‘Mac’ is a simple abbreviation for Macintosh, the line of personal computers designed, manufactured, marketed, and sold by Apple Computer.  The original Macintosh was released on January 24, 1984.  Since then, there have been numerous models, updates, and revision to the Macintosh line.

With a simple glance, it's easy to see the beauty of a Macintosh.  Behind the elegance sit some of the most innovative, powerful, and capable computers that money can buy.  You may find that others may envy you for simply owning a Mac.

Choosing a Mac is not a difficult task.  Apple currently sells five Macintosh models (with the exception of the Xserve) that can be purchased directly from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller.  You can purchase either a pre-built system or customize one, what Apple calls a Configure-to-order (CTO) Mac.

Small But Capable
The Mac mini is Apple's entry level Macintosh.  It provides an economical solution for today's buyer and was first introduced by Steve Jobs at MacWorld 2005 with the "BYODKM" catch phrase - "Bring your own display, keyboard, and mouse".

Where's the Computer?
The iMac is Apple's most popular and top selling desktop.  With an eye catching, elegant, slim all-in-one space saving glossy display that houses both the monitor and computer, the iMac is the ideal desktop for most users.

It's Fast
The flagship Macintosh model and touted by Apple as the "Fastest Macr", the Mac Pro is the professional user's dream machine.  The Mac Pro is the ideal choice for professional audio-video production, photography, design and print, 3D rendering, scientific / technical computing, and intensive computational computing.

Portable and Powerful
Measuring only 1.08-inches thin, weighing only 5 pounds, and packing a brilliant 13.3-inch widescreen display, the MacBook is Apple's consumer entry level portable Mac that offers users a great compromise between price, size, and portability.  The 13.3 inch display hits the sweet spot.  It's large enough for watching movies and running multiple applications yet small enough to pack for your next trip.  It's also light enough to prop on your lap.

Fast - A Mobile Workstation
Measuring only 1-inch thick, weighing as light as 5.4 pounds, and available in either a 15-inch or 17-inch form factor, the MacBook Pro is the ultimate combination of speed, performance, connectivity, and mobility.  The current MacBook Pro models are the fastest mobile Macintosh systems that Apple has ever released.  Built from the ground up and as a successor to the PowerBook, the MacBook Pro offers the speed, performance, and features demanded by professionals and gamers.  The features available on the MacBook Pro make it an ideal desktop replacement.

You can get some basic information about your Mac thanks to the Mac OS X "About This Mac" feature.  You have the option to view detailed information as well.

Power Up
To start things off you will need to turn on your Mac.  The placement of the power button depends on the Mac model you own.

Updated MacBook Pro and MacBook guides are now available.  Each guide has been updated with relevant information about the latest specs, capabilities, and features associated with the new models Apple released on February 26, 2008.