Picking up a Macbook... What should I do once I get it?

[Tetra]

Hi guys;

So I finally made the leap, and ordered a 2.16 Macbook; Coming from the Windows world, I'm used to having to go through flaming hoops when I first pick up a new system, format and reinstall to get rid of the bloat. That being said, what's the general route to follow here; What's the best way to test everything, and get the system ready for daily use?

Thanks a bunch.

 

[grafikat]

First thing you do...do a happy dance

Next...you're good to go! No anti virus, etc.

But, if you want to enhance your experience:

install Firefox

Install NeoOffice....a free alternative to Office Suite.


Enjoy!

 

[antibact1]

I would still do the reformat thing. Despite Macs being overall better for preinstalled applications, there is still some bloat (ie. Office Trial, iWork Trial, other things). Also, if you aren't planning on using all of the iLife apps, they install several GB of supplemental content (ie. Audio Loops, templates, etc).

An application I always install immediately is Quicksilver. Check it out at:

http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/

 

[rhagen]

Try Quicksilver

http://quicksilver.blacktree.com/

I recommend getting quicksilver, it will change the way you move your way around computers. By far the best application I have ever used on any computer I owned.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Also do a little check for dead pixels.

There are programs that will change the background to black/white/green/blue/red/custom to see if there are lit/unlit/dead pixels.

Remove printer drivers and language packs you don't need by reinstalling/formatting Mac OS X/hard drive.
You won't use something like Arabic language pack or a Canon Printer Driver if you're using a HP printer etc...

 

[Tetra]

I was thinking more along the lines of how to go over and test the hardware. I've read that there are some issues, though, moreso on the Pro's right now, and just wanting to know how I can efficiently test for anything that might be wrong. Sorry if I wasn't quite clear.
[Edit]
Missed the above post. Thanks!

 

[timestoby]

instead of reformating the os,why cant you just delete the trial versions.and to get rid of the languages you dont use,do you need to reinstall the os,or can you just delete them.

not getn my first mac till oct

 

[RainCityMacFan]

instead of reformating the os,why cant you just delete the trial versions.and to get rid of the languages you dont use,do you need to reinstall the os,or can you just delete them.

not getn my first mac till oct

I would reinstall and format the hard drive.

 

[timestoby]

how long does it take to reinstall the os,if i may ask.then do you just check the things you want to install

 

[Tetra]

Argh, and of course, UPS bumped the shipping to Tuesday, from Monday.

This is getting unbearable.

Looks like I'll be doing the nuke/rebuild, and check for dead-pixels.

I hate it how the case, and ram will get here before the laptop, but eh, yay UPS.

 

[Father Jack]

how long does it take to reinstall the os,if i may ask.then do you just check the things you want to install

About 35 minutes

 

[jayeskreezy]

Also do a little check for dead pixels.

There are programs that will change the background to black/white/green/blue/red/custom to see if there are lit/unlit/dead pixels.

Remove printer drivers and language packs you don't need by reinstalling/formatting Mac OS X/hard drive.
You won't use something like Arabic language pack or a Canon Printer Driver if you're using a HP printer etc...

which specific programs do this?