New Mac Switcher's Guide - Suggestions Wanted

By the approval of cashmonee, I'm going to write a new sticky guide, the Mac Switcher's Guide, that will eventually replace the Mac User's Guide as it has become outdated. I plan to have it done in the next week or two.

Right now I'm planning to cover:

• Useful links for new switchers or potential switchers.
  
  
• Some differences between the MacBook and MBP for those still deciding between the two.
  
  
• Simple explanation of Boot Camp, Parallels and VMware Fusion. Link to the Windows on a Mac Guide for those that want a more detailed explanation.
  
  
• Things to do when your new Mac arrives (Calibrate battery, Software Updates, etc.).
  
  
• Things to remember not to bother with (iPhoto folders in Finder, etc.).
  
  
• A list of OS X software new switchers may want to have (will link to Eluzion's list, or refer to Eluzion's list and pick out some of the most recommended).
  
  
• Commonly answered questions regarding OS X, Apple and the Mac hardware.
  
  
• (Still deciding if this should be on) Weekly updated "best Mac deals on the web". I will seriously need your help in sending me links for the deals, guys!

I would like some suggestions, please! Anything else you'd like covered? Or ideas for some of the sections? I'm open to all suggestions (don't tell me to jump off a bridge though ), you can post your suggestions/comments/ideas here or PM me with them.

 

Inform them of why Anti-Virus is not necessary.

Suggest other Mac Browsers Such as:
Camino, FireFox, Opera

Calibrating the Screen

Setting up multiple user accounts

Must have Mac apps, such as http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/

Customizing the install of OSX and saving space (Removing languages, printer drivers)

Some people get confused when installing programs (I've seen people run programs from the image mounted on the desktop for weeks)

Using Apple mail

Recommended Bittorent and P2P programs (Azureus, Frostwire)

Repairing permissions

Using iChat with their iSight

Adding external storage

Customizing the Dock

Using Bluetooth+ Wi-fi

Using SmcFanControl, etc. for controlling the temperatures of your Mac.

Flip4Mac

FileVault protection

Burning DVDs and CDs

Setting up printers, cameras.

Anything else?

 

http://www.apple.com/support/switch101
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101

Couldn't resist

Calibrate color too!

Add in a few notes on Expose too for all those switchers wondering how to switch their open apps

Also the differences between the "close" button on windows with the Windows counterpart, and the "zoom/maximize" button.

I recall seeing a lot of questions about burning too...so a short segment on how to create burn folders and burn disk images from disk utility would be nice.

Also a brief mention of how to run things at startup and how to keep apps on the dock..

 

This will be just what I am looking for, before the switch and when I have switched. Thanks once again Sam for the initiative.

 

I'm seriously considering buying a Mac - Dell 1330 woes and Vista are final straws for me really. This guide would be exactly the kind of thing I have been hoping to find! Apple should give you a commission......

 

Sounds good. Any other suggestions? Should I add the "Weekly Mac deals"?

 

I think that's making the scope of the thread too broad and also require too much maintenance. If there's demand for it, another thread for it maybe...

 

Excellent idea, and thank you in advance.

I am on the verge of making the jump, and this guide would surely come in handy.

 

First and foremost, reinstall OS X.
- It can severely reduce the OS's install size from the default; It allows you to choose what apps from iLife or whatever else you want to include in your default install rather than everything and everything that takes up many GBs
- It is very fast. Much faster than windows and the couple setup boxes you go through are very light; There is no reason not to do it.

Story: When I first got my MBP (Macbook Pro) I thought I could use it right out of the box and did so for a couple days before noticing I was filling up my hard drive very fast and upon inspection found out it was from apps and files I hadn't even put on there myself! So I lamented that I'd better reinstall the OS (which comes with backing up/reinstalling all my apps and files). I thought it would be slow like Windows and prompt many a setup box. Nope. Very painless. My only wish is that I did so upon first opening up the cardboard box, taking it out, and plugging it in so I wouldn't have had to reinstall my apps and backup my files.

 

For a switcher, I actually suggest putting off the reinstall part for a few days. While reinstalling everything is great once you know what you want, most of the time, a switcher has no clue about Mac software and what the OS is capable of.

In this case, I'd suggest the person try out the OS, including as many of the trialware and demos as he wants to. Download different free utilities online and see which ones he likes, and in general just try and play with everything he can get his hands on, knowing there are no consequences to breaking something (short of breaking the hardware), and no size restrictions.

In particular, there are a few things that a Windows switcher might be interested in experimenting with:

1. Viruses - yep, this is a question most Windows skeptics ask sooner or later. Do I need AV software? Are there really no viruses or malware for OSX? If you want to test this - this would be the time to do it.

