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iBook ordered. Need resource links and book suggestions for utter mac newbie please.

K

kant

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 22, 2004
337
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Only time I've ever used an apple is to browse the book collection at the uni library. And only then a couple of times that I couldn't find an open PC. I am a windows power user, so general computing terms are familiar to me. Effectively zero linux experience.

So I think I need a book that starts with "here is the power button" but isn't insulting about it. Or is that a contradiction?? :rolleyes:

I also know, from linux book searching, that I don't need a "Learn OS X" that assumes I've used apples prior to OS X. I found it infuriating that the only books on linux I could find at the local bookstore assumed I was switching from Unix.

You'd think that the Apple "Switch" site would have some links for folks such as I, but they don't that I saw.

Any and all help, advice, suggestions greatly appreciated.

I don't think I've looked forward to something with this much mixed excitement and apprehension since the puddlejumper flight to Ft. Sill for basic training. :eek: :D :confused:
 
Not sure about books, but if you find one, let us know if it's any good, as I've been looking for one for my parents, who've just switched.

I can recommend a really good (though quite expensive) magazine that's published here in the UK. It's called iCreate, and it has step-by-step guides for doing loads of things with Mac software like iPhoto. It's not available online but you can susbribe to the print version worldwide here.
 
kant said:
Only time I've ever used an apple is to browse the book collection at the uni library. And only then a couple of times that I couldn't find an open PC. I am a windows power user, so general computing terms are familiar to me. Effectively zero linux experience.

So I think I need a book that starts with "here is the power button" but isn't insulting about it. Or is that a contradiction?? :rolleyes:

I also know, from linux book searching, that I don't need a "Learn OS X" that assumes I've used apples prior to OS X. I found it infuriating that the only books on linux I could find at the local bookstore assumed I was switching from Unix.

You'd think that the Apple "Switch" site would have some links for folks such as I, but they don't that I saw.

Any and all help, advice, suggestions greatly appreciated.

I don't think I've looked forward to something with this much mixed excitement and apprehension since the puddlejumper flight to Ft. Sill for basic training. :eek: :D :confused:
Click to expand...

Just use google and apple's support website. First know what you want to make your comptuer do, then learn how to do it. If you wander, you'll never get anywhere. Far too many people buy a PC or MAC and just expect it to do things for them that they never would have used unless it was stuck in their face.
 
Don't be apprehensive about your new Mac, it's really pretty easy to figure it out. OS X is fairly simple to get the basics of, especially since you know Windows, so it's not like you haven't used a computer before. Also, Apple's help that comes with your computer can help quite a bit, and is much easier to understand than Windows help. That being said, a couple of books you could check out are:

How to do Everything with Mac OS X Panther
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...103-0830496-3305452?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

or, Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0596004524/103-0830496-3305452?v=glance

I'm not sure that one covers Panther, but I'm sure it could still apply.

Hope that helps :)
 
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Killer Mac Tips by Scott Kelby is full of quick tips of how to do things that I as a long time Mac user didn't know and my sis - a fraidy cat newbie - picked up and got going with quickly.

It can be read in short bursts and it's not expensive so by the time you've gone through it, you'll be ready for something more weighty.

Good luck, m
 
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This might help.

I hope is not "insulting", but it has lots of colorful pictures and teaches you about basics and more in detail.

Teach yourself visually

And they have it at the retail stores.

Good luck!!!
 
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As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
MacAficionado said:
I hope is not "insulting",

Teach yourself visually

Good luck!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks. that one looks interesting as well.

As for the "insulting", I was thinking of one of the "Dummies" books or maybe a "Complete Idiots.." that I picked up and looked through at a bookstore one time. Ignorance is simply the lack of knowledge; stupidity is the lack of the ability to gain knowledge. I found that the info presented was done so in such a way as to lead me to believe that the author thought his audience was in the latter category. I'm looking for something that assumes I'm ignorant but not stupid. :)
 
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Get The Missing Manual by David Pogue as mentioned above. It is an excellent book. I bought it right before I bought my PB so I would have a head start on things. It was VERY helpful.
 
crees! said:
Get The Missing Manual by David Pogue as mentioned above. It is an excellent book. I bought it right before I bought my PB so I would have a head start on things. It was VERY helpful.
Click to expand...

I will say that any of the Missing Manuals are a great way to start. evn for those that think they know everything.
 
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The Missing Manual, Panther OSX 10.3 Edition (or something like that) is invaluable. I bought it before I got my iBook (I was a Windows power user also) and it has a large glossary of relative terms and lingo, sort of like a translation guide for OSX/WinXP. It basically helped get me going, and it's helped ever since. O'Rielly Books publishes it. ^_^
 
wide said:
Mac OS X Panther for Dummies:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...104-1933795-4207917?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

The iBook for Dummies:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_1/104-1933795-4207917?v=glance&s=books

Macs for Dummies:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...f=sr_1_2/104-1933795-4207917?v=glance&s=books

That ought to do it for you :)
Click to expand...


Google is still free as well as apple's website. If you know what purpose you bought the computer for...unless you bought a computer just to have one...then you should buy a book too and help out the economy.
 
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