Basic things a new Mac user should know

I've never owned a Mac. I'm planning to be an owner of a mac when Apple releases a mac with the Merom chip so before I get it, could you guys share some tips about what to download and install? Tips? Advice? What not to do and anything else? I've been using Windows my whole life and I've only used Macs at school. Anything would be really helpful! Thanks!

 

Mac is a fine OS.... but one of the deal-breakers (for me) is the fact that you can't maximize windows.

I find that awfully strange. I hope they change that in Leopard.

 

Believe me you get over that REAL quick. In fact, I hate maximized windows now, they are an unnecessary pain.

Anyway, things to do for your first Mac. The first two things: when you get it immediately go to system preferences and allow right clicking with the touchpad. Also, when you buy an external mouse get a normal 2 button mouse. That will help alot. Next you should have three accounts setup. There will be the one you setup when you first start the computer. It will have admin rights. Next setup a limited user account and have this one be your everyday account. Lastly setup a third account and give it admin rights. NEVER use this account, EVER! If you experience an issue you can go into this account and see if the issue is there also. If it isn't then you can noarrow the issue down to a preference or program within your regular account. You see OS X is a true multi-user environment, so somethigs will effect one account but not necessarily another. But always run as limited.

Other than that, if you need a program to do something look inside OS X first, it usually has something. And remember Google is your friend. Just search for the Windows program and Mac and you will likely find what you are looking for.

Play with it and be patient, in a few weeks you will never want to use Windows again. I used to be pretty hardcore Windows about 2 months ago, now I use my Windows box for one thing games. That is it, nothing else. You will have more questions once you get it, then we can ansewer better.

 

I love my Mac.

@Having three accounts: I've never heard of that before? Before I wiped my PB's HDD, I had nearly five accounts, three were admins. Now I just have my one and it is Admin. Is it safer having main account non-Admin?

 

Yes, as a limited user it limits what you can do without entering the admin name and password. If there were ever a virus or worm for the Mac, or Windows for that matter, running as limited stops them dead. They cannot install themselves. Also, having a never used account is good for diagnosing problems.

 

Well, it's too late about using a Limited account, but I shall create anoter Admin'd one.

What does jsis mean by not being able to maximize windows? Isn't that what the green button is?

 

One thing i keep noticing, when new versions of OSX come out, is the no other option but to buy them?

 

Is it true with macs you dont ever have to scan for spyware, and you dont need to run A/V software? Boy that would be so nice.

 

Apple does a lot of Software updates, so its usually 10.x.u.

x = Codename such as Tiger or Jaguar
u = version num of codename; updates

About every year or year half about, There is a new entire version with (usually in the hundreds) upgrades to OS X itself, features etc.

Yes, its true. There have been reports of some spyware that had at one time worked, but I havent heard anything since (like over a year ago).

You don't really need Spyware nor A/V software. As long as you do the three account setup recommendation by users here and by Macworld Magazine, any possible viruses are gonna have a heck of a time working, only chance they would have is if there was a MAJOR exploit, but even than you don't have admin rights so it's crapped out there too. Admin needs to set rights for each account for what they can access software or hardware.
(yes you can actually restrict users from using certain hardware)

 

One good site to know about is http://www.versiontracker.com. This site also keeps track of Windows software, but it's especially useful for finding Mac software.

 

Generally, yes, although windows in OS X don't always "maximize" like they do under MS Windows............. that is, they don't stretch out to take up the entire screen. It seems like it works differently in different apps though. In Word at least, it seems like the green button seems to generally make the window the largest possible size vertically without overlapping the dock.

I have to agree with cashmonee though....... on my PC with Windows XP, ever since I upgraded to my current Dell 20" widescreen monitor, I've found the concept of maximizing to take up the entire screen kind of useless, and more of a pain than anything else. I think that with the increasing number of people using larger screens and widescreen screens, this kind of maximizing is going to need to disappear anyway.

-Zadillo

 

Same here i made a recent switch to mac. I own a macbook and I have some Qs.

1) I got the 512mb one and I lag tremendously whenever I use frontrow. Is that normal? If i want to upgrade to 1gb then what kind do you guys recommend?

2) Is the mighty mouse a 2 button mouse? And do pc mouses work with mac?

3) I baught microsoft 2004 from apple for 100$$. Could I have downloaded that from the internet for free?

4) How do I set up my internet connection?

 

1) I don't think it's really "normal"; probably has to do with 512MB RAM. I bogught an extra 512MB in December to get to 1GB, and it's worked with me fairly well. I think NewEgg.com has good-priced, quality RAM. I'm not sure as I don't remember the usual recommended sites, someone will have to correct me here.

2) The Mighty Mouse is "two" buttons, you just click on either side of the top of its shell. To Right-click, you pretty much have to lift up your left finger. I believe almost any mouse will just be "plug-and-play", unless it has special features/buttons, you would need special drivers.

3) *Technically*, yes, just illegally. MS Office isn't that bad that it's worth nothing.

4) If over WiFi/AirPort, turn AirPort on on your Mac, and you router should show up? If via Ethernet, it could just work if you plug it in, or it might need specific settings, which can be found in System Preferences>Network. If you're still having problems, it could be of a setting on youtr router. That;s just kind of some general help; could we have some details?

I hope I was of some help!

Cheers

 

wow thanks for the comprehensive answers! ok so for the ram upgrade i decided to get this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146440

you guys think this is good?

 

It'll work but why not get DD2 667 (PC2-5300)?

I recommend this, it's 10 dollars more, but you're gonna get faster speeds even if it's not noticable, but for me personally I like to take full advantage of the computer speed that I paid for.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146125