2. Is OSX really stabler than Windows? How do I induce a kernal panic? This would be the ideal time to satisfy that curiosity too.

3. Software - all these new free software out there, what do I use? How do I install? How do I uninstall? Although OSX does not have a registry that gets bloated with installation of software, some programs do leave preference files outside the software package that over time can accumulate to take up precious HDD space. If you're going to test new software in bulk anyway, might as well do it now. A lot of the trial stuff on the OSX install disk, especially the iLife suite, takes up a lot of HDD space. Test them out and see which ones you'll use.

4. Windows - Boot Camp. Fusion. Parallels. 64-bit versions. MacFuse. MacDrive. Drivers. Partition strategies. There are many many things and combinations you can do with Windows on a Mac, especially since many of the options listed above are still relatively unstable and thus open for experimentation. At the same time, there's a lot of room for error and you can easily run into problems. This would be the time to find out the limitations of each file system and which methods of partitioning will destroy your data and which will preserve it. If you want to gimmick your own installation of 64-bit Vista, this would be the time to try it. Find out the limits of what you can do with Windows that won't break it.

Then once he's had time to try everything out, do a clean reinstall knowing the programs he'll use.

Finally - demo dates. Keep track of demo expiration dates for key programs. For example, if your strategy for transferring your old Windows files to your MBP involves using MacDrive, realize that the demo date is 5 days, and plan ahead for maximizing your use of those 5 days. If you only need to transfer files once, then you can get away with just using it as a demo. Not a huge deal as there are usually alternatives for any method (i.e. using macfuse/ntfs-3g in osx as a free alternative instead), but something to keep in mind.

 

I don't know, taelrak, I'd still suggest that a switcher re-install before trying out the OS because in my view there are 2 general types of switchers:

1) Those who use the OS - those people would probably play around with stuff but do prior reading about the OS first so they already know the basic setup of apps they'll need (such as a good uninstalling app for those trial softwares). So reinstalling the OS after already playing around with it for a few days only to have to re-download all the updates, reinstall all the apps and reconfigure all the settings is really just an unnecessary pain that's easily avoided by initially reinstalling the OS before doing anything else.

2) Those who get used by the OS. Those people are probably fine reinstalling later as they'll keep most default app settings and probably wont bother with a correct preferences/app setup until many months later (if even).

But now the question is, which type of switcher do you figure is going to actually read the switcher guide?

 

I guess, but for a lot of stuff like iLife - it's hard to make a decision on whether you'll be using them solely on research without trying them out for a bit of time. At the same time, it's also harder for someone new to OSX to completely remove iLife. What if he reinstalls OSX first and then decides he doesn't want iLife? He'd have to delete the original file, delete the install package, and then track down all the loops, themes, etc. in the various libraries (which wouldn't be found by uninstallers like AppDelete). It's not a huge deal, but maybe I'm just too much of a neat freak

I guess my main issue when I converted was that I like to play with *everything* and try out the things that installation guides explicitly told you NOT to do, as well as the most unstable software that I can find. As a result, I ended up breaking so many things that I reinstalled OSX 3-4 times and Windows twice (don't ask ). It wasn't a big deal for me because I went into it knowing I'd deliberately find things to break so I didn't bother keeping important data on the drive yet.

However, if someone's experimenting in their first couple weeks after putting in their "good install" with their data, and they break something, it would suck having to make sure they don't lose any data.

 

Have we mentioned not moving around the file structure too much?

On pre OS-X systems, the Mac would be perfectly happy with running anything from anywhere (with a few exceptions). The file structure of OS X, while easy to understand, should really not be tampered with. Applications need to live in the App folder, Documents within that user's documents folder (or shared), and so on.

Also, a quick review on how to solve simple problems like running Disk Utility>Repair and deleting plist files for troublesome programs.

Perhaps a bit of a run-down on why Macs are fairly secure from the factory and ways to check if they are still secure after new switchers tinker around a bit (Personal File Sharing, Web Sharing, Firewall, etc.) I mean, with the marketing going on new users might think the Mac is indestructible, security-wise. We need to make sure that people know that they are just less-destructible than the other current OS choices.

BTW, way to go on this Sam - this will be a major undertaking. If you need any help, please feel free to ask!

 

Sam, a fantastic idea. I posted yesterday with many of these questions you plan to cover and I must say that your way of explaining things is top notch, you tell things in a very understandable way and are to be commended for this. I know I make a lousy teacher, but you have the knack for sure.

