Frustrating for you guys but a basic noob help if you could...

[ImpressedByAppl]

Hi there,

I just casually hopped onto the apple store yesterday with no intention of buying a mac but just trying them out, And I fell in love with the 15" Powerbook 1.67 , And today I got it and have been playing with it since then and Since ive never used or touched a Mac before i have few questions which are a little too basic and im seriously sorry if its irritating for you guys to answer. Im trying to search the forums but I think im not good enough to find all my answers so here's a few please let me know how to..?

1. In windows when you install an application it has its own folder in 'program files' where is that folder in Tiger? I installed yahoo messenger which I see in applications but where are the folders related to it?

2. How do I install / Uninstall applications ? Like Add/ Remove programs in Windows?

3. When I click on dashboard and click on more widgets it takes me to the apple page where i get a login box how do i login there?

4. I havent bought anything besides the 15" powerbook and a Incase (orange) Sleeve. Are there any other must haves I should get?

5. How can I split windows on the screen ?

6. Will my powerbook handle Doom 3? I dont need the best Gfx but as long as it plays? Btw im at 64 MB VRam.

Finally im sorry for a lot of typos im still finding the keybboard a little different from the IBM Thinkpad, And once again im sorry for any irritation.

And I'll keep some noob questions coming for few days so bare with me till I become a 100% Mac-a-holic'

Regards,

 

[tech4all]

First off welcome to MacRumors and the Mac world

I'll try to answer some of your questions:

1. In windows when you install an application it has its own folder in 'program files' where is that folder in Tiger? I installed yahoo messenger which I see in applications but where are the folders related to it?

That is usually in the Macintosh HD > Applications folder. EDIT: The Yahoo Messenger should be in a folder related to Yahoo. Don't have that app, so not sure of the name. Trying doing a search via Finder. Or Spotlight since you have Tiger.

2. How do I install / Uninstall applications ? Like Add/ Remove programs in Windows?

Usually by simply dragging the software's folder into the trash. Some people do a search via the Finder to find any other associated files of that application as well.

4. I havent bought anything besides the 15" powerbook and a Incase (orange) Sleeve. Are there any other must haves I should get?

Really depends on your needs. You don't NEED an anti-virus app as of right now. But you COULD if you want. Maybe an iSight, external HD, speakers, mouse, more software, digital camera/camcorder, iPod, etc....the list goes on.

Hope that helps some

 

[ImpressedByAppl]

Thanx a million

First of all thank you so much,

You have no idea how happy I am, Probably the happiest since I got engaged to the love of my life I'm so excited i dont think Im going to sleep for nights or work for days.

Your questions helped but about the yahoo messenger I find it in the applications but no folders related to it where I can see other user data etc.

Btw any good games that would play on this?

I swear this is one of the best purchases I ever made ... Gets me to think why did I never get this earlier,

Also any cool things I should know about the powerbook?

I might buy the Office

 

[andrewfee]

1. In windows when you install an application it has its own folder in 'program files' where is that folder in Tiger? I installed yahoo messenger which I see in applications but where are the folders related to it?

In OS X, 99% of the applications are just the icon you see in the Applications folder. The ones that aren't, just show up as a folder in your Applications folder. The only exception to this rule that I'm aware of is Apple's GarageBand program, which stores a lot of files elsewhere.

2. How do I install / Uninstall applications ? Like Add/ Remove programs in Windows?

There are different ways of distributing programs for OSX, but there's just two general ways of installing them. What can confuse people new to macs is the .dmg files. These are basically a virtual drive, so when you open them, it's just like you've inserted the application's cd/dvd.

All you have to do is either drag the program's icon into your Applications folder, or double-click it, if it's a .pkg file. (it'll look like an opening box)
The .pkg files have installers, but most applications just need you to drag the icon into your Applications folder.

Once this is done, you can "eject" the disk image and delete the .dmg

As for uninstalling, there's two ways of doing this, depending on how thorough you like to be.

The first way is simple - just drag the application's icon from your Applications folder to the trash, that's it. Unlike Windows, this doesn't cause any problems for OSX, as applications are generally tidy, and self-contained, wheras in Windows they have files all over the place, entries into the registry and so on.

If you're like me, and want to get rid of everything, just do a quick search for the application's name. This will usually show up a .plist file. All a .plist file is, is your preferences for the application. These are stored seperately so that if you were to "re-install" the application, it would work just as you left it.

This also means that, if for some reason you're having problems with the application, rather than re-installing it, you just need to close it, delete the .plist file, and when you open it up again, it'll be like it was the first time you used it.

3. When I click on dashboard and click on more widgets it takes me to the apple page where i get a login box how do i login there?

