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/“