Right now I am most definitely weighing towards the switch. The only Windows base PC that I am considering is the Lenovo T61p.

 

Good point - most new users probably aren't aware it ships with firewall and file vault off by default (or that it even has those two features).

 

Quick thought, is there a must-have apps list on this forum? I think that this should be a different sticky than this switcher's guide and one I would be happy to head up if there isn't such a beast already.

 

Eluzion created an OS X Software List for free software...its on Page 2 or 3 right now. Also, the Mac Gems, Games, etc. sticky also kind of serves that purpose.

 

There's the sticky here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=82164
which is just basically a list of individual posts suggesting apps ....too disorganized to be useful IMO...

Eluzion started to consolidate a list here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=160062
but it hasn't been stickied and has since rolled off the first few pages.

 

Okay, first "call on to the Apple forum community". What should users do right away with their new Mac? Please add in points if you can think of them!

I right now have:

Calibrate battery
Register with Apple
Customize your Mac with System Preferences
Download Software Updates
Calibrate screen

Oh, and of course "moving your files".

What else?

 

Does plug in a mouse or change your mouse settings so we no longer have to read "why can't I right-click on my mbp" ever again count?

 

Fine, that'll be part of the New Mac User section .

 

Also add the instructions on two-finger tapping for those using a touchpad - does the same thing.

 

Looks like I got more done than I expected. The guide will probably be up in the next few days. If I need help from you guys, I'll be sure to ask for it (and ya better give it >=D just kidding )!

 

Sam, I have suggestions from a potential switcher, after reading above posts:

1. Perhaps we should think of catering for the various needs of the user: starter, intermediate and advanced. then divide the guide into these sections. so e.g. disc partitioning could go into intermediate or advanced guide, while mouse-settings, two-finger tapping, etc could go into starter guide. Just a thought.

2. Could we add screenshots when we make the guide? It may weigh the files a bit, but it IMHO, an excellent teacher for the noobie.

Hope that helps,

S

 

I've taken your suggestions to consideration, thanks smiley_lauf!

1) Mainly I've tried to divide the guide into more of a "timeline" (the guide begins with questions lots of "potential switchers" ask, and then helping them "choose a Mac", and then answer their "New Mac Questions", then to help them "Troubleshoot" and then send them off to "Other Guides") than a "Starter, Intermediate, Advanced". I don't plan to everything possible about OS X on this guide (although it sounds like you guys are expecting it to be ). Anyways, I've covered a lot of the things you mentioned in the smoothest way possible without it turning into an "Apple Universe Million-word Database" I'm adding lots of links to other guides and useful articles.

The main point of this guide is to assist the potential switcher in answering his/her questions, helping him/her decide what to get, answering his/her "Got a new Mac!" questions, telling him/her what to do if he has issues, and then sending him/her off to more detailed guides in other websites.

I guess what I mean is, mainly I've tried to explain or link to articles so that even "starters" will be able to understand. I don't want to create a "Starters can do this. Meanwhile, for those more experienced, you can do this.". I've tried to create a "This is the method. Starters, after re-reading a few times you should understand how to do it. If not, here's a link to a more detailed explanation of it".

2) I'm still pondering about adding screenshots. For a lot of what the Guide is, screenshots aren't really necessary, or I've linked to more detailed explanations that already have screenshots. Right now the guide is about 2500 words, and I don't know how much potential switchers are willing to read through .

 

Here's a bit of what the Guide will look like:

Common Switcher Questions

A lot of the following questions are common concerns often asked by users interested in switching to Mac.

I often hear people saying Mac OS X has no viruses. Is it true?

Yes, for now there are no viruses targeting Mac OS X in the wild. There is no current need to purchase antivirus on Mac OS X yet. For now, regularly installing Apple's Security Updates and enabling the Firewall will be sufficient security on the Mac. If you must have some sort of antivirus in order to satisfy your fear of getting infected, try the free antivirus scanner ClamXav.

Do Macs come with bloatware?

All Macs come bundled with three trial applications: Microsoft Office 2004 Trial, iWork '08 Trial and Comic Life Trial. They each have their separate folders in the Applications folder, and to uninstall these trial applications, just delete its folder off the Applications folder. We do not consider these trials bloatware as it has no effect on your Mac other than consuming hard drive space, and is easy to delete (no clean-install necessary, as is needed in many Windows PCs).

I notice there's no taskbar in Mac OS X. How would I shuffle through my open applications?

Expose is excellent for shuffling through open windows, and after a while you will probably find it even more useful than the Windows taskbar as you see a live preview of all your current open windows. Also, you can use Command+Tab to shuffle through your open applications.

