Where should I begin learning how my computer works?

I find that a great way to learn how something new works is to simply play around with it. Not only will you probably discover all of the basics, but also things that you probably never needed to know about your computer. =)

In the upper left hand corner you will see a apple. Click on that and select About this Mac. That will give you some details about your computer.

I really suggest this book. It will have you up to speed in a few days.

I love that you have a MacBook Something Something! That’s my favorite kind! :)

Since you have a mac, you might start by taking advantage of the free classes they have at your local Mac store. They can get you up and running with some Apple applications as well as explain the basics of where to find things. When I first started with Macs, I went to the library and checked out older copies of Macworld. They have great articles written in real English that you can follow very easily.

And as far as being perfectly ignorant, that isn’t true at all. You are here and that is pretty sophisticated!

omg.
1. I was afraid to try anything because I thought the computer would blow up.
2. We actually HAVE the Leopard Missing Manual but I thought if I read it my head would blow up. johnpowell. I will try trusting you, it’s worked in the past.
3. And who knew the Mac human beings would HELP? I will go to the store tomorrow and sign up for classes.
omg
the world is not impenetrable? omg

@susanc
Read the book. It is very well written and it starts out assuming that you know how to turn the computer on. And that is about all it expects you to know. It is a very friendly book. But it is 900 pages long so it does get pretty advanced. But nothing says that you have to actually get that far into it.

As you go along learning from all these good suggestions, remember that it is a tool.

You are not dumb. What seems inexplicable will soon be clearer.

Finally, remember nightly to go on your knees and give thanks that you have a Mac you need to learn about and not a PC.

Once, in response to instructions from Robmandu on how to enlarge the thumbnail avatars, I began poking keys at random. Suddenly the computer started to talk to me (in Hal’s voice) and describe what I was doing and where I was doing it. Rob said that his 4 year old did that w. his locked Mac.

I solved the problem by randomly poking more keys and then reading entrails. I feel madly, deeply and passionately about Mac.

Click on everything on every dropdown menu and everything on the various preferences.

And note that David Pogue (author of book recommended by jp) has a weekly tech column in the NYT. I have it flagged.

Yep thanks Gail and all.
I am especially looking forward to reading more entrails.