A Newbie's Guide to OS X Yosemite: Switching Seamlessly from Windows to Mac

So you've decided to take the plunge and get started with OS X Yosemite for Mac. Congratulations! Longtime Mac users know that Mac just works – the interface you'll come to know and love is intuitive, powerful, and designed to make your life easier. Technology can and should be exciting, and your Mac will offer all of that excitement, without the headaches! Whether you're a first time Mac user or a seasoned Mac devotee, OS X Yosemite has something for everyone. Its design overhaul brings it closer to the look and feel of iOS (the operating system for Apple mobile devices like the iPhone and the iPad), but the closer connection between OS X and iOS is much more than mere aesthetics. New continuity features like Handoff make it easier than ever to work on your Mac, your iPhone and your iPad – if you work on a document in Pages, for example, you can pick up your iPhone and keep working right where you left off on your Mac. You can also answer calls and send messages (even SMS messages) on your Mac if you own an iPhone. The Safari browser is significantly improved, Spotlight Search enjoys massive improvements and new features, Notifications are more robust and useful than ever, Mail handles large attachments and allows you to mark up documents without ever leaving an email message, and much, much more. There are hundreds of new features and tweaks in Yosemite, and while you may not notice every single one, we promise they add up to a vastly improved experience. Just like the previous OS X upgrade (Mavericks), Yosemite is a free download through the Apple App Store, though if you’re lucky enough to own a brand new Apple iMac or Macbook, it will ship with Yosemite pre-installed. But wait, you say. You've never used a Mac before, and you have no idea what any of this means. No worries! This guide was written just for you. We'll cover everything you need to know about making the switch from Windows to Mac, the basic terminology you'll need to find your way around and customize your machine, some handy tips and tricks that even serious Mac users may not know, and some basic maintenance that will keep your Mac happy and healthy for years to come. Finally, we'll cover a number of free third party apps that will help you get the most out of your Mac and OS X Yosemite. Along the way, we'll give you lots of screenshots, tips and practice so that you can feel confident, competent and comfortable with your new Mac. Congratulations on choosing OS X Yosemite for Mac – now let’s get started!