Synopses & Reviews
Mac OS in a Nutshell is a comprehensive, compact reference that systematically reveals what serious users of Mac OS will find interesting and useful. It includes the essential details of the operating system, utility programs, and configuration settings, all captured in a consistent reference format.O'Reilly's "In a Nutshell" series revolutionized computer book publishing with their common-sense approach, depth of detail, and focus on practical information that's of real use. This style is perfect for both intuitive and deep Macintosh users. If it's true that "you can learn the Mac in two hours," it is also true that this operating system has hidden depths. Mac OS in a Nutshell plumbs those depths for readers who want to know the Mac OS and its integrated system of hardware and software inside and out. Up-to-date with information on the iMac and System9, Mac OS in a Nutshell opens the world of Apple computing to a new audience.It contains:
- New changes for Mac OS 9, including information on the revamped Sherlock
- A fast-paced introduction to the operating system for new users
- Detailed documentation on User Interface including clipboard and memory management
- A look at almost every command and utility available with Mac OS, including window behaviors, universal commands, and important documentation on programs such as QuickTime
- Detailed advice and documentation on multimedia and printing, including color management and fonts
- A detailed treatment of Internet configuration and access via Dial-Up Networking; also covers peer-to-peer and client-server file sharing
- Lots of tips, gotchas, and clever ways to do familiar and not-so-familiar tasks
- Pointers to useful online sites for additional information
This book follows the common-sense O'Reilly approach, cutting through the hype and giving readers practical details they can use every day. Anyone who wants to make the most of Mac OS will love this book.
Synopsis
An amazing amount of useful material is compressed into this handy reference that systematically breaks down useful portions of the operating system--such as the user interface--so it can be operated at a higher level. A consistent format delivers little-known details, tips and clever ways to do familiar and not-so-familiar tasks. Points to useful online sites.
About the Author
Rita Lewis is the bestselling author of more than eleven Macintosh books. Rita began using Macs in 1984 as a part of her job, and has since applied her 15 years of fine arts schooling to the design of web sites and the publication of books about the Mac OS and networking. These varied experiences culminated in the publication of three best-selling books: PageMill 2.0 Handbook (Hayden Books), Sams Teach Yourself Mac OS 8.5 in 24 Hours, and Sams Teach Yourself iMac in 10 Minutes. Rita has a master's degree in cultural anthropology that she has applied to the study of corporate computer marketing departments; she has been preparing all her life to write the definitive Mac OS book. Visit Rita's web site at http://home.earthlink.net/~lewisrf.
Bill Fishman has spent years writing mainframe software manuals in Los Angeles, while secretly supporting all his friends on their Macs. He is pleased that he got to help write a Macintosh book that will actually be read, and is beginning to accept that he is a Macintosh fanatic.
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1. Using the Macintosh Interface
The Desktop
Windows
Using the Mouse
Cursors
Icons
Editing Icons
Menus
Contextual Menus
Dialog Boxes
The Trash
Shutting Down (and Getting Out of Freezes)
Help
Chapter 2. The Menu Bar
Apple Menu
File Menu
Edit Menu
View Menu
Special Menu
Erasing Disks
Help Menu
Application Menu
Chapter 3. The System: Finder, Mac OS, and Memory
What Is the Finder?
The Evolution of the Mac OS
Memory Management
Chapter 4. Control Panels and Extensions
About Extensions and Control Panels
Control Panels Listed
Appearance Control Panel
Apple Menu Options Control Panel
CloseView Control Panel
Control Strip Control Panel
Date and Time Control Panel
Easy Access Control Panel
Energy Saver Control Panel
Extensions Manager Control Panel
Extension Conflicts
General Controls Control Panel
Keyboard Control Panel
Launcher Control Panel
Location Manager Control Panel
Monitors and Sound Control Panel
Mouse Control Panel
Numbers Control Panel
Startup Disk Control Panel
Text Control Panel
Chapter 5. Files and Disks
Files
Aliases
Filenames
Disks
How HFS+ Manages Disk Space
Using the Drive Setup Utility
The Disk First Aid Utility
SCSI Disks
The Drive Setup Utility
Chapter 6. Utilities
Apple System Profiler
Disk Copy
Defragmentation Tools
Antivirus Utilities
Cross-Platform Communications
Mac OS Easy Open
File Exchange
Childproofing
Chapter 7. Accessories
Note Pad
Scrapbook
Stickies
Calculators
Jigsaw Puzzle
Key Caps
Chapter 8. AppleScript
How Does AppleScript Work?
Chapter 9. Macintosh Runtime Java
Java Applets
Choosing a Java Virtual Machine
Chapter 10. Sherlock
Find File
Search by Content
Searching the Internet
Chapter 11. Color Management
Introduction to Color
Calibrating Your Monitor
Calibrating Other Devices
Using ColorSync with Applications
Color Picker
Chapter 12. Fonts and Printing
A Brief History of Macintosh Type
Typography
How the Mac Works with Text
Working with Fonts
Using Your Printer
The Chooser
Printing a Document
Chapter 13. Multimedia
Copyright Issues
Mac OS Tools for Multimedia
Macintosh Video and Audio Port Issues
Producing Digital Audio
Using the Monitors and Sound Control Panel to Set Up Sound Quality
Producing Digital Video
QuickTime
Chapter 14. Networking
AppleTalk Networking Methods
Mac OS Networking Software
AppleTalk Limitations
Wiring a Network
Configuring Macs for File Sharing
Managing Performance with File Sharing
Procedures
Security Issues in File Sharing
AppleShare IP
Infrared Communications
At Ease
Chapter 15. The Internet
Accessing the Internet
Mac OS Tools for the Internet
Choosing an ISP
America Online (AOL)
Configuring Your Mac for the Internet
Setting Up Internet Access by Using an Assistant
Setting Up Internet Access by Using the Internet Control Panel
Setting Up Internet Access by Manually Setting the Configuration
Managing Configurations
Email
Chapter 16. Inside the Mac OS
What Makes a Macintosh a Macintosh?
How the Mac Works
Storage
A Short History of Mac Hardware
Chapter 17. PlainTalk
PlainTalk Software
Automatic Speech Recognition
Speech Synthesis
Using PlainTalk
Chapter 18. The iMac
Open Firmware
How iMac Changed the Mac
Transferring Files Between a Desktop Mac and an iMac
Chapter 19. What's New in Mac OS 9
Carbon
Compatibility Issues with Mac OS 9
Hindsight
Multiple Users
Network Browser
Software Upgrade
Appendix A. Error Codes
Appendix B. Keyboard Shortcuts
Index