New to Mac / Switcher Tips: The Apple Menu

Very rarely will a Mac user ever think consciously about the Apple Menu.  It is one of the most omnipresent aspects of the OS and packed with functionality, but I think it is one of those things that goes overlooked in tutorials to new users. Here's a quick rundown of all the things at the tip of your mouse when you use the Apple menu:
About This Mac is useful if you are bragging to friends / troubleshooting and cannot remember exactly what version of OS X you are running, what Processor speed and chip you have, or how much RAM is currently installed. After the About This Mac info pane opens, clicking on the OS X version gives you the build number (1 click) and the serial number of the computer (2 clicks) [Thanks, Laurie!]. You can also click Software Update... to check for new software or click More Info... to open up System Profiler (located in
/Applications/Utilities/), a highly informative little program that will give you access to nearly any little bit of information you may want to know about the hardware and software that comprises your system (including MAC addresses to your Airport cards, your current IP address, your serial number, and system logs).

No need to open up the About This Mac info pane to get to Software Update, however, as it's the second item in the Apple Menu. Mac OS X Software... launches your web-browser of choice and takes you to the
Mac OS X Downloads page, where you can find numerous freeware,
shareware, and commercial titles for your Mac. Next up is System Preferences, which is the easiest way (aside from using Quicksilver) to get to your System Preferences should your Dock ever freeze. Next is the Dock sub menu, which gives you access to all the various settings for your Dock.

Location is a very useful sub-menu if you are on a mobile Mac, like a Powerbook or iBook, as you can quickly and easily switch between different network configurations or click on Network Preferences to jump directly to the Networking control panel in your System Preferences.

Recent Items provides you with a list of the most recently used Applications and Documents, in case you have misplaced something. You can set how many apps / documents you would like OS X to remember for you in the Appearance control panel in your System Preferences.

Force Quit helps you to quickly quit whatever program is currently frozen up front. I normally use this with the Finder.

And then last, but not least, you have quick access to Sleep, Restart, Shut Down and
Log Off.  Ah, the wonders of the Apple Menu!