As an older adult entering the world of Mac computers, you can use a few basic things: a guide to prices and uses for various types of Macs and helpful keyboard shortcuts that get you quickly where you want to go. And you can never be too safe, so it pays to know how to avoid potential predators on the internet.
© Beth Macdonald / Unsplash.com
© Beth Macdonald / Unsplash.comMac price and power guide
To help you compare and contrast Macs, the following table lists current Mac models and price ranges and tells you what they’re best suited to do.
| Model | Suited For | Price Range | Pros & Cons |
| iMac/iMac Pro desktop | Midrange to power user | $1,099–$4,999 | Built-in monitor |
| Mac mini desktop | Entry level to typical home computing | $799–$1099 | No monitor, keyboard, or mouse |
| MacBook Air laptop | Entry level to typical home computing | $1,199–$1, 399 | Least expensive MacBook |
| MacBook Pro laptop | Midrange to power user | $1,299–$1,799 | Most powerful (and heaviest) MacBook |
| Power Mac desktop | Power user | $2,999–$3,999 | No monitor, keyboard or mouse |
Top 10 Mac Finder keyboard shortcuts
The keyboard shortcuts available on any Mac computer can help you save time, and look like a pro! The following table lists some of the most helpful shortcuts on Apple products.
| Key | What It Does |
| Command+C | Copies selected items |
| Command+T | Opens a new tab |
| Command+I | Shows information for selected items |
| Command+N | Opens a new Finder window |
| Command+O | Opens (or launches) the selected item |
| Command+V | Pastes an item from the Clipboard |
| Command+X | Cuts the selected items |
| Command+Z | Undoes the last action (if possible) |
| Command+Shift+H | Opens your Home folder |
| Command+Shift+Q | Logs you out |
Top 10 internet security tips
The tips in the following list are worth following whether you’re a junior, a senior, a Mac user, or a PC person. The internet is full of wondrous sites, but it’s also full of unsavory characters you need to guard against. Use the tips here as a guideline to things you should never do and use your own common sense as well.
- Never enter personal information in an email message when you don’t know the recipient.
- Never enter personal information on a website provided as a link in an email message.
- Never include personal information in an Internet forum, a discussion group, or newsgroup message.
- Never use the same password for all your electronic business.
- Never divulge personal information to others over an instant message connection.
- Never use your MacBook on the road without turning on your Catalina firewall.
- Never buy from an online store that doesn’t offer a secure, encrypted connection when you’re prompted for your personal information and credit card number.
- Never download a file from a site you don’t trust.
- Never allow young children to use the Internet without guidance and supervision.
