macOS Tahoe Essential Training

Course details

The operating system for Mac computers, macOS, serves as the baseline system and the platform for launching applications on a Mac. In this course, Nick Brazzi introduces macOS Tahoe, the version of macOS that was released in September 2025. This course includes essential information on setting up Apple Accounts, navigating the Mac interface, and working with applications. Nick shows how to work with essential applications that come bundled with macOS, including the Mail application, the Safari web browser, the calendar, the photos app, and more. He also demonstrates how to use System Settings to customize the Mac interface, protect your privacy, and manage notifications.

Learning objectives
Set up and configure the macOS interface, including essential online accounts.
Use System Settings to customize your working environment and protect your online security.
Use Apple Intelligence to enable powerful AI productivity features inside of the Mail application, photo library, messaging tools, and more.
Configure bundled applications to store and synchronize your contacts, calendar, reminders, and email messages.
Manage notifications and reminders or block notifications during your focus time.
Install new applications, manage application permissions, and remove applications.
Share files between Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads.

Concepts

Introduction

Understanding macOS
Set up an Apple Account or iCloud

Getting Started

First-time setup for a new Mac
Sign in, shut down, sleep, and restart
Interface with windows, menus, and toolbars
Configure System Settings, Liquid Glass, and macOS Updates
Personalize the Control Center, toolbar, and widgets
Work faster with gestures and keyboard shortcuts

Finder - The Mac Filing Cabinet

Browse through folders
Essential folder structure including the Home folder
Create, delete, and rename files and folders
Copy and move files or folders
Search for files using Spotlight
Connect external drives

Using the Desktop

Organize the desktop and customize your wallpaper

Launch and Use Applications

Launch and quit applications
Customize the dock
Multitask between multiple applications
Use full-screen, split view, and window tiling
Save files within an application

Use Siri and Apple Intelligence

Set up Apple Intelligence and Siri
Use Siri to find information and trigger actions
Write and proofread with Writing Tools
Copy and translate text from images with Live Text

Work with Mail, Contacts, Calendars, Notes, and Reminders

Set up accounts for Mail, Calendar, Contacts, and more
Work with the Mail application
Use the Calendar application
Organize address book, notes, and reminders

Work with Other Bundled Applications

Browse and search the web with Safari
Use the Messages app for text-based messages
Use FaceTime for audio and video calls
Import and organize photos

Install and Manage Applications

Use the App Store to install and update applications
Install software from a CD or a download from the web
Set up a printer
Set app privacy and permissions

Manage Notifications

Configure notifications and use Focus Mode

Share Files and Data Between Devices

Share files quickly with AirDrop
Use Handoff to transfer tasks between an iPhone and a Mac
Control an iPhone in macOS using iPhone Mirroring

Backing Up and Security

Save passwords for online services
Manage saved passwords
Understand backup options

Conclusion

Next steps