First-time Mac user, how to learn for what I want to do?

This may help get you started: Helpful Information for Any Mac User

 

As you are a writer, check out some app like OmmWriter or WriterRoom. They focus in your writing as they don't have too many fonts and color and things distracting you like microsoft Work. they also come with relaxing music, so it really help you to concentrate.

 

May I ask how old you are? When I changed from pc to mac it didn't require any instruction and I've never had real issues with it - it seemed almost entirely intuitive to me. For specific issues you can always search online or ask on this (or a similar) forum. I'm in my early twenties, and imagine the same would go for most people under 50 with some computer proficiency...

You've already spent loads of time with it at the apple store, and once you get your own, you'll learn a ton in the process of customizing it. While I recognize that people learn differently, I think the best way is just playing around with it. Honestly, the only reason I can imagine you would need instruction is if you're mostly computer-illiterate, or older and not too used to technology problem-solving on your own.

 

I just made the switch about a month ago and I learned just by experimenting with the system and a lot of google and forum searches. There is a ton of information out there. Plus its pretty intuitive.

 

Us old folks can barely pull up our Depends without instructions.

Old dogs, new tricks - big problem.

 

Are you part of Apple's One-to-One training service?

 

Haha, not meant to be mean - just been doing a lot of tech support for my dad lately, who seems stumped by seemingly-obvious things