[VAGirl]

Hi, I'm a new mac user...new as in totally new to everything that has to do with Mac. I would love some advice and tips on mac. Anything would help. I'm a beginner so I'm at the basics. Still trying to figure things out. Anything would help right now, as I am lost and have to go to my book that I bought "Mac for Dummies".

I would like to know what are the important things I need to know for the mac.

Thank you for any advice I get.

VAGirl

[paully dub]

Welcome...however your post could not be more generic ( a politer way than Hanks to say I smell bullshit ). Nevertheless you didn't try to pass off some crummy spam link on us.

What mac do you have? what do you want to do with it?

[CD Hanks]

VAGirl?

This thread will not be pretty...

(Tossing my coin in to say: gimmick)

[historylme]

**I'll bite***

Welcome on board, you wont regret taking the red pill.

If you don't already have a mouse, get a two button mouse.

Put music on Itunes and play with the applications as much as you can.

When you can, (if you don't have a mouse) hold down the <<contro>> button and then click on any available space in the window finders, mail app and few others. If you get a drop down menu, choose "customize" and play around by dragging things into the tool bar. This way, you will have customized folders.

Play around.

Oh, in Safari. Block Pop-ups, in the advance tab. And also in the Edit, check spelling, (choose), Spelling as you type. It's great for the forums and emailing.

HAVE FUN, PLAY AROUND, CLICK AND DRAG THINGS AROUND. EXPERIMENT AND IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG, LET US KNOW. The crazy cats in this place are pretty much all cool and all willing to help. But, do searches for specific questions. You'll find that a lot has already been discussed to death and then some.

cheers

[VAGirl]

I have or I bought a 12" G4 Powerbook and I'm looking to learn how to do web design, so it would be great if you guys can suggest and good software out there.

Sooo sorry if it's not going to be pretty..I'm new to this, so hopefully everyone will go easy on me.

[Sherwin]

Welcome!

I don't know about the book you mentioned, but a good place to start would be the following books:

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/macxmmpanther/
(really good for beginners - well worth it).

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/lunixpanther/
(if you want to get into the geeky underside of things)

Other than that, just have a poke around your system - click on stuff, see what it does. If you're coming from Windows you'll need to unlearn a few difficult ways of doing things (if you get stuck, just think of the most logical, simple way to do something and try it). There's ain't much you can do to mess up your system (in the same way you could mess up a Windows system), so go for it.

[VAGirl]

Originally posted by history1me:
**I'll bite***

Welcome on board, you wont regret taking the red pill.

If you don't already have a mouse, get a two button mouse.

Put music on Itunes and play with the applications as much as you can.

When you can, (if you don't have a mouse) hold down the <<contro>> button and then click on any available space in the window finders, mail app and few others. If you get a drop down menu, choose "customize" and play around by dragging things into the tool bar. This way, you will have customized folders.

Play around.

Oh, in Safari. Block Pop-ups, in the advance tab. And also in the Edit, check spelling, (choose), Spelling as you type. It's great for the forums and emailing.

HAVE FUN, PLAY AROUND, CLICK AND DRAG THINGS AROUND. EXPERIMENT AND IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG, LET US KNOW. The crazy cats in this place are pretty much all cool and all willing to help. But, do searches for specific questions. You'll find that a lot has already been discussed to death and then some.

cheers

Thank you!!! I've been reading on the forum most of the day, so I am learning a lot. Thank you for the advice..sooo cool.

VAGirl

[Sherwin]

Originally posted by VAGirl:
I have or I bought a 12" G4 Powerbook and I'm looking to learn how to do web design, so it would be great if you guys can suggest and good software out there.

To add to what you already have on your system, here's a few basics...

Work:

M$ Office.

Web:

Adobe GoLive.
Macromedia Dreamweaver.

Text Editing:

BBEdit.

Graphics:

Adobe PhotoShop (or PhotoShop Elements - cut down but OK).

Utilities:

Micromat Tech Tool Pro.
Micromat Drive 10.
Stuffit Deluxe.

Other:

QuickTime Pro is useful.

[historylme]

Originally posted by VAGirl:
Thank you!!! I've been reading on the forum most of the day, so I am learning a lot. Thank you for the advice..sooo cool.

VAGirl

Sure, we are or were beginners at one point or another. I forgot to mention that if you do have a two button mouse, right click gives you drop down menus. Right click on things, see what you can do.

Welcome onboard.