I think you have to log in with your Apple ID (I had already logged in by the time I tried that, so I've not been asked)
There's probably a link to create one there, or you can try here.

If you've created an account to use the iTunes Music store - that's an Apple ID, so you can just log in with those details.

4. I havent bought anything besides the 15" powerbook and a Incase (orange) Sleeve. Are there any other must haves I should get?

Personally I would recommend getting an iSkin keyboard cover. While I do take care of my Powerbook, and don't eat at it, I prefer to have a washable cover on the keyboard anyway. With a desktop computer you can just buy a new keyboard if it gets dirty, or with some laptops the keyboards are removable for cleaning, but this is not the case with a Powerbook.

I was surprised after just a week how much cat hair was on it, and while I always make sure my hands are clean before using the Powerbook, I find that I have to wash it once a week. (I use it a lot) I'd hate to have that on the keyboard itself.

5. How can I split windows on the screen ?

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this...

6. Will my powerbook handle Doom 3? I dont need the best Gfx but as long as it plays? Btw im at 64 MB VRam.

Some people say that it runs well, others don't (it depends how much of a gamer you are, and how important graphics/framerate are I suppose)

I haven't personally tried it, but I do intend on picking it up. I should imagine it will be playable if you turn down some settings - I hear it runs a lot faster on Tiger. (OS 10.4)

 

[sethypoo]

Welcome to the world of the Mac, my friend!

1. Try searching in the Finder for "Yahoo Messenger." That should bring up all the files and folders associated with that application. From there, you can locate their exact location (their path).

2. Most Mac programs are simply deleted by dragging them and all their corresponding folders to the Trash, then emptying the Trash. Some programs have uninstall features built into their installation programs. It just depends on what the developer wanted.

3. To log in (which you shouldn't neet to) you may need an Apple account. They're free, and you can use your Apple account to buy songs on the iTunes Music Store. See the Apple online store for an account.

4. I find a nice sleeve is really important for any PowerBook G4 owner. Since you've already got that, a full size Apple Bluetooth keyboard would be a good thing to have for when you're at home. Also, I don't know what I'd do without my Airport Express.

5. To split windows on a screen, simply resize the windows to your specifications. Is this what you mean?

I think Doom 3 will play on your PowerBook. I can't say for sure, but since your PowerBook can handle the 30" Apple Cinema Display, I think it can handle Doom 3.

I hope this helps!

Seth

 

[fistful]

The only thing I can add to this that hasn't been answered is where the application related files are found. The files are contained within the application icon, to see them ctrl+click (equivalent to right click in windows) on the icon and then click "show package contents".

#5 I'm not sure what you're asking so I don't have an answer there.

 

[Greencardman]

Get the book "The Missing Manual Panther Edition."
Amazon Link
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...2/103-5064971-4766232?_encoding=UTF8&v=glance

Or they're coming out with a Tiger edition soon, you can get that
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...103-5064971-4766232?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

Its the best book you'll ever spend money on in terms of learning about your operating system and doing all the small things that make your Mac experience better than anything you've ever had before. Anyone can learn an operating system and use it just like you use windows, but this book will open it up and make things so much better.

 

[ImpressedByAppl]

Everyone seriously thank you so much I've got most answers I want and the #5 I mean like example If im working with safari , word and some other window is there a command where I can divide all of them equally on the screen?

Also another thing is when I click on Yahoo messenger in the application folder I cant seem to find folders related to it there or in spotlight anyone shed more light on this? I mean when i ctrl + click I dont get an option like show package contents.

Im so having a ball of a night Loving this thing could kiss it,

And I dont need Airport express as I already have a Wi-fi router at home unless the AE has some unique feature does it?

Once again thanks for this welcome I was afraid to ask all this but now i feel 'at home'

The only thing I can add to this that hasn't been answered is where the application related files are found. The files are contained within the application icon, to see them ctrl+click (equivalent to right click in windows) on the icon and then click "show package contents".

#5 I'm not sure what you're asking so I don't have an answer there.

 

[Mechcozmo]

Everyone seriously thank you so much I've got most answers I want and the #5 I mean like example If im working with safari , word and some other window is there a command where I can divide all of them equally on the screen?

Also another thing is when I click on Yahoo messenger in the application folder I cant seem to find folders related to it there or in spotlight anyone shed more light on this? I mean when i ctrl + click I dont get an option like show package contents.

Press F9 (or maybe Function key +F9 depending on the PowerBook's configuration) and do the same thing with F10 and F11.

Welcome to Exposé. Coolest damn thing. Also, once you press F10 (or with the function key) use Tab and Shift+Tab to cycle forwards/backwards.

And not all apps allow you to view their package contents. So don't sweat it. I trash apps all the time (freeware that turns out to not be so good) with nary a problem. Just one self contained thing.

