Mac Users Guide

We've been getting many many questions that are being asked over and over again in their own threads, so I compiled a little guide filled with links to threads that I feel will help out many.

Most likely if you get pointed to this thread its because it's a question thats already been asked and there is a link in this thread that can help you, as well as other ones that you might be wondering about.

Gaming; Can I game on Macs?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=70103
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=65797

Questions about Apple itself

More about Apple and it's rep
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69432

How is Apples product quality?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=67083

HardWare

Does Macbook have backlight?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=68328

Processor
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69338

What Memory should I get?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69008

*Note* User upgraded memory will not void the warranty in both MB and MBP, the HDD in the Macbook *ONLY* is also user upgradable.

Misc.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=64703

http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/
[Credit: Thanks to Cashmonee for link]

Maintence and Security of OS X

Security; Setting up your OS X to be secure
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=64794

Expands on the above thread on user accounts.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=68347

OS X Maintenance ::UPDATED::
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69180

Reseting PRAM - Thanks to Starlight for finding the info.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238

Applications

Windows Applications
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=64183

Automator
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=69724

iWorks '06
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=1490324

Schoolhouse
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/software/schoolhouse-for-os-x-helping-mactarded-students-find-time-to-waste-194454.php

Top 10 applications to help you move to OS X (somewhat outdated) - Thanks sathyaterry
http://paulstamatiou.com/2005/12/19/10-apps-every-new-mac-user-should-download/

Accessories

InvisbleShield and what is it?
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=65467

Problems|Solutions & How is the issue today

Macbook Moo (and heat)
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=68730

UPDATE: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=72408

MBP Whine and its solution
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=67251

Parallels and Boot Camp:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=59140

Books

Mac OS X Tiger The Missing Manual

Notable Websites

iCalShare
- Tons of iCals, you can find calenders for just about anything here and subscribe or download it, want the schedule for your favorite team? Look no further. Credit: cFern


If anyone else has a link to a thread here you feel might also help, please post it here in this thread so we can just point users to this direction, and most likely they'll find answers to other questions they have as well.

Update:
I (or Cashmonee if he'd like too) will be sure to try and keep this sticky current, and add any thread links that I find that can be extremely useful for the future.

 

Apple has a list of reasons to be comfortable with a Mac on their site:

http://www.apple.com/getamac/works.html

 

I'm not a PC or a Mac fan, but I find those reasons a little biased, wouldn't you say? Don't trust everything from the manufacturer's webpage...

 

Forums = opinions more than fact = biased.

Anyways its called advertising.

 

Well yeah, its from Apple (have you seen WWDC's intro by the "PC-Guy"?), but some of the stuff in there is true.

 

I agree .

 

Indeed. Although in this case, it's not like Apple is hiding the source or something (I mean, it's quite clearly an Apple page, so I think most reasonable consumers can figure out that there is going to be some "bias"). It would be more questionable if it was some site set up by the company but made to look like it was independent or something.

Either way, a lot of the things on that page really aren't a matter of bias as much as just pointing out stuff about the platform, etc. that would be of interest to someone considering switching to the Mac (i.e. if you're already comfortable with using iTunes, you've already seen some of what using a Mac is like).

-Zadillo

 

Now that it is stickied, let's try to keep this to suggestions for users, new and long-time.

Here is a good site if you like to take Apple's apart:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/

 

Great reference!

Two comments:
-The thread in the link listed under "OS X Maintenance" cites a PDF guide, but the link is outdated

- You forgot to mention that it's a good idea to set up 3 accounts (cashmonee's suggestion: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=68347&highlight=new+users

 

I know most of these questions have been answered, I was just hoping to condense them into one topic as I noticed there were a number of new macbook/pro purchases in the last few days.

As a recent Windows -> OS converter there are a few questions I had (and a few answers I've stumbled upon.

1) Trackpad Right Click and Scroll:
-Easy one here, just go to system preferences and go to keyboard & mouse- under trackpad there are checkboxes for the scroll, click, click & drag and double click options.

2) MSN Messenger limitations:
- the Mac version of MSN suffers from a few limitations it seems. For one, you cant nudge anyone or be nudged! lameness! Two, file transfers, at least bt a PC version and Mac version doesn't seem to work.
-Possible solution? I found the suggestion of using Adium to condense all of your messengers (MSN, AIM, YAHOO, etc) into one. It seems to be very customizable and from wht i've read, it also supports file transfers from any of these messengers with relatively few limitations. It also has a huge number of customizations (maybe this is common for mac aps? if so ill enjoy that). If anyone had a better review/information on it - I for one would appreciate it.

3) What memory to Upgrade with:
-This topic is WELL covered, so I am just going to supply two links to what I read are good companies for RAM at a good price.
-First, Kingston: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134129
-Second Crosair (some neg reviews - focused in the month of march when problems were worse w the new MBP's): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145012

4) Does anyone recommend any specific widgets? I a fairly unfamiliar with what is out there, so recommendations or links to information would be great.

-If anyone recommends one over the other let me know as I plan to order in the next few days.

I know there is the sticky at the top for new mac users - if any admin thinks this should just be a reply to that post feel free to move it or delete it. Just hoping to get some advise/give some =)

Thanks
-c

 

On point 1, it might also be worth mentioning SideTrack, an alternative trackpad driver for OS X:

http://www.ragingmenace.com/software/sidetrack/

Which includes the ability to set some right-click abilities, etc.

 

The additionial user accounts idea is already addressed by the OS X Security thread, however I will add cashmonees thread as it expands on it, and the fact I, myself, was looking for it but you found it for me.

 

Just t add to my post yesterday - here are some helpful links to some of the issues i mentioned

Adium Messenger Extras: http://adiumxtras.com/

Apple's Widget page: http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/

iCal Calender Reminders & Subscriptions: http://www.icalshare.com/
-I'd useit for your favorite football (soccer!) fixtures! Comon you Spurs!

Thats all for now, I'll update more as I find em.

-c

 

On kind of superficial question I was wondering about.... does anyone know any sites that are good to find desktop backgrounds on? or maybe even backgrounds that are for widescreen formats?

I kinda wanna move on from ths blue swirly screen

 

http://interfacelift.com/wallpaper/

 

For those who are new to iLife:

http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/

Good luck!

 

Some really good Mac podcasts for your listening/viewing pleasure:
MacBreak
A somewhat regularly updated video podcast that is mostly quick tips on how to use your Mac. Most all are 10-15 minutes.

MacBreak Weekly
MacBreak little brother. This is a weekly going's on in the Mac world. They discuss news relevant to Macs.

iLife Zone
This is good weekly podcast that helps you get the most out your mac in a similar way to MacBreak, but with audio. Episodes are also longer than MacBreak at about 45 min each.

 

hey one good thing to add to this, and that I would really like to learn, it the easiest, simplest way to set up a network on a Mac, Mac to Mac, and Mac to PC.

 

Another podcast I'd like to add to the lineup:

Macworld Podcasts

Run by Macworld magazine, updated regularily, usually every week or two, depends on the amount of news. Its one of the more "organized" podcasts, not much argument and disagreement and not much interruptions between each other.

 

Reason for a MAC...

# 1. No upgrade nightmares.
# 2. You can even run Windows.
# 3. It's simpler.
# 4. You don't have to buy new stuff.
# 5. Know iTunes? You know Mac.
# 6. Macs run Microsoft Office.
# 7. You can take it with you.

4 - Not true. I will be buying leopard soon.
7- Cool, my HP nw8440 laptop is glued to the ground, finally a laptop that I can take with me!

hahaha