MacOSX book/reference, need one, new to X

[ShovelHead84]

1st X experience (8.1/1400c -> OSX 10.4.3/12"pb)…

i have 10.4.3… before i up to .7 i want to do some serious reading…

what is the hands-down best book to get the best out of X? i am not a programmer, don't want to 'crack' anything, just want to become something close to a 'power user'…

thanks

(other questions i'll ask about another time: 1.) i am used to a Menu enhancer utility that drops the menus when u (simply) pass the cursur over the menu name: anything like that available for OSX?; 2.) i never turned my 1400 off, never put it to sleep, used a screensaver that was a big big digital clock: if i use AC at my desk can i use a screensaver insead of putting to sleep?; 3.) ...

 

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

David Pouge's Missing Manuals are usually highly recommended here on MR. If you're a switcher then his switching manual could be an alternative/addition.

I also really like O'Reilly's books, and was actually considering getting this pocket reference for myself the other day.

Disclaimer: The books might be cheaper on other places than Amazon. I only linked there out of convenience...

 

[ShovelHead84]

thanks

 

[GimmeSlack12]

i have 10.4.3… before i up to .7 i want to do some serious reading…

Start the updates. If you're computer is new you'll have plenty of time to do some reading as the updates download.
Welcome to Macintosh.

 

[emptyCup]

1st X experience (8.1/1400c -> OSX 10.4.3/12"pb)if i use AC at my desk can i use a screensaver insead of putting to sleep?

System Preference > Energy Saver > Sleep > Never will keep the machine from going to sleep, but it wakes so fast I do not see the point in it (unless you need an expensive clock).

I second the Pogue Missing Manuals. If you were a Windows "Power User", then definately get the Switcher's version. It will make unlearning the Windows stuff easier. My advice to switchers is to wait until you understand the OS-X philosophy, and given yourself a couple of weeks to adjust to it, before installing system hacks. There is plenty to play with in your new OS before trying to change it back into your old machine.

Best wishes