Steps To Take When SR MBP Comes

[toenexx]

I was wondering what steps I should take when I first get my new MBP. First of all, I wanna use BootCamp and Parallels. WHich one should I do first? SHould I install Mac software before that? Or install WinXP? Should I do something else before I install ANYTHING? Will I need to reformat? ANy tips concerning great steps in making my first EVER Mac a good experience would be helpful.

 

[Jack Flash]

Turn on. Download Bootcamp. Enjoy.

 

[martinelli]

I'll also be getting my first Apple computer soon - tomorrow, actually.

I think the idea went over your head a little (just kidding. ). OSX keeps it simple - do whatever you want, it will work out.

However, let's make a list:

1) Unbox - marvel at design
2) Setup OSX, get the base configuration down, get a _few_ programs up and running.
3) Install bootcamp (although, Parallels v3 looks darn good for opengl. did I read correctly that the 8600m is DX10?!)

One question for you guys. Should I format right after I get it?

Regards,
John

 

[mad jew]

Install UNO as soon as possible because brushed metal is evil and wants to eat your babies.

 

[toenexx]

One question for you guys. Should I format right after I get it?

Yea, I would like to know too.

 

[mad jew]

There's not much point in reformatting a new machine other than to maybe do a customised install and omit some of the printer drivers and languages. Of course, these can easily be removed with a fresh install anyway.

 

[~Shard~]

No need to reinstall to clean up your hard drive. I recommend the following steps:

- use OmniDiskSweeper (not free) or my personal favorite WhatSize (free) to determine what all is taking up room on your HDD and where it is
- remove GarageBand and iDVD if you do not need them - that should free up around 6 GB right there
- check out /Library/Printers/ - 2 GB of printer drivers that you may or may not need
- use Monolingual to remove the unnecessary language resources from your Mac*. Another option is to use Delocalizer
- lastly, you could always use AppZapper (not free) or uApp (free) to ensure that when you uninstall any programs that all those pesky sub-folders, etc. are deleted

That should just about do it.

* a note about Monolingual. If you are not careful this can seriously screw up your Mac if it is Intel-based. Basically, leave the Architectures settings alone. If you delete G3, G4, G5 then anything which is PPC-based which will try to run under Rosetta, won't. Otherwise, Monolingual is great.

 

[MGLXP]

3) Install bootcamp (although, Parallels v3 looks darn good for opengl. did I read correctly that the 8600m is DX10?!)

Yes, the 8600M GT is fully DirectX 10 compliant.