100 Things Every Mac User Should Know

by Joe Kissell

We all like to think we're pretty savvy when it comes to using our Macs, and in the case of the typical Macworld reader, that's usually true. But there's a funny thing we've noticed when we talk even to veteran Mac users: There's almost always some essential stuff—basic things that would make their Mac use easier or more efficient—that they've either forgotten or never learned.

So we got some Macworld editors and contributors together and asked: What are the things that every Mac user should know how to do? Not the really basic stuff—Command-C, Command-V, and so on—but the skills and knowledge that mark you as Mac-literate. After much pondering and discussion, we came up with a list of 100 items that fit the bill. Those skills run the gamut from startup to shutdown: they include smart ways to manage files and accounts, search, and customize your Mac.

We'll bet that you already know many of them. But we'll also bet that you don't know them all. And if you can really, honestly say that you knew every one, you're a whole lot savvier than any of us.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2011

About the author

Joe Kissell is the author of more than 60 books and hundreds of articles on technology topics. In 2017, he also became the publisher of Take Control Books, when alt concepts—the company he runs along with his wife, Morgen Jahnke—acquired the Take Control imprint from TidBITS Publishing Inc. He was the winner of a 2009 Neal award for Best How-to Article, and formerly wrote for publications such as Macworld, TidBITS, and Wirecutter. Before he began writing full-time in 2003, Joe managed software development for Nisus Software and Kensington Technology Group. In his hypothetical spare time, Joe likes to walk, cook, read, and practice tai chi. He lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, with Morgen and their sons.

Reviews

[Desiree Yearning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me more about my Mac than I even knew I needed to know. I'm about as non-techie as you can get. I don't even know how to form the question I need to ask a technical person. When I finally do figure out how to ask the right question, I need the answer given to me in Kindergarten terms--use your words--be polite--paint a picture. Most techies just can't get down to my level. This book does. It explains it terms I actually understand. I refer to it again and again. Highly recommended to anyone struggling to understand more about their Mac.

[Esa Ruoho · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best 0.49Eur I ever spent. Found at least a handful of useful OS X tricks and workflow improvements.