A Newbies Guide to OS X El Capitan: Switching Seamlessly from Windows to Mac

So you've decided to take the plunge and get started with OS X El Capitan 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 El Capitan has something for everyone. The El Capitan update brings Mac OS X even closer to the look and feel of iOS (the operating system for Apple mobile devices like the iPhone and the iPad). New features like Split View make it easier than ever to get things done, and design improvements make things look better than ever. Just like its cousin iOS 9, El Capitan features dramatic improvements to its Spotlight Search interface that make it more intuitive than ever to get the information you need. Mail will automatically pull in contacts and calendar events for you, so you never have to worry about missing an important phone call or meeting, not to mention the new Mail message full screen experience. There are also big improvements to established apps like Notes and Photos that help you organize and enjoy your photos, notes, to-do lists and more. Under the hood, El Capitan includes several tweaks that significantly improve your Mac’s performance. Apps open faster, Mail messages load more quickly, and graphics are handled more fluidly. Just like the previous OS X upgrade (Yosemite), El Capitan 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 El Capitan 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 El Capitan. 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 El Capitan for Mac – now let’s get started!