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2011 new IMac

A

applemike68

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 18, 2011
113
0
Hi all

I plan on buying my first iMac this month. Since it is my first what do I need besides the basics, from hardware to software? I plan on using this for photo's, music, web, making home videos and maybe some games off of steam. I probably plan on buying the low end model but will see once they come out. Thanks

I own an ipad2 and iPhone 4
 
applemike68 said:
Hi all

I plan on buying my first iMac this month. Since it is my first what do I need besides the basics, from hardware to software? I plan on using this for photo's, music, web, making home videos and maybe some games off of steam. I probably plan on buying the low end model but will see once they come out. Thanks

I own an ipad2 and iPhone 4
Click to expand...

Wait for the new updated Sandy Bridge iMac - due out in 3-4-6-8 weeks time :)
 
applemike68 said:
Hi all

I plan on buying my first iMac this month. Since it is my first what do I need besides the basics, from hardware to software? I plan on using this for photo's, music, web, making home videos and maybe some games off of steam. I probably plan on buying the low end model but will see once they come out. Thanks

I own an ipad2 and iPhone 4
Click to expand...

Nothing? Its ready to go.

Of course, if it were mine there would be a whole bunch of freebies and shareware that *I* would add, but my needs are different.

Im sure if you search the forums you will find a list of items, pretty sure this has been asked at least 20 times before.
 
2011 new IMac

I'm going to buy my first iMac in may. My question is what is the essential software will I need.

Do I need a virus software? If so which one

I plan on using this for photo, home movies, web browsing, email and word/excel

What software do I need for the above?

Looking forward to the new iMacs

Thanks
 
It comes with just about everything you need.

You can get office for mac. Or you can use office online. Or google docs. Or iwork. Choice is yours.
 
If you want to get more in depth with photo editing you can try gimp, it's great for stuff that iphoto does not have, and it's free. For web browsing, you might want to get chrome as Safari is not supported by some sites. This was essential for me back when I was in college. Plenty of free software for "office" apps, unless you want to pay then it is up to you.

Baseline iMac should make you a happy camper.
 
i use open office on the pc and understand a version is available for mac.........

yup, just checked and it's available:

http://download.openoffice.org/other.html

had no problems so far and it's free!!

I too am waiting for the update then hopefully buying my first apple product. I'm a patient chap but even i'm finding it frustrating every day to see so many news updates about everything except an imac refresh ;) still i'm sure it'll be worth it.
:D
 
Antivirus software is not needed. If you install it on a Mac, that is just being extra cautious, but it really isn't necessary.

For word processing, if you need to be on the same page with everyone else, there's Microsoft Office, but I would recommend iWork from the Mac App Store when you get your Mac.

If you need more in-depth photo editing, I would recommend Aperture from the Mac App Store.
 
Please make more descriptive titles with threads here, the title is so provocating, New 2011 iMac !! You know we all here have been waiting for such refresh

While i click in, the OP just asking antivirus for OSX, which unless OP is waiting for iMac refresh too, the rest is irrelevant with the title. I thought there was new rumors about incoming iMac refresh
 
applemike68 said:
Do I need a virus software? If so which one
Click to expand...

As everybody said above, it's not necessary at all. However, if you want to be on the extra safe side, you can use ClamXav which is free and regularly updated.
* http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/15850/clamxav

I run it maybe once a month or less. ClamXav only finds some mail-files that contain phishing; but I never click on suspect links in mail anyway, and I suppose you don't either.
 
I'm currently on a PC, getting a new iMac the day the new ones come out. I hate having to have an Antivirus program, they all just seem to slow down the machine. So glad to not have to deal with Antivirus anymore.
 
Thanks for all the great responses, some not. ;)

This going to be my first iMac and I was just curious as to what software was essential.

Thanks:apple:
 
RollTide said:
Cut him some slack, he probably doesn't check the forum every day. Or hour. Ok 5 minutes like some of us. :p
Click to expand...

+1 . . . well said.

People come to this forum with legitimate questions and do not need to be answered with rude comments from members who may find the answer "so obvious or elementary"

Just move on to the next post if you feel the urge to leave a condescending comment.
 
Good questions.

I'm waiting to pull the trigger on my first iMac as well.
Currently using Word, Excel, Photoshop and Vegas Video for editing.
Looks like I'll need Office for Mac. Do the other two exist in Mac land? Not for commercial use, but I don't mind paying for the real deal if there is no true equivalent.
And while I'm posting - is there an output for my sound system or is that also Mac specific?

Tx gurus.
 
Pintail said:
Good questions.

I'm waiting to pull the trigger on my first iMac as well.
Currently using Word, Excel, Photoshop and Vegas Video for editing.
Looks like I'll need Office for Mac. Do the other two exist in Mac land? Not for commercial use, but I don't mind paying for the real deal if there is no true equivalent.
And while I'm posting - is there an output for my sound system or is that also Mac specific?

Tx gurus.
Click to expand...

photoshop does exist for Mac, yes. Vegas video I'm pretty sure it is not. Your Mac will come with iMovie, which is great but not really a "pro" app. If I were you I would do some research on things like Gimp for mac and iMovie and see if they will meet your needs. Plenty of youtube videos out there.

As far as your sound system, you mean headphone jack or:confused:
 
curtisinoc said:
+1 . . . well said.

People come to this forum with legitimate questions and do not need to be answered with rude comments from members who may find the answer "so obvious or elementary"

Just move on to the next post if you feel the urge to leave a condescending comment.
Click to expand...

Yes because hurting people's poor feelings is so completely unethical, right on par with stabbing someone.

People's stupidity or laziness deserves to be met with condescension or scorn in my book. If a simple Google search or site search can reveal the answer, there is nothing wrong with people pointing that out, with a negative tone or not.

The OP's question about the need for an anti-virus app clearly belongs in that category, while his other question could deserve a topic.
 
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