My Mac - help me get started
Right, this is not a financial part of our business, but we feel it the 'right thing' to help you if we can without you having to necessarily pay someone. Thusly, some things in life are free...
Virus Protection
One of the many wonderful benefits of a Mac is that they are much less vulnerable to viruses and 'pollution' than Windows computers. It's basically a design difference that makes the really important areas of the Mac protected from harm.
Some will not use a computer without virus protection. For those of you out there, you have plenty of options for virus protection software. Just use your favorite search engine to locate a virus protection program for your Mac that you like and can afford.
Backup your computer data (photos, files, etc)
We have seen many cases where people report that a local agency charged them $500 or more for a data 'recovery' operation. Of the cases we've seen (over 100) where someone has lost data, it's not that they have lost data at all. Their computer is no longer working (the system ceases to work due to power or a component failure) but the data is still there. How to get around this completely? Implement a system where you backup your computer and do so immediately. This is one of the critical points of protecting yourself and preventing a large expense and frustration.
Purchasing a computer
There are so many options here that it easily becomes confusing. We have helped people in the process and have also lost opportunities to help people (they get anxious or disgusted with the process and take another route -- who knows what that route might be). If you are considering a purchase for a computer that will remain in Vail (i.e., your not transporting it back and forth between your homes), it really doesn't matter where you purchase your Mac. The closest support stores for your Mac are in Steamboat Springs or in Denver (many options there).
You can shop online through Apple.com or through macmall.com to get pricing (some even purchase through e-bay). When you shop, ensure you are getting pricing on the exact same system and setup (memory, hard drive, software). Obviously you can also shop in a retail store. It would benefit you though to call the store to see if they have what you want IN STOCK.
Unfortunately, Apple does not have a support model like Dell where a technician can come to your home or business. With your Mac / Apple, if there is a problem you either mail it to the support team or transport it yourself.
Your network (connection to the internet)
It's a good idea to determine what you are planning to do on your internet connection. Shop? Watch movies? Check email? All of the above?
For your home or business internet connection, once you have an idea of how you will use your internet connection, you should talk with the companies that provide internet connectivity (your ISP - Internet Service Provider) to learn what speeds they offer and the price of each.
It's ok to start out on a slower speed and upgrade if it's not fast enough. If watching movies on Netflix is on your list, ensure that you tell your ISP and let them help you pick a speed that will make you happy.
Once you are setup, if you go wireless, it's best to protect your investment with a password. Depending on your setup, this could be on your wireless router or access point. Once you have a password, only you, your family and your friends are using the internet connection that you pay for. There was once discussion of our legal system making the process of 'borrowing an internet connection' from your neighbor illegal. Not to say that it's illegal, but it can be quite frustrating if you are trying to use someone elses' internet connection. Don't do it. Get your own and enjoy the benefit!
Heat and Cleanliness
For any type computer, Mac or Windows (or other operating type), always ensure that your systems are well ventilated. If you feel heat on the underside of your laptop, ensure that you don't have hair or matter clogging the vents on the system. With your desktop, ensure that it has ample supply of fresh air.
Many people use 'canned air' to clean their systems on a routine basis. Most of the time, we find that they are simply pushing the dust and hair from one side of the system to the other. So, we like to vacuum to pull the dust out of the system. It is not likely that you will remove all dust unless you open the system case (this doesn't apply so much to your laptop). Be careful though. Opening the case can result in damage to your system if you accidentally jab one of the parts with your vacuum nozzle. Also, ensure the system power cord is removed and that you have discharged the system (done by holding the power button in for 10 seconds or so AFTER the power cable has been removed.