Edit: Shervin has a great list. To add another, get "patchburn" and install in your system. If ever you connect external pc optical external drives to your system, patchburn will make work for you.

[VAGirl]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
Welcome!

I don't know about the book you mentioned, but a good place to start would be the following books:

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/macxmmpanther/
(really good for beginners - well worth it).

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/lunixpanther/
(if you want to get into the geeky underside of things)

Other than that, just have a poke around your system - click on stuff, see what it does. If you're coming from Windows you'll need to unlearn a few difficult ways of doing things (if you get stuck, just think of the most logical, simple way to do something and try it). There's ain't much you can do to mess up your system (in the same way you could mess up a Windows system), so go for it.

I guess I'll be buying more books. I am a windows user, so you know I am kinda freaked out of messing things up.hehe... I feel a bit more comfortable now that you've told me I can't mess it up. *whew*

Thanks.

[sugar_coated]

Rule number 1. When in doubt, ask.

[VAGirl]

oh my gosh, i just looked up some of the software you guys mention. LOL, my hubby and I will have to save up for it. wow..but i know it will be well worth it when i do get it. i so can't wait to get it now.

[TETENAL]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
Stuffit Deluxe.

Why in the name of...

What purpose is it that you are suggesting StuffIt Deluxe? I know I have defended this company when they have been attacked harshly in these forums, but suggesting it (to an alleged newbie even) that is something totally different.

[chris v]

The Good Old Help Menu� is a great place to start. Other good web resources include:

http://discussions.info.apple.com/
http://www.macosxhints.com/
http://www.osxfaq.com/

If you prefer reading on paper, you might consider subscribing to Mac Addict or Macworld. Not so much for product reviews and news, since you can get that readily on the web, but they do occasionally have some very good how-to articles.

Have you settled on a web design package yet? I've been playing with this app the last couple of days, and it seems pretty useful if you want to get into CSS, and standards-compliant designing:

http://www.macrabbit.com/cssedit/

Welcome, and don't let the lonely Nerds of the Lounge� get to ya!

[TETENAL]

Originally posted by VAGirl:
oh my gosh, i just looked up some of the software you guys mention. LOL, my hubby and I will have to save up for it. wow..but i know it will be well worth it when i do get it. i so can't wait to get it now.

You can do personal web design with Freeway Express which is very reasonable priced.

[paully dub]

Freeway's cool, but if you really want to learn web design, start with the code (html, css, javascript, maybe a little php). It'll be harder, but more satisfying.

For that all you need is TextEdit and an FTP client (I recommend Transmit, but there are free one's out there). And a good book, or someone to teach you all this stuff.

[TheBadgerHunter]

Originally posted by paully dub:
Freeway's cool, but if you really want to learn web design, start with the code (html, css, javascript, maybe a little php). It'll be harder, but more satisfying.

For that all you need is TextEdit and an FTP client (I recommend Transmit, but there are free one's out there). And a good book, or someone to teach you all this stuff.

Nothing more satisfying than obsolete skills

If you want to create websites professionally go dreamweaver. If not any other crap will do (I like the Create suite).

[Krusty]

Originally posted by sugar_coated:
Rule number 1. When in doubt, ask.

no silly .. thats rule number 2.

Rule number 1 is, and has long been, "Do a search before posting"

[olePigeon]

Originally posted by VAGirl:
oh my gosh, i just looked up some of the software you guys mention. LOL, my hubby and I will have to save up for it. wow..but i know it will be well worth it when i do get it. i so can't wait to get it now.

Find some kid and get an educational discount.

They're not so bad.

[moonmonkey]

Get some fun things, screw Stuffit Deluxe, its for nerds.

Pick up some free icons from xicons.com an customise your system

Candybar is a very cool tool for customizing your system icons.
http://www.iconfactory.com/cb_home.asp

No need to spend loads of cash, make your Mac reflect your personality.

[Gator Lager]

few other cool sites.
http://www.macdesktops.com/
http://www.resexcellence.com/
http://www.theapplecollection.com/
http://www.flamingmailbox.com/maccom...ies/index.html
I'm sure others here can supply more.

[itistoday]

Originally posted by VAGirl:
Hi, I'm a new mac user...new as in totally new to everything that has to do with Mac. I would love some advice and tips on mac. Anything would help. I'm a beginner so I'm at the basics. Still trying to figure things out. Anything would help right now, as I am lost and have to go to my book that I bought "Mac for Dummies".

I would like to know what are the important things I need to know for the mac.

