Does my mac automatically create an email contact list (that I can go to) as I compose emails or do I have to manually add contacts into my address book?

Hi there. You email contact list is in your address book. These are from a list you make or by you emailing someone. If you are talking about setting up email so to send and receive. With a clean install that is done when you set up you computer. Otherwise you have to open mail and go to mail preferences/accounts and set up your email account. http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201728 http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1277