Free course

macOS Basics Course

Learn the macOS desktop, Finder, apps, developer tools, shortcuts, backups, security, and the built-in utilities that keep a Mac working well.

5 modules · 25 lessons · No signup

Download this course as PDF or EPUB

Read it offline, on your Kindle, or print it. Join my free newsletter and you get this course plus every other book and course I published.

Download PDFDownload EPUB
~~~

Your progress

of lessons completed.

Course completed.

What you'll learn

Set up and use a Mac confidently for everyday development, organize files and apps, diagnose common problems, and protect your work.

Course contents

  1. Meet macOS

    Understand the desktop, menus, windows, settings, accounts, and system information.

    1. ✓ What macOS is
    2. ✓ Desktop, Dock, and menu bar
    3. ✓ Windows and applications
    4. ✓ System Settings and system information
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: macOS foundations

  2. Finder and files

    Navigate folders, paths, hidden files, Quick Look, tags, aliases, and search.

    1. ✓ Meet the Finder
    2. ✓ Home, Library, and file paths
    3. ✓ Hidden files and file extensions
    4. ✓ Quick Look, tags, and search
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: Finder and files

  3. Apps and developer tools

    Install, update, remove, and trust apps, then prepare a practical developer setup.

    1. ✓ Install and remove applications
    2. ✓ Gatekeeper and application permissions
    3. ✓ Install developer tools with Homebrew
    4. ✓ Terminal and command-line tools
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: apps and tools

  4. Work faster

    Use shortcuts, Spotlight, spaces, screenshots, and small automations.

    1. ✓ Keyboard shortcuts
    2. ✓ Use Spotlight
    3. ✓ Mission Control and Spaces
    4. ✓ Screenshots and small automations
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: working faster

  5. Maintenance and security

    Monitor resources, manage storage, update safely, encrypt data, and restore backups.

    1. ✓ Use Activity Monitor
    2. ✓ Manage storage and updates
    3. ✓ FileVault and account security
    4. ✓ Time Machine and recovery
    5. ✓ Check your understanding: maintenance and security