Thank you for any advice I get.

VAGirl

Ok, here's what you need to know:

1) Since the main part of using a computer is the software that's available for it, visit this thread and the software forum in general to learn more about what's available for your computer.

2) Visit Version Tracker for up to the minute updates on a gigantic amount of software available for the mac.

3) If you ever need help, post in the appropriate forum here; it's a good thing you're aware of this site.

4) Visit Mac OS X Hints.com, it's a great site full of useful tips on how to make the most of your mac, and is updated almost daily.

[Sherwin]

Originally posted by TETENAL:
Why in the name of...

What purpose is it that you are suggesting StuffIt Deluxe? I know I have defended this company when they have been attacked harshly in these forums, but suggesting it (to an alleged newbie even) that is something totally different.

1) It works for me - never had a problem with it. So, no idea what you're fussing about.

2) The included Archive assistant is useful for doing backups, thus allowing the newbie to not have to go buy Retrospect or a .Mac account. You didn't really want a newbie doing backups of her home directory using the Terminal, did ya?

Originally posted by moonmonkey:
Get some fun things, screw Stuffit Deluxe, its for nerds.

And people who've never, ever lost a file in their computing history. As a newbie she might be interested in such things, 'coz , you know, sh!t happens.

Originally posted by moonmonkey:
No need to spend loads of cash, make your Mac reflect your personality.

And that's not for nerds? Think about that - you're customising a tool's looks to make it reflect your personality? Ahahahahaha.

[TETENAL]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
1) It works for me - never had a problem with it. So, no idea what you're fussing about.

I don't think that the first thing to spend money on for somebody who is new to computers is on on StuffIt archives, when there are ZIP archives in the Finder and compressed disk images in Disk Utility for free. Maybe it makes more sense to get some productivity apps first to create something first, before spending money on a specialised compression program.

And people who've never, ever lost a file in their computing history. As a newbie she might be interested in such things, 'coz , you know, sh!t happens.

That's what backups are for.

[Thilo Ettelt]

Originally posted by VAGirl:
Hi, I'm a new mac user...new as in totally new to everything that has to do with Mac. I would love some advice and tips on mac. Anything would help. I'm a beginner so I'm at the basics. Still trying to figure things out. Anything would help right now, as I am lost and have to go to my book that I bought "Mac for Dummies".

I would like to know what are the important things I need to know for the mac.

Thank you for any advice I get.

VAGirl

In the case you're using iChat AV. There's a trick how to enable more features. Just press Cmd-L.

[paully dub]

Originally posted by TheBadgerHunter:
Nothing more satisfying than obsolete skills

If you want to create websites professionally go dreamweaver. If not any other crap will do (I like the Create suite).

You're wrong.

Dreamweaver's just an html editor, therefore html is not obsolete (neither is css, JavaScript or php). Plus Dreamweaver's code ain't perfect, and it helps to be able to fix things yourself.

Obviously its a great program though, but not necessary for making a web page.

[moonmonkey]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
And that's not for nerds? Think about that - you're customising a tool's looks to make it reflect your personality? Ahahahahaha.

You are the only person left who still uses Stuffit Deluxe.
Archiving files is built in now, icons are nice, be nice.

And for someone who averages about 6 posts a day over a year you are not really in a position to cast aspersions about nerd-ness. Nerd.

[scottiB]

Originally posted by chris v:
The Good Old Help Menu� is a great place to start. Other good web resources include:

http://discussions.info.apple.com/
http://www.macosxhints.com/
http://www.osxfaq.com/

If you prefer reading on paper, you might consider subscribing to Mac Addict or Macworld. Not so much for product reviews and news, since you can get that readily on the web, but they do occasionally have some very good how-to articles.

Have you settled on a web design package yet? I've been playing with this app the last couple of days, and it seems pretty useful if you want to get into CSS, and standards-compliant designing:

http://www.macrabbit.com/cssedit/

Welcome, and don't let the lonely Nerds of the Lounge� get to ya!

This needs to be repeated. The Help Menu is really, er, helpful, and I use it often (been a Mac user since 1986).

The Apple discussions forum is good, too.

Have fun, and Welcome to Macintosh!!

[Sherwin]

Originally posted by TETENAL:
That's what backups are for.

So, what application do you use for backups and what did you pay for it?

[TETENAL]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
So, what application do you use for backups and what did you pay for it?

I use Apple Backup. It's leased with .Mac.

