Depends on the machine. I started with a Pfaff 1471. I read the manual backwards and forwards, and tried just about any stitch or program recommended in the manual. I traded for a Pfaff 1475. Read the manual eventually for new things, but a lot was quite similar. Same for the 2144. I did get the newer manual for the 2170 as the 2140 and 2144 had hard upgrades to make them identical to the 2170. I haven't been interested in newer machine.
I played with a lot of mechanical machines, so the Brother 1500 and the Juki 2100 weren't that difficult. I posted the maintenance schedules on the wall where I could see them.