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MacBook Purchased Finally!

A

Andrew D.

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 17, 2007
401
0
Chicago, IL
So I finally pulled the trigger and placed an order for a Refurbished White MacBook 2.0GHz / 1GB RAM / 80GB HDD. I also ordered the Moshi PalmGuard 13 which should be a good addition to the MacBook. I decided to go Next Day shipping since I had a Promo code to use to why not.

So just a few questions; when I get my MacBook.. what should I do first/check on it (other than checking dead pixels/cracks or scratches/etc..)? Any applications I should download first to check battery life or what not? Any rituals I should perform before turning on the MacBook so it won't be DoA? Do you think the order will get here by the end of the week?

Sorry if these are such newbish questions, but I'm pretty excited. This would be my first personal Apple product (since the first one was a family shared Mac as our first computer). I hope this little white MacBook will help me convert my family and friends to switch to Mac in the future! Back to studying for my final exams, darn philosophy paper.. Thanks everyone for your help!
 
1. Install your anti-virus software and download the latest definitions (you can't be too careful)

2. Download all the available Apple software updates.

3. Calibrate your battery

4. Enjoy :)

FJ
 
Father Jack said:
1. Install your anti-virus software and download the latest definitions (you can't be too careful)
Click to expand...


Haha! You Irish are funny. Andrew D., don't listen to him. Antivirus apps will only slow your computer down and possibly break it (if you choose Norton). Since there are no threats out there for OSX yet, it's just not needed. :)
 
yeah...do everthing they said...

MAKE SURE...to update the software
as for a rituals...throw any windows products out the window...then you should be good.
 
Haha, I knew something was fishy when he said download anti-virus software.. I will be sure to calibrate my battery and download all the Apple updates.

Another question, I know my router uses a WEP key.. is it easy to configure wireless settings? Also, one network I use has it so the admin has to put the MAC address on the router settings.. where will I be able to locate the MAC address on the MacBook?
 
It'll work fine with WEP. Your MAC address should be listed in System Profiler under Network menu (select the appropriate connection). It's also listed in the Network pane of System Preferences where you once again must select the appropriate connection although I don't think it's labelled as a MAC address here.
 
Congrats on the new Mac, you'll love it!

Wireless: You will see up on the toolbar a symbol that looks like radio waves.
That is your wireless signal strength meter and also when you click on it there are menu options and available networks in the area. Click on the network you wish to connect to and it should take a minute and then ask for a key. You will need the WEP key to connect of course.

To get the MAC address go to the "Apple" (also on the toolbar, far left corner) and click, then select "About this Mac". Now click "Network", scroll down and you will see "Ethernet" and MAC address.

Good luck!!
 
mad jew said:
Haha! You Irish are funny. Andrew D., don't listen to him. Antivirus apps will only slow your computer down and possibly break it (if you choose Norton). Since there are no threats out there for OSX yet, it's just not needed. :)
Click to expand...

I know there are no viruses etc at the moment, but everyday our fantastic mac's become more and more popular we are more likely to become a target by some "wee sh*t" with nothing better to do !!!

I think it's better to be sure to be sure (as they say here in the Emerald isle) :)

FJ
 
Thanks mad jew and coledog, I didn't know it was that easy but I guess it is.. I should have known since it's a Mac anyways haha. Sorry if I'm asking all these questions.. I'm a newbie.

So to add to the already stated questions.. I was also wondering what are some noteworthy applications/widgets I should try out or download? I know there is a lot there and I could search for myself, but what do you all think is good for a newb user like myself? Thanks again!
 
Father Jack said:
I know there are no viruses etc at the moment, but everyday our fantastic mac's become more and more popular we are more likely to become a target by some "wee sh*t" with nothing better to do !!!
Click to expand...


Ahh, sorry mate. I thought you were joking. :eek:

It's a bit of an old debate as to when the first 'real' and threatening Mac virus will come out. As long as you steer clear of anything from Norton though, you should be right. I got rid of my antivirus when I upgraded to 10.4 and haven't looked back. :cool:


Andrew D. said:
Thanks mad jew and coledog, I didn't know it was that easy but I guess it is.. I should have known since it's a Mac anyways haha. Sorry if I'm asking all these questions.. I'm a newbie.
Click to expand...