Expose is quite hard to explain, so I'll let Apple explain it here.

Just a "preview", if can call it that.

 

perhaps a checklist like, stuck/dead pixel, yellow tints and etc would be helpful for a beginner. sometime a new user/switcher doesn't know what is expected and what is not, it's good to build up the awareness.

 

Sam, cool, I like the approach. I realize you do not wish to see this function as an encyclopedia of Mac OS X. I am sure there are other sites that do this as well, so links to these invaluable sites will be very helpful.

Again, and as always, thanks for the initiative.

S

 

Great idea for a sticky. I just "switched" this week to a MacBook Pro. There are a few areas that I have had confusion with.

As has been noted by several post above, installing and uninstalling software can be confusing to a Windows user. I don't really know the correct terminology to use; however, clicking on the downloaded file, opens up another file on the desktop, which opens up more files, which, i guess installs the program. Once the program is installed, is there an easy way to know where the installed program is? Windows has a setting to hightlight newly installed programs in the start menu, which I usually turn off, as most programs are installed in the program files folder or subfolders. I've gone on a difficult hunt to find installed programs on the macbook- in part because I am not yet confortable with the file structure, and where stuff gets put.

How the heck do I uninstall programs? Is it just a matter of dragging stuff to the trash? Someone at work asked me this question this week, and they have had their mac for a couple of years.

A BIGGIE for me was disabling the start up sound, which "dings" prior to an operating system loads up. I didn't want to announce to work or a class when I was turning my computer on. I could not find a setting to do this built in, so I ended up downloading a file: StartupSound.prefPane, which appears to work great.


Ayron

 

Sam, another thought spurnned on by a poster above. There are some great resources out there on the web for Mac OS X. Perhaps a short list of the top 10 or so should be in your guide?

Sites I use all the time:
Versiontracker.com
Macupdate.com
MacOSXhints.com
macfixit.com
Arstechnica.com (not a Mac-centric site, but a very good place for computer news in general - and they have a dedicated and lively Mac section)

 

Agreed, I check out tuaw and macrumors for up-to-date info too, especially since Apple doesnt' tend to advertise a lot of its releases.

Versiontracker and macupdate sometimes get updates to software before they're even posted on their own sites..oddly enough

 

The easiest way to find your application? Spotlight! That's how I find all my files, and I find most new switchers forget that it exists .

Yes, basically uninstalling a program is dragging it to the Trash. This may leave some preference files or ReadMes but that can be cleared out. You can also use AppDelete, etc. I'll add this to the sticky.

And I'll add a note about StartupStound.prefPane as well.

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

Sure, I'll add these links to the "Recommended Guides, Articles & Websites" section

 

I disagree. I find the easiest to find an app is Quicksilver. I actually really dislike Spotlight.

 

Hmmm, I don't use Quicksilver much. Maybe I should...

And I'm starting to get the feeling that a lot of you are expecting this to become a "Database of everything Mac"...its not. If it was a database of everything that a Mac user could possibly ask, the forums would be dead, wouldn't it?

Its meant to be a guide to assist potential switchers to switching and answering their most common "Yay! I just got my new Mac! Now I have some questions" questions.

I plan to use this guide to send them off to more detailed explanations if necessary on other websites, or to direct them to ask us by posting a thread. So don't expect it to cover everything possible .

 

looks good with everyones suggestions sam

 

Agreed. I think it should be intended to curb the "how do i right click" posts and such.

 

Maybe a section that explains how Mac Os X isn't Windows and how it differs (in broad stroakes)?

 

Nice to see you are taking initiative in making a killer-guide. I would make details about some shortcut keys using the keyboard. Nothing crazy like control-command-shift-4 to screenshot, but rather explain that command = apple key and that command-m = minimize, command-w = close window and that does not equal quit app! and stuff like that.

I would include: cmd-a, cmd-c, cmd-v, etc, all the standard windows ones but translated to Mac. I would take extra special care in making it all super simple and not just provide an exhaustive list.

 

I've linked to a Keyboard Shortcut guide . It has basically anything you can possibly do with the Mac keyboard.

 

Oh I don't know if this was mentioned, but a short section on the various options to take care of Office app needs would be nice, at least until Office 2008 is released (incidentally, NeoOffice 2.2.1 just went live to the public today )

Also a section on video watching needs.

 

Yeesh you people, and I just sent it in to cashmonee for proof-reading .

Once again, I'll remind everyone that its not meant to be a database; its a guide. I've added links to different office suites and video programs (such as VLC and Flip4Mac add-on) and if needed I can edit the guide in the future.