Specifications

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CHAPTER
3
3 Working With Your Operating System
An operating system, or OS, is your computer’s desktop environment that defines how the
items on your desktop are represented and how you interact with them. Each OS has a
different look and feel.
About Mac OS X
Your computer is set to start up in Mac OS X so you can use its advanced technologies, such
as the elegant new user interface, incredible graphics capabilities, and added system stability
and performance. Mac OS X takes care of managing your computer processes so you can
concentrate on what you want to do. You don’t need to worry about restarting your
computer if something goes wrong with one software application. Mac OS X shuts down just
that application so you can keep working without interruption. The Mac OS X virtual
memory manager takes care of allotting the amount of memory your software applications
need to run efficiently.
When you’re ready to learn more about Mac OS X, read the Welcome to Mac OS X book in
your accessory kit. Welcome to Mac OS X introduces the features of Mac OS X and provides
tips for Mac OS 9 users on how to use Mac OS X to perform common Mac OS 9 tasks. If you
experience any problems while learning about Mac OS X, see the troubleshooting tips in the
back of the Welcome to Mac OS X book or choose Mac Help from the Help menu in Mac OS X.
You can read more about Mac OS X on the Web at www.apple.com/macosx/
Information About Software and Mac OS X
For information about the compatibility of software applications with Mac OS X, check the
Apple Web site at guide.apple.com/macosx/
Important Because Mac OS X is already installed on your computer, you don’t need to
follow the installation instructions in Welcome to Mac OS X. Instead, follow the instructions
in Welcome to Mac OS X to log in and begin using Mac OS X.