Synopses & Reviews
MacMost.com Guide to Switching to the Mac
Switching to the Mac? Awesome! You’ve got company—lots of it! And with this book, you’ve got help, too... all the help you’ll ever need!
MacMost.com founder Gary Rosenzweig quickly gets you comfy with your new Mac, demonstrates the ”Mac way” to perform every common Windows task, and shows how to do more with Macs than you ever could in Windows... way more!
It’s all here—everything from choosing the right Mac to creating your own videos and DVDs. Rosenzweig covers the latest Macs and the new Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard operating system. Best of all, he focuses on what today’s computer users need to know, including loads of coverage of using your Mac on the Web.
Every Mac switcher needs a friendly Mac expert to show them the ropes. With this book, you’ve got yours!
• Discover what’s different about your Mac’s hardware and software—
and what’s similar, too
• Navigate the Finder and learn how Mac files are organized
• Make the most of the Mac’s built-in applications
• Move your stuff from your PC to your new Mac
• Use Safari, Mac’s great built-in Web browser
• Set up Mac email, instant messaging, and audio and video chatting
• Share, back up, and archive your files
• Choose and use Mac business and productivity applications
• Organize your music and buy new songs with iTunes
• Import, manage, edit, and share your photos
• Create awesome videos with iMovie, QuickTime, and iDVD
• Run Windows on your Mac, if you must
• Keep your Mac up to date and running smoothly
Gary Rosenzweig is the producer of MacMost.com and the host of the MacMost Now video podcast. MacMost focuses on teaching people how to get the most from their Macs with tutorials, reviews, and tips. His previous 12 books include ActionScript 3.0 Game Programming University and The MacAddict Guide to GarageBand. He also runs several Web-based game websites, including GameScene.com.
CATEGORY: Mac Operating Systems
Synopsis
The Mac-to-Windows switcher's best friend, this guide can help any Windows user move to the Mac painlessly, quickly relearn the tasks they've been performing every day on Windows, and discover powerful Mac features they've never seen before.
Synopsis
This book is the Mac-to-Windows switcher's best friend. Gary Rosenzweig will help any Windows user move to the Mac painlessly, quickly relearn the tasks they've been performing every day on Windows, and discover powerful Mac features they've never seen before. Once you're fully comfortable with their new Macs, you'll turn to this book constantly for quick reference information on everything from creating DVDs to customizing their systems. Rosenzweig covers both Mac OS X software and Mac hardware: everything from the absolute basics (getting used to the Mac mouse) to advanced topics (creating great video content on the Mac). Unlike some competitive books, this one reflects the way people actually use their computers nowadays. For example, Rosenzweig's email coverage doesn't just address Apple Mail: he also shows how to set up and use today's popular Web-based email systems. Among the many topics covered here: " Choosing the right new Mac " Getting comfortable with the Mac's hardware and Mac OS X software " Navigating the Finder and learning how Mac files are organized " Making the most of the software that comes with a Mac " Moving stuff from Windows to Mac " Setting up and using Internet, email, and instant messaging connections " Sharing, backing up, and archiving files " Getting and using Mac business and productivity applications " Importing, managing, and working with photos, music, and video " Running Windows on the Mac " Customizing Macs
About the Author
In 1987, the year Gary Rosenzweig started college,Drexel University in Philadelphia had the foresight to require every student to purchase a computer. Better still, they required that computer be a Macintosh.
From the 1987 Macintosh SE with two floppy disk drives and a little monochrome screen, to his current 2009 Mac Pro with two four-core Xeon processors, Gary has always owned a Mac.
His Mac was his primary tool used in creating games and websites from 1994 to the present day. But it wasn’t until 2007 that he took his love of Macs to the professional level with the launch of the MacMost site and video podcast.
At first,MacMost covered Apple news each week. But soon it evolved into a more frequent show with tutorials, tips, news, and reviews.The website grew as well, featuring iPhone games, ringtones, a weekly newsletter, and other features.
Gary has also written many books, most on programming using Macromedia/Adobe software like Director and Flash. He lives in Denver, Colorado, with his wife,Debby, and daughter, Luna. Also a dog and too many cats.
The home page for this book is http://macmost.com/book/, but if you are interested in more information about the author, you can also visit Gary’s website at http://garyrosenzweig.com and follow Gary on Twitter at http://twitter.com/rosenz.
Table of Contents
Prologue
Introduction
Part I Getting to Know Your Mac
Chapter 1 Buying a Mac
The Mac Product Line
The iMac
The Mac Mini
The Mac Pro
The MacBook
The MacBook Pro
The MacBook Air
What Do the Options Mean?
CPU
System Memory
Graphics Processor
Optical Drive
USB2 Ports
FireWire Ports
Video Ports
Hard Drive
What Type of Mac User Are You?
Where Will You Use Your Mac?
What’s Your Primary Use for Your Mac?