 

[fistful]

Everyone seriously thank you so much I've got most answers I want and the #5 I mean like example If im working with safari , word and some other window is there a command where I can divide all of them equally on the screen?

Also another thing is when I click on Yahoo messenger in the application folder I cant seem to find folders related to it there or in spotlight anyone shed more light on this? I mean when i ctrl + click I dont get an option like show package contents.

Im so having a ball of a night Loving this thing could kiss it,

And I dont need Airport express as I already have a Wi-fi router at home unless the AE has some unique feature does it?

Once again thanks for this welcome I was afraid to ask all this but now i feel 'at home'

Either I misunderstood what you're asking or you misunderstand my explanation. I took a screen shot to illustrate what I'm talking about. hope this this is what you were asking.

and about Airport Express. AirTunes music streaming

 

[rainman::|:|]

Don't start getting into package contents, i think that's more in-depth than he's asking. Yahoo! Messenger is the only thing you'll see, there are no other files to worry about. In Windows, there might be a readme file, a help file, etc... but on a Mac this info is available via the Help menu in any application, and their preferences are changed from within, not from another program. With many programs, the icon in Applications is the only file it installs... with some more complex apps, it will install a whole folder in Applications. So dragging Messenger to the trash uninstalls it, and dragging it back reinstalls it. (admittedly, every program leaves a pref file elsewhere on your drive, and perhaps other support files, but these are small and ignorable, but as was said, you can search for them)

As Mechcozmo said, Expose should meet your needs for viewing all windows at once.

If you like music, start ripping your CDs into iTunes. If you like it, go pick up an iPod, if you don't have one. It's like taking part of your Mac with you

 

[fistful]

well he's asking where an apps. folder is stored similarly to how they are stored in program files in windows, an apps. package contents is where they are stored in OSX no?

that's just how I took what he was asking, maybe I was just reading too far into it.

 

[arn]

seems to be some confusion about applications and folders.

If your Yahoo Messenger just appears as an application in the Applications folder... then that's it. No other associated files.

arn

 

[busasa]

wow.... you mean you just walked in there one day without knowing anything about it, and walked out with one the next day. You sure love Mac a lot!! I personally think Office is necessary for all OS depends on your occpation obviously.

 

[jeremy.king]

4. I havent bought anything besides the 15" powerbook and a Incase (orange) Sleeve. Are there any other must haves I should get?

http://www.bookpool.com/sm/0672327465 (coming soon)

 

[Mechcozmo]

wow.... you mean you just walked in there one day without knowing anything about it, and walked out with one the next day. You sure love Mac a lot!! I personally think Office is necessary for all OS depends on your occpation obviously.

I agree, Office is a must. Its a nice app for the Mac (can't say the same for Windows) and it is immensly useful for being compatible.

TextEdit can open a .doc file (Word) in a pinch though.

 

[wordmunger]

I think what Impressedbyappl is asking about in #5 is a windows command that automatically resizes all the open windows to fill up the available onscreen space. It's not like Expose, because the windows are all fully functional. Expose might do what he need to do, but it might not. Anyone know of a utility that does this?

Also, in #1, are you asking where documents go? Usually in Macs we file documents by type, so text, etc. would go in "documents," music goes in "music," etc. The only other place associated files sometimes are put is in the library files, which stores preferences in library --> preferences, and other associated files by app name. This can sometimes be useful for troubleshooting, but generally the library can just be ignored. As others have said, you might consider removing library files for an app if you uninstall it, but many of us happily ignore it all the time with no ill effects.

 

[ImpressedByAppl]

Hey guys was playing the powerbook all night

slept at 7 Am today and woke up a little too late. Coming back to some of your answers im sorry if im confusing you but what I mean is in windows for yahoo messenger I have folders which contain user data etc which I can delete when I want to so is there a way in which I can find the users who log on my yahoo and delete their data folders? Or does the apple version not store any data?

FistfunofAngst, You are correct I am atchually trying to find the folders with user data etc. Unless this does not apply to the apple version.

Arn, Thank you I guess Im clear about it now.

Busasa, Atchually I was about to get a new IBM Thinkpad which i have used since 1996 but I thought of looking a little deep into the apple world but before I even spoke to anyone I walked into the clarendon store yesterday afternoon and got a little tempted but thought I better find some info about the OS etc before i got it so i left but I got restless and at 7:30 PM rushed back and got the powerbook. And seriously loving this though im quite confused and may get a little annoying for some people here. But please bare me

Kingjr3 I intend to get that as another person also recommended, Infact I checked the borders store near my place but they have 10.3. Should I get that so i'll atleast know a bit of the OS?

wordmunger, with the #5 que yes Im talking about how in windows i can tile them and work on all equally well. In mac when I press F9 all windows become small and I can select one window only that can enlarge but to work side by side i resize it manually so can this problem be sorted out? Also how can I make word / safari etc full screen? with the green button they never go full screen.