No worries mate. Never be afraid to ask. :)


Andrew D. said:
So to add to the already stated questions.. I was also wondering what are some noteworthy applications/widgets I should try out or download? I know there is a lot there and I could search for myself, but what do you all think is good for a newb user like myself? Thanks again!
Click to expand...


Well, I start with UNO, VLC, Perian and Flip4Mac.
 
Adium for instant messaging...supports everything!
I personally replaced Safari with Firefox but that was just my choice...up to you!
AppZapper for uninstalling programs.
iAlertU or is cool for protecting your laptop from being stolen and uses the remote that comes with your MB.
LoJack is awesome and easy in case it DOES get stolen.
VLC player for playing a lot of different media other than .mov.
Flip for Mac is a plugin for quicktime so you can play wmv files easily.
If you have a NON-IPOD mp3 player use XNJB to transfer music to it.

There are definitely a lot more that I'm forgetting...
 
mad jew said:
Ahh, sorry mate. I thought you were joking. :eek:

It's a bit of an old debate as to when the first 'real' and threatening Mac virus will come out. As long as you steer clear of anything from Norton though, you should be right. I got rid of my antivirus when I upgraded to 10.4 and haven't looked back. :cool:
Click to expand...
This is what using a PC for 20 years does to you :eek: :eek:
Thanks for the info mad jew, have a nice day :)

FJ
 
mad jew said:
No worries mate. Anyway, this place'll be alive if anything malicious ever does come about. Just check in here every now and then and you'll be on top of things. :)
Click to expand...
Thanks, I am a regular visitor and have gained much useful information from MR members. :)

FJ
 
you should probably also go ahead and change your router from WEP to WPA (assuming all your computers' network cards support it--your mac definitely will). WEP provides little to no security at this point. read up on it if you're interested. i believe wiki has a decent article
 
moonzilla said:
you should probably also go ahead and change your router from WEP to WPA (assuming all your computers' network cards support it--your mac definitely will). WEP provides little to no security at this point. read up on it if you're interested. i believe wiki has a decent article
Click to expand...

Ok, I'll look into that moonzilla thanks! I'll try to search for the article and change it when I'm done with my Psychology final today, haha.
 
Another BIG plus with WPA is that instead of some weird key (eg: F45820jfh5) it's a key that you choose. It could be your address or some other random thing that you'll remember. This also means it is easier share your key if needed!
If you need any help just holler!
 
coledog said:
Another BIG plus with WPA is that instead of some weird key (eg: F45820jfh5) it's a key that you choose. It could be your address or some other random thing that you'll remember. This also means it is easier share your key if needed!
If you need any help just holler!
Click to expand...

Awesome, that's even better than trying to remember the random WEP keys that are generated.. haha.

Another question again.. I heard there is a lot of "unnecessary" stuff installed on the Mac such as languages or whatever.. How do you uninstall them and what should be taken out to free up some room? Thanks again!
 
So I got the email from Apple saying they placed the package on shipment now. I checked the tracking on FedEx and this is what I got..

mbshipment1ot1.jpg


Will it really arrive tomorrow? I mean wow, now that's what I call overnight, haha. I guess we'll see, let's hope so!
 
Andrew D. said:
So I got the email from Apple saying they placed the package on shipment now. I checked the tracking on FedEx and this is what I got..

<<snipped>>

Will it really arrive tomorrow? I mean wow, now that's what I call overnight, haha. I guess we'll see, let's hope so!
Click to expand...


FedEx is pretty good about their estimates. Just don't go to the can at the wrong moment. It's gonna be a sig required delivery. Just keep a Mason jar handy... :p
 
AntiVirus

I do recommend antivirus, becuase, if like me, you regularly transfer files from school/work PC or another PC machine onto your Mac, the Mac will have a PC virus. But even worse, if you download something on your Mac and transfer it to a PC the could get infected. Just my 2 cents.
 
JohnNotBeatle said:
FedEx is pretty good about their estimates. Just don't go to the can at the wrong moment. It's gonna be a sig required delivery. Just keep a Mason jar handy... :p
Click to expand...

Regarding the signature upon delivery.. can it be anyone? I have a few finals in the morning tomorrow and it is going to be delivered at a friends house. Can my friend sign for me or does it have to be myself? Thanks once again!
 
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