Must-Haves
Making the Decision
Desktop or Laptop
Weight or Power
All-In-One or Headless
Mighty or Mini
Take a Test Drive
Making the Purchase
Buying in the Store
Buying Online
Buying a Used Mac
Should You Buy AppleCare?
Chapter 2 Examining Mac Hardware
Standard Parts, Fantastic Design
Built-In Devices: Standard Parts and Ports
USB2
FireWire
Display Ports
Speakers and Speaker Port
Microphone and Line-In
iSight Camera
Ethernet and WiFi
Bluetooth
Keyboard
Mouse and Trackpad
Expansion Slots
SD Card Slots
Batteries
More Hardware
Printers
Hard Drives and Backup Drives
Scanners
Headsets
External Web Cameras
Displays
More Gadgets
Chapter 3 Starting Up and Shutting Down
Setting Up
Starting Your Mac the First Time
Creating Your User Account
To Sleep or To Shut Down
Shutting Down
Sleep
Energy Saver Preferences
Chapter 4 Getting Around
Finder Windows
Window Controls
View Buttons
Quick Look
Action Button
Search Field
The Sidebar
Status Bar
Resizing and Modifying the Finder Window
The Menu Bar
The Apple Menu
The Application Menu
The File Menu
The Edit Menu
The View Menu
The Go Menu
The Window Menu
The Help Menu
Menu Bar Status Items
The Dock
Using the Dock
Special Dock Items
Dock Preferences
Stacks
Finder Preferences
General Finder Preferences
Labels Finder Preferences
Sidebar Finder Preferences
Advanced Finder Preferences
Chapter 5 Working with Files and Folders
How Your Hard Drive Is Organized
Hard-Drive Level
User Home Folder
The Desktop
Public Folder
Moving, Copying, and Renaming
Moving Files
Copying a File
Duplicating a File
Renaming Files
Examining Files and Folders
File Info Window
Finder List View
Searching for Files
Spotlight Window
Spotlight Menu
Spotlight Elsewhere
Saved Searches and Smart Folders
Deleting Files
The Trash
Emptying the Trash
Chapter 6 Controlling Windows and Applications
Hiding Windows and Applications
Moving Between Windows and Applications
The Dock
The Application Switcher
Exposé
Moving Files
Group by Application
Exposé Preferences and Active Screen Corners
Spaces
Switching Spaces
Assigning Applications to Spaces
Navigating Spaces
Dashboard Widgets
Using Dashboard Widgets
Widget Preferences
Adding Widgets
Finding New Widgets
Make Your Own Widgets
Chapter 7 Applications That Come with Your Mac
Internet Applications
Safari
Mail
iTunes
iChat
Basic Applications
TextEdit
Preview
Address Book
iCal
iLife Applications
iPhoto
iMovie
iDVD
GarageBand
iWeb
Other Applications
Calculator
Dictionary
DVD Player
Front Row
Image Capture
PhotoBooth
QuickTime Player
Stickies
Chapter 8 Moving from Windows to Mac
Transferring Your Documents
Copying Files with a USB Flash Drive
Alternate File Transfer Methods
Moving Contacts and Calendars
Moving Contacts
Moving Your Calendar
Moving Your Email
Setting Up Email
Moving Old Messages
Moving Your Music and Photos
Organizing Your Windows Photos
Music Playback Issues
Transferring Bookmarks
Opening Windows Files on Your Mac
Document Files
Presentation Files
Spreadsheet Files
Video Files
Executables
Part II Web, Email and Internet
Chapter 9 Setting Up Your Internet Connection
Types of Networks
Cable Modem or DSL
Wireless Hotspot
Dial-Up Modem
Business Network
Other Connections
Network Preferences
Services List
Ethernet Connection
AirPort Connection
Dial-Up Modem Connection
Using Locations
Network Setup Assistant
Chapter 10 Using Safari, the Mac Web Browser
Browsing
Understanding Web Terminology
Navigating the Web
Searching
Filling in Forms
Viewing Your History
Bookmarks
Bookmarking a Web Page
Managing Your Bookmarks
Importing and Exporting Bookmarks
Changing Your Home Page
Editing Your Top Sites Page
Advanced Browsing Techniques
Using Tabs
Saving Web Pages
Downloading Files
Reading RSS Feeds
Taking Care of Security
Privacy
Safari Alternatives
Chapter 11 Getting and Sending Email
Setting Up Mail
Initial Setup
Editing and Adding Accounts
Reading Your Email
The Mail Window
Mailbox Folders
Message List
Viewing Messages
Viewing Attachments
Sending Email
Composing Email
Creating Signatures
Attaching Files
Replying to Messages
Other Mail Functions
Notes
To Do Items
RSS Feeds
Smart Mailboxes
Advanced Mail Preferences
General Preferences
Junk Mail Filtering
Rules
Web-Based Email
Chapter 12 Instant Messaging and VOIP
iChat Setup
Creating an Instant Messaging Account
Setting Up iChat
Buddy Lists
Using iChat
