4.5 hours of content and doesn't provide popcorn (you don't have to do it one sitting). So, if you plan to binge this course, then grab your favorite snack and beverage and get ready for some excitement.

Who this course is for:

  • This course was built for those who are upgrading from Windows to Mac, purchasing a Mac for the first time, or students who would love to learn more about their Mac from an Apple professional.
  • Users who need to know how to operate a Macintosh computer for either home or work purposes.
  • Students who have either bought or received a Mac as a gift and have limited knowledge of how Macs operate.
  • Any individual who wants to switch from Windows to Apple computers and needs a quick lesson on how to use them.
  • This course is not meant for Apple or IT Professionals who have been working with Macs for the past 5 years.
  • This course can be a great refresher for those that have dabbled in Apple computers, but primarily work with Windows systems, and need to be refocused on how to work with a Mac.

Course content

8 sections • 30 lectures

Introduction Preview 02:20

Welcome to Mac Basics! This video answers 4 common questions that students usually ask concerning Udemy courses. Thanks for stopping by and take care.

Everything About Your Desktop Preview 13:06

Understanding the desktop is the first step in learning how awesome your Mac really is. Enjoy!

Icons, Spacing & Icon Preview Preview 08:20

This video is like Fengshui for your Mac. Once you get things in place, order and space are achieved.

Wallpaper & Hot Corners Preview 20:51

Similar to painting the walls of your new abode, or hanging your favorite band poster in your room, Wallpaper & Hot Corners make your Mac feel like a cozy little home.

Wi-Fi Preview 15:29

You can't get to the Internet safely if you don't understand Airport. This video will explain Wi-Fi and help you keep your Mac safe from nefarious characters.

Turning on hotspot for the iPhone Preview 00:20

No frills here and no audio either. This video is short and shows you how to toggle on hotspot for iPhone. Please watch this video before you view the lecture called "Hotspotting".

Hot Spotting Preview 04:13

Every now-and-then you will need to connect to the Internet when you're out and about. Since Wi-Fi and ethernet aren't always available, you can use your iPhone (or another smartphone) hotspot to paddle out to the world wide web.

Connect to Ext HDD or Server Preview 06:18

Knowing how to connect to an external hard drive (Ext HDD) or server can help when you need to save files onto another hard drive (HDD), perform a backup of your Mac, or access files on a company server. Very handy knowledge indeed.

Mission Control & Desktops Preview 06:59

Your Mac can maximize your efficiency and do it in style. Enjoy this video.

How To Add A Printer Preview 12:28

You're going to like how easy it is to add a printer to a Mac.

iTunes, App Store, iBooks Preview 11:52

Listening to good tunes while reading a bestseller, or playing with a phenomenal app, is the definition of multitasking. Enjoy what Apple has to offer from these services!

FileVault, Firewall, Antivirus Preview 17:00

Nothing is perfect. Macs are still computers and since they connect to the Internet, they need a good firewall and antivirus.

Side note: Here is a link to my article on why Macs need antivirus: https://goo.gl/TyJ26C



Safari Part 1 Preview 10:11

Apple's browser is fast, beautiful, and has lots of options. This video is part 1 of 3.

Safari Part 2 Preview 14:15

Apple's browser is fast, beautiful, and has lots of options. This video is part 2 of 3.

Safari Part 3 Preview 17:40

Apple's browser is fast, beautiful, and has lots of options. This video is part 3 of 3.

Mail Part 1 Preview 09:54

Apple's mail application is elegant and simple. However, like most email programs it can be rather daunting if you never touched it before. This video will explain what you need to know. (Part 1 of 3)

Mail Part 2 Preview 08:15

Apple's mail application is elegant and simple. However, like most email programs it can be rather daunting if you never touched it before. This video will explain what you need to know. (Part 2 of 3)

Mail Part 3 Preview 12:32

Apple's mail application is elegant and simple. However, like most email programs it can be rather daunting if you never touched it before. This video will explain what you need to know. (Part 3 of 3)

Mail Troubleshooting Preview 05:15

This video will help you troubleshoot common problems with Mail.


Side note: It's rarely Apple Mail that is the culprit when your email doesn't come through or go out. Get ready to work with the Dr. (Watch the video and you'll understand)

What Is An Apple ID? Preview 08:20

By far the most common questions I receive are geared towards iCloud & Apple ID. This video will pull away the fog and make these Apple services crystal clear.

iCloud & iCloud Drive Preview 14:13

Do you like the idea of being able to log onto any computer and access your files that are stored with Apple? Then jump in and watch this video. Goodbye other storage applications!

Just iCloud Drive Preview 05:17

This video goes over iCloud Drive in more depth than the previous one. 

The Photos Application Preview 12:14

Apple's Photos application is so easy to use you'll forget that you're working with professional editing features that were once reserved for photographers of the National Geographic caliber.

The Contacts Application Preview 06:45

We all have contacts that we need to keep in touch with on a daily basis. In brief, Apple's Contacts application makes adding, removing, or grouping individuals a breeze.

The Messages Application Preview 07:28

Texting from your Mac! Need I say more?

The Notes Application Preview 08:12

Apple has made their Notes application a "go to" for jotting down tidbits.

The Reminders Application Preview 06:16

If you're like me, this application will be a lifesaver, and one that you use often. Thanks Apple!

FaceTime Preview 07:05

FaceTime is one of the coolest ways to keep in touch with friends and family.

Goodbye Preview 01:48

Goodbye! I hope you found this course to be fun, enlightening, and enjoyable. Thank you for your time and for purchasing this course. Take care.

I leave you with a quote from my blog, "Our Macs are more than just pieces of metal and silicon, they’re an integral part of our lives. They make us the rebels that Apple has always been, and let us change the world bit by bit." ~ JP

Quiz Preview 2 pages