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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > macOS > OS X n00b...what do I need to know?

OS X n00b...what do I need to know?
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demonic_bunny
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Sep 26, 2007, 12:29 AM
 
OK, so I recently traded my old HP notebook for a Powerbook G4. I've used Mac OS before, and like it (Its so pretty xDD), but, I really don't know all the ins and outs like I do with Windows...


So, basically, what can I read/know/try out that will totally blow my mind about OS X?
Mac:
15" Powerbook G4 1.33 GHz, 512 RAM
Next Purchase:
If all goes well, a Quad Core Xeon Mac Pro by next year...if not...iMac...
Aluminum Macbook, whenever those come out
iPod:
16 GB iPod touch, 30 GB iPod 5G, 8 GB iPod nano 2G
Next Purchase:
32 GB iPhone, whenever that comes out...
     
peeb
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Sep 26, 2007, 12:36 AM
 
Well, for one thing, get more than 512mb RAM in that powerbook.
     
reader50
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Location: California
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Sep 26, 2007, 12:45 AM
 
Don't be afraid to open email attachments.

Most applications do not require installation. Just drag them to where you want them on your HD, then doubleclick to run.

If you have a lot of windows open on your monitor, hit F9. Then click the window you want.
     
demonic_bunny  (op)
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Sep 26, 2007, 12:48 AM
 
Originally Posted by reader50 View Post
Don't be afraid to open email attachments.

Most applications do not require installation. Just drag them to where you want them on your HD, then doubleclick to run.

If you have a lot of windows open on your monitor, hit F9. Then click the window you want.
lol I actually have that set to my upper left corner(and show desktop to upper right)...so useful
Mac:
15" Powerbook G4 1.33 GHz, 512 RAM
Next Purchase:
If all goes well, a Quad Core Xeon Mac Pro by next year...if not...iMac...
Aluminum Macbook, whenever those come out
iPod:
16 GB iPod touch, 30 GB iPod 5G, 8 GB iPod nano 2G
Next Purchase:
32 GB iPhone, whenever that comes out...
     
demonic_bunny  (op)
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Sep 26, 2007, 12:49 AM
 
Originally Posted by peeb View Post
Well, for one thing, get more than 512mb RAM in that powerbook.
I just gotta open the bottom and throw more RAM in, right? How much would you recommend?
Mac:
15" Powerbook G4 1.33 GHz, 512 RAM
Next Purchase:
If all goes well, a Quad Core Xeon Mac Pro by next year...if not...iMac...
Aluminum Macbook, whenever those come out
iPod:
16 GB iPod touch, 30 GB iPod 5G, 8 GB iPod nano 2G
Next Purchase:
32 GB iPhone, whenever that comes out...
     
peeb
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Sep 26, 2007, 12:52 AM
 
Yep. At least 1gb, but since you already have 512, I think, on that machine, in 1 chip, you should add one more gb, to bring it to 1.5.
     
esXXI
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Oct 5, 2007, 05:02 AM
 
Hold shift when you use Exposé (the windows moving thingy) or when you minimize a window. That always seems to impress new Mac users.

(Ah balls, hope this reply isn't too tardy for the thread.)
( Last edited by esXXI; Oct 5, 2007 at 05:03 AM. Reason: Noticed the date.)
     
DeeKat
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Oct 5, 2007, 10:54 AM
 
Spotlight is great as an app launcher. I configure spotlight to be activated by "⌘" + "space bar". In the spotlight you type the first few letters from an app, hit the down arrow once or twice and voilà. This way you dont have to go through all the finder's menus. Remenber that Spotlight indexes even the content IN a Word file. So if as an exemple I need an actors phone number and I remeber it's on a crew list somewhere, in some folder. Instead of going through all the folders trying to remember where I actually but the crew list, I just type the actor's name and boom, the file pop ups in spotlight!!!

Deekat
     
OreoCookie
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Location: Hilbert space
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Oct 5, 2007, 11:44 AM
 
You need to know that avoiding Vista is a good idea.

(I've spent three frustrating hours doing relatively simple things. I felt like an absolute noob (I have extensive Windows experience up to and including XP …).)
I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it.
     
   
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