Some more ques.

1.1 When I connect my powershot G3 to the powerbook I never get an option to download only the images I want to download is there a way to just download the ones I need to ? And how can I direct them to go to specific folders only? Also what is the best way to reduce the imagesize without cutting the image? Like in windows a 1 MB jpg image comes down to 250 KB if i just open it in Paint and save it.

1.2 Any good links for free softwares for mac / safari that maybe useful?

1.3 Any place where I can find all the keyboard shortcuts?

1.4 Do Apple stores carry the iSkin?

1.5 Is it possible to have the backlit keyboard on an automatic settings? I know some of these maybe in the manual but im dying to get some work sorted out which is why I have not been able to go through the manual.

1.6 Is safari a safe browser to use credit cards on? Also my text on websites is very blurry any way to sort this out?


And last but not the least an image i uploaded of the things I got yesterday i know nothing special for most here but Im loving it too much



Regards,

 

[wordmunger]

how can I make word / safari etc full screen? with the green button they never go full screen.

Word is never going to go completely full screen because of the floating palettes. Also, you should know that macs will never do the full-screen thing quite the same way as windows machines, but if you think about, it's not a big deal since all the menus are in the menu bar. All in all, you usually actually get a little more screen space on a Mac. Of course, games will take up your full screen and hide all the menus/dock, but that's an exception.

Safari is a little odd the way it does full screen -- again, it generally won't extend the full screen width. I think in time you'll get used to this. It's handy to have other icons, etc. visible behind your main menu.

is there a way to just download the ones I need to ? And how can I direct them to go to specific folders only? Also what is the best way to reduce the imagesize without cutting the image? Like in windows a 1 MB jpg image comes down to 250 KB if i just open it in Paint and save it.

Personally I prefer to just use iPhoto to download all the photos. It's a great way to organize the pictures, and better to not worry about which folder they're in--just let iPhoto handle it. It takes some rethinking about how you deal with pictures, but in the end, you'll be happier because they're always at your fingertips. To resize, just use the "export" command in iPhoto and specify the size you want.

1.6 Is safari a safe browser to use credit cards on? Also my text on websites is very blurry any way to sort this out.

Yes, Safari is absolutely safe as long as you're using a secure site. A padlock will appear in the upper right corner of the browser when you're on a secure page. The only issue may be using over a wireless network, but in that case it's going to be the same as windows. For blurry text, in Tiger I'm not sure if it's the same as in Panther, try under system preferences --> appearance, then set font smoothing on "best for flat panel."

 

[verozov]

when i first started using macs i had the same questions, since i was also used to windows... what really helped me was a book called "teach yourself visually"... but i don't think they have a tiger version yet... anyway it really helped me and i think would be just the thing for you.

link to the book - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...103-8946498-6907835?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

 

[ImpressedByAppl]

wordmunger,
Seriously thank you so much. Coming to iPhoto is there a way in which everytime the computer does not download all images from the camera and i get an option to select the ones i want to ?

Personally I prefer to just use iPhoto to download all the photos. It's a great way to organize the pictures, and better to not worry about which folder they're in--just let iPhoto handle it. It takes some rethinking about how you deal with pictures, but in the end, you'll be happier because they're always at your fingertips. To resize, just use the "export" command in iPhoto and specify the size you want.

 

[rdhatfield3]

a little app called image capture should do the trick...i always load to desktop then drag into iphoto if im not wanting to get all of the pictures off of the camera. also as a newb you should know about control click and also tabs in safari.

 

[Mechcozmo]

1.1 When I connect my powershot G3 to the powerbook I never get an option to download only the images I want to download is there a way to just download the ones I need to ?

1.2 Any good links for free softwares for mac / safari that maybe useful?

1.3 Any place where I can find all the keyboard shortcuts?

1.4 Do Apple stores carry the iSkin?

1.5 Is it possible to have the backlit keyboard on an automatic settings? I know some of these maybe in the manual but im dying to get some work sorted out which is why I have not been able to go through the manual.

1.6 Is safari a safe browser to use credit cards on? Also my text on websites is very blurry any way to sort this out?

.1 Try Image Capture, in your Applications folder
.2 Try Apple's own OS X tab, the software link. Versiontracker.com is also nice.
.3 Click on the menus. Some help programs will list them if you search, others not.
.4 Dunno, don't have one.
.5 It is I think normally automatic but not sure, I have a 12"
.6 Safer than IE is! Safari and Firefox are both great on the Mac, but I like Safari because it just feels more OS X-ish than Firefox.