I've switched! Bought my first mac

[3121]

Hello

Well I have at last bought my first mac a Mac Mini (only basic model). I have been wanting one for a long, long time! So small and very quiet. I do have some questions:

1. I am going to transfer some files from PC to my Mac. After checking these for viruses on my PC should I still install an anti-virus on the Mac (ClamXav?)

2. When would i be good to sleep the Mac? Would it be ok when at for 9-10hours? Whats min and max to sleep?

3. I have read on here that it is good idea to re-install OSX to free up disk space. Is this easy to do?


Thanks
Ivan

 

[72930]

1. I am going to transfer some files from PC to my Mac. After checking these for viruses on my PC should I still install an anti-virus on the Mac (ClamXav?)

Don't bother...macs are not harmed by viruses...apps such as ClamXav scan the machine for windows viruses, in case you want to transfer your files to an unprotected pc

3. I have read on here that it is good idea to re-install OSX to free up disk space. Is this easy to do?

Yes, just put in the disk that comes with your machine...and follow the instructions...

You're my favourite member here psychofreak

No problemo! And good luck with your mac...

 

[psycoswimmer]

Hello

Well I have at last bought my first mac a Mac Mini (only basic model). I have been wanting one for a long, long time! So small and very quiet. I do have some questions:

1. I am going to transfer some files from PC to my Mac. After checking these for viruses on my PC should I still install an anti-virus on the Mac (ClamXav?)

2. When would i be good to sleep the Mac? Would it be ok when at for 9-10hours? Whats min and max to sleep?

3. I have read on here that it is good idea to re-install OSX to free up disk space. Is this easy to do?


Thanks
Ivan

Congratulations! You'll love your new mac.

If you won't use your computer for more than 2 days, shut it down. My iMac has been "sleeped" over night and throughout the day for almost 3 weeks, and I occasionally restart it.

 

[crap freakboy]

Hi...congrats.

1. No need. Windows viruses won't effect OSX.
2. I've had my Mac in sleep for over two weeks in the past.
3. Personally I always reinstall OSX with any new Mac, just habit really for OS9 days. Installing is easy, insert OSX disc, goto system prefs and change startup disc to the CD, restart. Then erase your HD. Then install OSX.

Enjoy.

 

[3121]

If I want to do a clean reinstall do I select Erase and Install. When I first install I should set up a Administrator account then create a 'daily' account?

I know the Mac Mini is due for an upgrade any day but I couldn't wait any longer!

Ivan

 

[roland.g]

I only shutdown if I am leaving town, otherwise it runs all the time and only reboots for OS and app updates and security patches that require doing so.

 

[psycoswimmer]

If I want to do a clean reinstall do I select Erase and Install. When I first install I should set up a Administrator account then create a 'daily' account?

I know the Mac Mini is due for an upgrade any day but I couldn't wait any longer!

Ivan

Yes, you select Erase and Install.

You can if you want, it's recommended.

 

[crap freakboy]

I've read that most people do as you've suggested, have a daily account as well as a admin account. Never did with my current Mac so it's up to you really. One more thing just incase you aren't aware of it is Permissions.
I'd strongly suggest you develop the habit of repairing Permissions once every week. Go to Utilities --> Disk Utility --> open it, select your main HD and click repair. Some people use third party software to automate it but I never have so couldn't honestly suggest a likely candidate. Besides the weeking repairing I've always done a repair, then restart, then another repair after an Apple OSX update. Perhaps some would say thats overkill but I've never had OSX act 'odd' in any way for all the years I've used it.

 

[Mr Mac Newbie]

Can someone please explain to me more why you should reinstall OSX as soon as you get a new Mac?

I'm getting my first one in the next few weeks but need to find as much info out before hand

 

[trainguy77]

Can someone please explain to me more why you should reinstall OSX as soon as you get a new Mac?

I'm getting my first one in the next few weeks but need to find as much info out before hand

I personally don't reinstall. Its just a space thing. When you reinstall you can pick what to put back. IE drivers applications etc.

 

[wizwaz3]

Congrats! I just bought my first iMac! We're gonna be much happier, you and I.

 

[EngBrian]

One more thing just incase you aren't aware of it is Permissions.
I'd strongly suggest you develop the habit of repairing Permissions once every week. Go to Utilities --> Disk Utility --> open it, select your main HD and click repair.

I am switching over soon and I keep hearing about this permissions thing. Can someone explain to me in advance what it means?

 

[iBookG4user]

One more suggestion is to make a daily administrative accound and a secondary administrative account that you don't use. (like if an application asks what user to install it for, click only for the daily account) The secondary account is only for testing if a problem is system wide or just the daily account.