Mac Pro & Mac mini Fast Start: The new user's guide to the Mac

1) Plug In the Power

Carefully remove your Mac Pro or Mac mini from the box and place it in an easy to access area. Connect the appropriate end of the power cord to your Mac and plug the other end into a working electrical outlet. Place your display or monitor on a sturdy table or work surface, connect the appropriate end of the power cord to it, and plug the other end into a working electrical outlet.

2) Connect Your Display and Devices

Connect the cable from your display or monitor to the display connector on the back of your Mac (you may need to use the cable adapter that came with your computer to make the connection if you're using an older monitor). Connect the mouse to a USB port on your keyboard and then connect the keyboard to one of the USB ports on your Mac. If you purchased an Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse with your Mac, please see the instructions that came with them to set them up with your computer or see the Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Support page for instructions. If you have Internet access, connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the computer's Ethernet port and the other end to a cable modem, DSL modem, or network. Or do nothing if you have an existing wireless network and have AirPort installed in your new Mac.

3) Turn It On and Set It Up

After confirming that your Mac and display are connected to an electrical outlet, turn on your display and then press the power button on your Mac to turn on your computer. The first time you turn on your Mac, the Setup Assistant will appear and walk you through setting up your account. If you have another Mac, the Setup Assistant can also help you automatically transfer files and other information from your old Mac to your new one. If you prefer, you can do this later with Migration Assistant (find it in the Utilities folder inside of the Applications folder). For more information, please see the manual that came with your Mac.

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4) Have Fun!

Once you're up and running, you're free to get to work or go have some fun. If you're a brand new Mac user and haven't a clue about what to do now, our Mac 101 series of fun, online courses will help you learn how to use your Mac and all of the applications that came with it, including Mail (for email), Safari (to browse the web), iTunes (to play music and more), and iPhoto (to view, edit, and share your pictures). And if you're a switcher, be sure to check out Switch 101—Mac 101 for former PC users.

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5) Learn More

The following contains lots of information that will help you enjoy your Mac to its fullest.

Get the latest Mac Pro Manual Get the latest Mac mini Manual Turn on automatic Software Updates Check out these Quick Assist topics and triumph over your troubles Got the basics mastered? Give Mac Higher Learning: The Next Steps a try