[Jan Van Boghout]

Originally posted by Thilo Ettelt:
In the case you're using iChat AV. There's a trick how to enable more features. Just press Cmd-L.

[brapper]

Originally posted by TETENAL:
You can do personal web design with Freeway Express which is very reasonable priced.

seconded.
It's a much simpler program to use than the GoLive or Dreamweaver.

[dcmacdaddy]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
Welcome!

I don't know about the book you mentioned, but a good place to start would be the following books:

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/macxmmpanther/
(really good for beginners - well worth it).

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/lunixpanther/
(if you want to get into the geeky underside of things)

Other than that, just have a poke around your system - click on stuff, see what it does. If you're coming from Windows you'll need to unlearn a few difficult ways of doing things (if you get stuck, just think of the most logical, simple way to do something and try it). There's ain't much you can do to mess up your system (in the same way you could mess up a Windows system), so go for it.

O'Reilly prints the BEST computer books for the Mac. Here is their site for just Mac-related books.
http://mac.oreilly.com/

This is an excellent book to have if you want to go beyond the basics in the Missing Manual.
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/macpantherian/

I would suggest you look for a MUG (Macintosh Users Group) in your area. I am assuming the VA in your screen-name means Virginia, correct? There should be some groups you could find who could provide hands-on help, for loading software and the like, if you need that.

If you are anywhere near the DC area there are a BUNCH of us Mac nerds on the forum from there.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by brapper:
seconded.
It's a much simpler program to use than the GoLive or Dreamweaver.

Thirded. It's a nice entry into web design and very easy to use. But keep in mind that it plays havoc with standards and the code it creates is huge.

[CharlesS]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
Utilities:

Micromat Tech Tool Pro.
Micromat Drive 10.
Stuffit Deluxe.

That is one messed up list.

For the love of God, get DiskWarrior if you need a disk utility. Not TTP or Drive 10. They take ages, and don't do as good a job. Get TTP if you need hardware tests (RAM and such) or defrag. Getting Drive 10 and TTP makes no sense since Drive 10 is just a subset of TTP.

I also agree with those who have said not to waste your money on StuffIt.

[DeathToWindows]

Originally posted by paully dub:
Freeway's cool, but if you really want to learn web design, start with the code (html, css, javascript, maybe a little php). It'll be harder, but more satisfying.

For that all you need is TextEdit and an FTP client (I recommend Transmit, but there are free one's out there). And a good book, or someone to teach you all this stuff.

A good free one is Cyberduck

[Sherwin]

Originally posted by TETENAL:
I use Apple Backup. It's leased with .Mac.

Originally posted by Sherwin:
2) The included Archive assistant is useful for doing backups, thus allowing the newbie to not have to go buy Retrospect or a .Mac account.

Originally posted by CharlesS:
For the love of God, get DiskWarrior if you need a disk utility. Not TTP or Drive 10. They take ages, and don't do as good a job. Get TTP if you need hardware tests (RAM and such) or defrag.

TTP always works for me.
Could you not have just added DiskWarrior to the list instead of moaning about my suggestions?
Bugger me, you people are hard work.

Originally posted by CharlesS:
Getting Drive 10 and TTP makes no sense since Drive 10 is just a subset of TTP.

In the same list I mention Dreamweaver and GoLive. It would make no sense to get both, yes? So why are they both on the list? 'Coz it's a "go check this out, newbie" list, not a "go buy this" list.


(edit: formatting typo)

[SVass]

Ignore most of the stuff you've read above-

osx for dummies is sufficient for reading
Graphic Converter (for photo stuff-opens and converts all formats and it is free or $30-Photoshop is only for addicts-Elements @$100 is sufficient but NOT necessary)
Appleworks is good enough if you do not exchange files with workmates
NeoOfficeJ is FREE and is good enough for Word, Excel, and Powerpoint files-Use SaveAs instead of Save to create files for others
MacLink @$70 can open weird file types and can be useful
Safari Enhancer (free and allows import/export of favorite urls)
Firefox (free and is better than Safari)
Stuffit Standard (free and includes Drop Stuffit, Drop Zip to create these compressed files.)

Before and After you update system software (if Apple wants you to), run Disk Utiility in your Applications/Utilities folder and repair permissions!

If you have a superdrive and can burn dvds, once a month or so goto Users/yourname and copy the entire house to a dvd. This backs up your entire folder-all files, favorite urls, etc.

