You can choose from thousands of Mac OS X applications to purchase or download and install on your computer.

In some cases, instructions provided with the application specify that you can simply drag the application to your desktop or into a folder to install it. It is recommended you drag the application to the Applications folder.

If you want to reinstall Mac OS X or the applications that came with Mac OS X or with your computer, you can do so using the discs that came with your computer.

To get more applications, choose Apple menu > Mac OS X Software.

In addition, if you are a .Mac member, you can check the Software folder on your iDisk for new Mac OS X applications from Apple, updates to existing applications, and demonstrations from other developers.

Here is a post from PC World, these are the most commonly asked questions, I thought I would go a little deeper into the subject.

Where’s The Start Menu?

You don’t need no stinkin’ Start menu. On a Mac, you browse through your documents or navigate to your applications via a Finder window. And you can place frequently used apps in the system Dock, which you can place at the side or bottom of the screen. (Find preferences for the Dock in the Apple menu at the top left). You can set it to emerge when your cursor approaches it.

I’d agree with him here, and Vista is no better. Now we have a round windows-logo-as-start-button. As good as the start button is -Shift-A. This command will brong up your Applications folder.

Where’s My Right Mouse Button?

In Windows, the right mouse button brings up what’s called a context menu. To bring it up on a Mac, hold down the control key and click the mouse button. Or just attach a mouse with a right-click button. It will work the same way as in Windows.

Hmm…ok. Control click is great and all if you are an infrequent right-clicker. If you are coming from Windows, get a two button mouse

How Do I Install Apps?

File installation feels a bit strange at first since some apps, such as Firefox, mount as a drive when you double-click on the setup file. But then you simply drag the icon to your Applications folder, and it’s installed.

I don’t agree with this. Most applications in OS X are distributed as “disk images” or .dmg files. Once you mount the image, equivalent to inserting a CD/DVD, the application or installer is ready, just drag and drop (for an application). If it looks like a little package. In short, if an installer opens, it needs to be installed. If an application opens, it doesn’t need to be installed.

How Do I Search For Files Or Apps?

Searching on a Mac couldn’t get any easier, using Spotlight. Click on the blue icon in the top right of your screen and type in any phrase. You can search filenames, file contents, e-mail, contacts, even metadata.

Spotlight is great, there is not doubt about that. It is even better when you know what you are looking for. Try searching with “kind:”

Where’s The C: Drive?

Forget about delving into the depths of the Windows C: drive. On a Mac, you can find all of your files by simply using the Finder. And if you’re hard-core, drop into the Terminal app and get your Unix groove on.

Spot on, I couldn’t agree more.

Let’s focus on what is the same, and believe it or not, there is much that is the same or, at least, very similar.

1. The Windows™ menu bar:
This is a source of confusion for many people who are new to OS X (and previous versions of the Apple OS, as well). In Windows, each separate window usually has its own menu, like so:

In OS X, like previous Apple OSs the menu is anchored to the top of the screen, looking like this:

What does it mean to you? Well, once you get used to it, you recognize that it has several advantages. For example, if you tend to have many windows open at once, you will value the space because the windows are naturally smaller, without the extra “dead” space at the top. In other instances, it is helpful when navigating menus. Here is an example. In OS X, whereever the window is located, the preferences for that application are always at the top left part of the screen, you don’t have to aim. With Windows applications, the location is relative to the windows position, and you may overshoot the window. So as you see, it is possible for the act to take longer.

Common Mistakes Made by New Mac Users – The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

Note: Discussing common mistakes that people make doesn’t have to be an exercise in meanness
or criticism. In fact, I firmly believe that a problem can’t be solved unless it’s first discussed or pointed out.

This is a very imprtant fact to point out. Like we have said in the past, everyone was new to computers (in general) or new to macs at one time in the past. Much of this is not intuitive, it has to be learned and there is nothing wrong with not knowing how to do something and asking for help.

The Warne Account » Top 30 mistakes made by new Mac users

Here is a list of common mistakes made by users new to OS X, and Apple computers in general. These are classic.

123Macmini.com – Mac Mini News – 10 Things Every New Mac Owner Should Know
Paul Stamatiou has compiled a list of 10 things every first time Mac owner, particularly Mac Mini owner, should know about their new computer and operating system. “This article should answer some burning questions, enlighten you about some features you did not know about OS X and just all around be helpful.”

Hack Attack: A guide for switching to a Mac – Lifehacker

Lifehacker is running a great guide with some pointers on smoothing the transition between Windows™ and Mac OS X™. Lifehacker is also a great destination, and it is a site I frequently visit. They often have informative posts that help with “engineering” life.

Enjoy!