As a lifelong and very comfortable PC user, I purchased my first Mac with the popular misconception that it would be user friendly and intuitive. Don't worry, people told me, just do what you think is right and the Mac will flow along with you. Right? Wrong. Very very wrong. Don't misunderstand me: I like my Mac, especially the big gorgeous monitor, the wireless mouse and keyboard, the ease of start-up, Garage Band, and lots of other stuff. But easy to use? Heck, there isn't even a backspace key! With the PC, my hand hardly ever reached for the mouse, and suddenly I was grabbing for it constantly. The Help menu wasn't very helpful, and the underlying set-up seemed mysterious and cumbersome.
Finally a person who's smarter than I am suggested that I pick up a "Mac for dummies" type book. THE MISSING MANUAL is that book, and it is a blessing. I am finally discovering the universe that resides inside that snazzy monitor, learning to leave the mouse alone and having a great old time doing it. The book's subtitle is "the book that should have been in the box." I wholeheartedly agree.
If you're a new Mac user, you need this book. It's well organized, clearly written, has a big fat index, and even provides web support. Thanks, David Pogue.