You have no need for disk utilities of any kind

Sam

[Sherwin]

Originally posted by SVass:
If you have a superdrive and can burn dvds, once a month or so goto Users/yourname and copy the entire house to a dvd. This backs up your entire folder-all files, favorite urls, etc.

[James L]

As you can see there are many opinions!

1) First off, get one of the good books to learn about the OS and how it works.

2) iLife covers off many basic needs. You have your photo management, movie editing, DVD burning, music management and music creation all under one roof. These offer a complete service, but may just be a teaser too if you get right into it. For example, I begin editing by playing with iMovie, and got so into it I now use Final Cut Pro and shoot events semi professionally.

3) You will need a good office suite. If you just have basic word processing needs text edit ships with machine, but is VERY basic. Pages, a new release from Apple, is ok, but the hands down leader is still Microsoft Office.

4) Contrary to what some will tell you, if you are to pursue a web design interest seriously you have to know your code. Learn XHTML and CSS inside and out. Hand code it in BBEdit or one of the other editors (many of which are free). Once you understand your code feel free to get lazy with a WYSIWYG editor such as Dreamweaver or GoLive. Also, learn how to validate your code (www.w3.org) so it is always error free.

5) You will need a graphic editing program for use in Web Design. If you can't afford Photoshop (the industry standard) then PhotoShop Elements is your next best bet.

6) If you have access to the educational discounts the price on software is usually MUCH better!

7) Buy an external HD when you can so you can back up every now and then.

8) Someone else above mentioned right clicking, and I wasn't sure if they told you that you can get the right click effect on a one button mouse by holding down the control key when you click on something.

9) Enjoy!

James

[roberto blanco]

Originally posted by James L:
You will need a graphic editing program for use in Web Design. If you can't afford Photoshop (the industry standard) then PhotoShop Elements is your next best bet.

macromedia fireworks is a lot better than ps elements, imho (in some cases i've found it to be even better than ps. especially for web-design)

[SVass]

I am going to defend my previous opinion. I have used the full Adobe Photoshop (around 15 years and still use a new version), Microsoft Office (around 15 years and the new student teacher version is relatively inexpensive), Appleworks (since the Apple II version), GraphicConverter (opens weird pc and Unix picture formats and its filters and tools can be used in a very similar manner to Photoshop), etc. The new Pages from Apple is for making speeches and does NOT include spreadsheets, drawing, painting, database as does Appleworks.

I recommend checking your library or its interlibrary loan to find a book on Photoshop. Install the free version of GraphicConverter which can be found at www.versiontracker.com and play with it--NO COST. Microsoft Office is a bloated attempt to do all things for all people (and corporations). Also, you do not need to know all about the internals of the computer operating system. [By the way regarding the earlier post showing 172 gigabytes in one's personal file; that person either has all of the Library of Congress or all music published or many movies/tv shows on his drive. In that case, I recommend backing up only useful data.]

[Sherwin]

Originally posted by SVass:
[By the way regarding the earlier post showing 172 gigabytes in one's personal file; that person either has all of the Library of Congress or all music published or many movies/tv shows on his drive.

No - it's all working data (apart from 29 Gb in iTunes), which needs to be backed up on a weekly basis. Just showing you that not everyone can get away with a monthly backup to DVD.

[James L]

Originally posted by Sherwin:
No - it's all working data (apart from 29 Gb in iTunes), which needs to be backed up on a weekly basis. Just showing you that not everyone can get away with a monthly backup to DVD.

My home directory is currently 43 GB of HD space. In the world of digital photography, audio editing, video editing, people sending you emails, digital music, etc it would be a very few people that would have a home directory nowadways that would fit onto 1 DVD!

[James L]

Originally posted by roberto blanco:
macromedia fireworks is a lot better than ps elements, imho (in some cases i've found it to be even better than ps. especially for web-design)

I basically agree with you here. I still put Photoshop on the top of the graphic editing food chain, but Fireworks is a great app, and superior to Elements.

Cheers,

James

[VAGirl]

Thanks for all those advice you've given me. I went and bought iLife book and am looking into some of the things a few memebers suggested. I'm writing all the books and software you guys suggessted and my husband and I will be looking into it, and see which one I like best.

Thank you again guys, and you guys are fun to read..hehe. If and when I do post a posting "hopefully" I'll put it in the right place, if not then I hope you guys understand.

When I do learn this and have created something I will defintely share with you all.

Thanks again everyone.

VAGirl

[C.A.T.S. CEO]

heres some software for amusement