Tech Savvy Seniors – Introduction to Apple MacBook

Course Overview

Macs vs. PCs! Indeed, people seem to be passionately supportive of or against using Apple Macs in contrast to Windows PCs (personal computers).

In Introduction to Apple MacBook course, we will look into the design and special features of the Apple MacBook while also comparing them to Windows PC features.

This includes the similarities and differences in hardware, trackpad, internet browser, office suite, and more. Additionally, we will cover how the MacBook integrates with Apple’s other ‘smart’ technology, such as the Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad.

You will be shown around an Apple MacBook and, furthermore, have opportunities to ask questions to someone who has owned an Apple MacBook as their primary computing device for over seven years.

Introduction to Apple MacBook course is suitable for anyone who owns, plans to own, or currently uses an Apple MacBook, as well as those who wish to further their understanding of the differences between Macs and PCs.

By the end of this course, you will know and be able to identify major features of an Apple MacBook, its differences with Windows PCs, in addition to being able to argue the pros and cons of using an Apple MacBook.

Macquarie Community College operates from a range of venues across Northern and Western Sydney. We have campuses in Blacktown, Carlingford, Chatswood, Epping, Mt Druitt, Richmond, and Ryde. Enrol now!

Learn more about this course

What you will learn

Course outline

This course will look at the special features of the Apple MacBook.

Basic MacOS features

  • A look around the hardware
  • Trackpad – gestures
  • Finder (vs Windows file manager)
  • Launchpad
  • Dock (vs Windows taskbar)
  • Access to internet
  • Browser – safari (vs Windows edge or internet explorer)

Apple Family – integration with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch

  • Notes
  • Contacts
  • Calendar
  • Apple maps
  • iMessage

Advanced Features

  • FaceTime
  • AirDrop

Office Suite

  • Apple Pages (Windows Word)
  • Apple Number (Windows Excel)
  • Apple Keynote (PowerPoint)

The course will contrast these features to those found in Windows PCs.

The course will then consider the advantages and the disadvantages of the Apple MacBook compared to Windows PCs. There will be time for discussion!

Course outcome

By the end of the course the student will be able to:

  • Know the major features of Apple MacBook
  • Identify major differences between Apple MacBooks and Windows PCs
  • Argue the good and bad points of Apple MacBook

What you need to know

Entry requirements

Students must have basic knowledge of using a PC and should have an Apple MacBook.

Prerequisite: Essential

Participants must be over 60 years old. Tech Savvy Seniors is an initiative of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is funded in partnership between the NSW Government and Telstra.

What you need to provide

  • Notepad and pen
  • Bring your own Apple MacBook laptop (if you have one) to compare it with the Windows 10 PC provided in the classroom

Class details

Start Date19 February 2025
End Date19 February 2025
Sessions1
DaysWed
Time10:30am - 1:00pm
TutorDavid Vasey
Location Epping Campus

$10

Delivery Mode

To meet the needs of our students Macquarie Community College balances delivery and engagement across permanent, regular and temporary delivery sites and offer face-to-face, remote zoom classes and self-paced learning options.

Ways to Study

  • On campus

Our college campus locations are:

    • Blacktown
    • Chatswood
    • Carlingford
    • Epping
    • Ryde
    • Mt Druitt
  • Virtual classroom
  • Complete workplace training
  • Combine ways to study

FAQ

How you got questions? Please see our comprehensive FAQ page for everything you need to know about Macquarie Community College, our policies, student support, application and enrolment procedures.

How to Enrol

Step 1 - Choose Your Course

  • Select the non-accredited short course you are interested in.
  • Find a day and time that suits your schedule.

Note: Enrolment is open to anyone 18 years or older.

Step 2 - Enrol and Verify

  • Click ‘Enrol Now’ after selecting your course and schedule.
  • Enter your details on the enrolment page.
  • Verify your email through a secure link sent to your email address.
  • Complete the secure checkout and payment process.

Ensure you read the Terms and Conditions available at: Macquarie Community College Terms and Conditions. For assistance, call customer service at 1300 845 888.

Step 3 - Receive Your Enrolment Details

  • You will receive an immediate enrolment confirmation email upon successful enrolment. Check and read the attached Terms and Conditions.
  • The payer of the enrolment will receive a tax invoice immediately after processing.
  • You will receive a course reminder email a day before your class begins.
  • For Online Zoom classes, a Zoom link and password will be emailed the day before class. Use the same link and password for subsequent sessions if applicable.