New Macbook owner, couple easy questions

[sportdan31]

I recently purchased a macbook from Best Buy, and got it on discount as it was an "open item". It was returned by the original buyer because it didn't have a PCMI slot on the back.

Anyways, the laptop is working great. However, it was on display for about a week and a half before I purchased it. Thus, it has a user account the great folks at BB created that I can't seem to delete, although I did create a new user account in my name. Any advice on how to delete this account?

Also, since I've never owned a laptop before, I'm a little skittish with it. I own an IMac and keep it in sleep mode for consecutive days and usually shut it down once a week. I wondering what the consensus is with the macbooks and macbook pros?

Also, is it ok to let the battery run completely down before recharging it, or should I be recharging it when it gets to a certain percentage? I'm finding myself plugging it in when it gets to around 50 percent.

Thanks.

 

[JDN]

If i were you i would do a fresh install of OSX and delete all the bits i didnt want. You also then know exactly what is on your MB.

As for the battery, im pretty sure it doesn't matter. I do a mix of both, depending on the situation, and my battery is fine after 10 months.

 

[sportdan31]

What all is involved in a clean install of OSX? Is it just reinstalling the OS disc and following the instructions?

Also, the hard drive is 80gb, but I only have 53gb of free space. I haven't loaded anything on the laptop except for Firefox. I would think I'd have a bit more hard drive space available.

Thanks.

 

[pcguru83]

What all is involved in a clean install of OSX? Is it just reinstalling the OS disc and following the instructions?

Also, the hard drive is 80gb, but I only have 53gb of free space. I haven't loaded anything on the laptop except for Firefox. I would think I'd have a bit more hard drive space available.

Thanks.

Reinstalling the OS is very simple. Just insert your install disc while in OS X and double click the option to "Install OS X 10.4" (or something like that). The computer will reboot and automatically begin the installation.

As to your free space issues, this too can be corrected by a fresh OS X install. When going through the installation process, be sure to choose "Erase and Install". Then click "Custom" in the lower left corner and remove any unwanted components--namely, the extra languages that are installed by default. If my memory serves me, you can free up about 1.5 - 2GB of space this way. Also, feel free to remove any printer drivers if you like. I always remove all of those (except HP). That frees up a good bit of space as well. And one more thing...if you don't plan on using Garageband, you can choose not to install the sample tracks and sound effects. This also frees up about 2GB I think.

Enjoy the new Macbook!

 

[strydr]

I just did a fresh install on a new (to him) PB. Removing the extra languages and excessive print drivers free'd up just over 2GB of space.

 

[juanster]

What all is involved in a clean install of OSX? Is it just reinstalling the OS disc and following the instructions?

Also, the hard drive is 80gb, but I only have 53gb of free space. I haven't loaded anything on the laptop except for Firefox. I would think I'd have a bit more hard drive space available.

Thanks.

yes for some reason macs always come with like half the spac free it says it does..