Mac Computing for Seniors in easy steps

The days of Apple Mac computers being used solely by designers and hard-core Apple fans are long gone: due to their ease-of-use, stability and security, Mac computers are becoming firmly established as genuine alternatives to Windows PCs. What's more, their intuitive interface and versatility makes them ideal machines for the seniors market.

Mac Computing for Seniors in easy steps begins with an overview of Mac computers, covering the different types of desktops and laptops that are available and gives a tour around them so that you quickly feel confident about using them. There is then an extensive look at customizing the desktop so that you can set up your Mac exactly as you want it.

The Mac operating system, OS X, is renowned for being easy to use and also very efficient in terms of performance and security. The book takes an in-depth look at the latest version of OS X, Leopard, covering everything from working with programs to organizing folders and files. It also shows how to effortlessly share files with Windows PC machines.

Macs are ideal for leisure activities and Mac Computing for Seniors in easy steps shows how to work with photos, videos and music, using the popular iLife suite of programs. It also deals with the ubiquitous iPod, the new Apple iPhone and hassle-free use of the Internet and email.

The final chapters of the book cover issues such as setting up your own wireless network and also ensuring that your Mac stays secure and virus free.

Mac Computing for Seniors in easy steps shows how to put the fun back into your computing experiences - there's never been a better time to take a bite of an Apple Mac computer.

Nick Vandome is an IT writer and trainer who specialises in digital imaging and web authoring subjects. In addition to his writing, he also works designing websites and runs training courses. Before he started working with computers he wrote books about working and travelling abroad.

1. Introduction
   • Life and times of Apple
   • Choosing a Mac
   • The Mac operating system
   • Ports and slots explained
   • The Mac desktop
   • Customizing your Mac
   • Changing the background
   • Changing the screen saver
   • Changing the screen size
   • Changing the text size
   • Adjusting the volume
   • Customizing the mouse
   • Customizing the keyboard
   • Sharing with Windows
   • Shutting down and sleeping
2. Finding your way around
   • Finder: the core of your Mac
   • Quick Look
   • Covers
   • Using the Dock
   • Spaces
   • Exposé
   • Working with open windows
   • Mac programs
   • Installing a program
   • Removing items
3. Organizing your Mac
   • Creating files
   • Saving files
   • Opening items
   • Creating a folder structure
   • Compiling an address book
   • Adding a calendar
   • Using reminders
   • Finding things
   • Adding a printer
   • Connecting a camera
4. Leisure time
   • Downloading your photos
   • Viewing photos
   • Slideshows
   • Creating a photo album
   • Enhancing your photos
   • Sharing your photos
   • Playing a music CD
   • Organizing your music
   • Downloading music
   • Adding an iPod
   • Earbuds and headphones
   • Creating music
   • Listening to the radio
   • Creating a home movie
   • Sharing a home movie
   • Playing chess
5. At home
   • Productivity options
   • Accessing a dictionary
   • Creating a letter
   • Formatting a newsletter
   • Using a calculator
   • Doing household accounts
   • Creating a presentation
6. Getting online
   • Accessing the Internet
   • Around the Web
   • Setting a homepage
   • Using tabs
   • Searching the Web
   • Adding bookmarks
   • Viewing your online history
   • Using SnapBack
7. Being interactive online
   • Shopping online
   • Booking a vacation
   • Researching family history
   • Price comparison sites
   • Shopping on eBay
   • Using online banking
   • Stocks and shares online
   • Maps online
   • Online games
8. Keeping in touch
   • Setting up email
   • Adding mailboxes
   • Creating email
   • Attaching photos
   • Email stationery
   • Dealing with junk email
   • Text and video chatting
9. Sharing online
   • Sharing with .Mac
   • Creating an iDisk
   • iDisk preferences
   • Synchronizing with .Mac
   • Sharing photos online
   • Viewing a Web Gallery
   • Creating your own website
   • Sending iCards
   • Creating a group
10. Expanding your horizons
    • Adding users
    • Login options
    • Switching between users
    • Parental controls
    • Creating your own network
    • Sharing on a network
11. Safety net
    • Mac security
    • Updating software
    • Checking your system
    • Dealing with crashes
    • Backing up