Text Messaging
Audio Chat
Video Chat
File Transfers
iChat Theater
Screen Sharing
iChat Alternatives
Skype
Adium
Other Chat Applications
Twitter and Facebook
Chapter 13 Networking and File Sharing
Setting Up a Mac Network
Establishing a Physical Connection
Connecting to Another Mac
Using Your Public Folder and Drop Box
Sharing More Folders
Connecting Two Machines Directly
Sharing Files with Windows
Troubleshooting Windows File Sharing
Connecting to Windows from a Mac
Connecting to a Mac from Windows
Sharing Files over the Internet
Internet Sharing Difficulties
Setting Up Your Router
No Ideal Solution
FTP
MobileMe’s iDisk
Screen Sharing
Setting Up Screen Sharing
Using Screen Sharing
Part III Getting Things Done
Chapter 14 Word Processing and Printing
Basic Word Processing with TextEdit
Editing Text
Fonts and Text Styles
Rulers and Formatting
Style Favorites
Lists and Tables
Spell Check
Document Properties
TextEdit Preferences
Professional Word Processors
Microsoft Word
iWork Pages
OpenOffice
Chapter 15 Business Applications
Spreadsheets
Numbers
Spreadsheet Alternatives
Presentations
Keynote
Keynote Alternatives
Other Business Programs
Databases
Organizational Software
Accounting Software
Chapter 16 Importing and Managing Photos
Importing Your Photos
Organizing Your Photos
Events
Faces
Places
Albums
Editing Your Photos
Making Adjustments
Removing Imperfections
Rotating and Resizing
Adding Effects
Printing Your Photos
Using Your Home Printer
Ordering Prints
Sharing Your Photos
Creating Online Photo Galleries
Emailing Photos
Creating CDs and DVDs
Chapter 17 Managing Your Music and Video
Importing Music into iTunes
Viewing and Playing Your Music
Using the iTunes Music Store
Organizing Your Music
Subscribing to Podcasts
Syncing with Your iPod and iPhone
Front Row
iTunes Tutorials
Create an Audio CD
Create an MP3 CD
Listen to Free Radio Stations
Create a Genius Playlist
Using iTunes DJ
Back Up Your iTunes Content
Share Your iTunes Library
Chapter 18 Running Windows on Your Mac
Boot Camp
Installing Windows
Rebooting into Windows
Boot Camp Control Panel
Right-Clicking
Special Keys
Virtual Machines
Choosing a Virtual Machine Application
Virtual Machine Modes
Part IV Creative Computing
Chapter 19 Creating with Images
Making Image Adjustments
Making Adjustments with Preview
Cropping and Resizing in Preview
Free Drawing Tools
Paintbrush
Seashore
GIMP
More Graphics Tools
Chapter 20 Creating with GarageBand
Creating Music
Simple Looping Music
Altering Your Song
Altering the Notes
Recording Audio
Recording from a Microphone
Editing a Recording
Exporting from GarageBand
Making a Ringtone
Chapter 21 Creating with Video
Recording Video with iMovie
Recording from iSight
Importing Video from a Video Camera
Editing Video in iMovie
Modifying Video in iMovie
Using Transitions
Using Effects
Using Titles
Adding a Soundtrack
Creating a Photo Slideshow
Making DVDs with iDVD
Part V Caring for Your Mac
Chapter 22 Customizing Your Mac
Finder Appearance
User Accounts
Administering Your Account
Fast User Switching
Guest Accounts
Adding New Accounts
Parental Controls
Desktop Backgrounds and Screen Savers
Desktop Backgrounds
Screen Saver
Common Customizations
Languages
Number and Date Formatting
Security
FileVault
Spotlight
CDs and DVDs
Display and Computer Sleeping Habits
Mouse and Trackpad
Keyboard Shortcuts
Date and Time
Universal Access
Third-Party Utilities
iStat
smcFanControl
Jumpcut and ClipMenu
TypeIt4Me
Spirited Away
Choosy
More Dashboard Widgets
Chapter 23 Keeping Your Mac Up to Date
Using Software Update
Running Software Update
Installing Updates
Software Update Preferences
Update Options
Third-Party Software Updates
Upgrading Mac OS X
Upgrading Your Hardware
Upgrading Your Memory
Upgrading Your Hard Drive
Video Cards and Other Upgrades
Chapter 24 Backing Up and Archiving Your Files
Using Time Machine
Backing Up with Time Machine
Recovering with Time Machine
Backing Up with MobileMe
Using a Burn Folder to Back Up Important Data
Creating Archives with Disk Utility
Creating a Disk Image
Burning a Disk Image
Chapter 25 Getting Help
Finding Help Online
Apple.com Knowledgebase
Apple.com Discussions
Other Sites and Forums
AppleCare and the Genius Bar
AppleCare
The Genius Bar
Apple Support from a Distance
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