DAVID POGUE offers a series of books called THE MISSING MANUAL for Apple's operating systems. The newest version (i.e. for LION 10.7) is due to be released in NOVEMBER through Amazon.
He is well-respected among many Apple products users. Search his name in this Forum and you will see some references to his materials. And he (usually) writes in "plain English" - for people like me.
Perhaps his expertise under one cover will come in handy for you and save you some time and grief hopping about The Net looking for the guidance you seek.
