You just bought a shiny new Mac. If you're like most former Windows users, your first thought is, "Now what?" Fortunately, a Mac is very easy to use, maybe even too easy. Windows folks tend to overthink how to do things on a Mac.
Starting with the keyboard, the Mac keyboard looks different from that of Windows. The Apple/Command key replaces the Windows key. But, it works like the Control key on Windows machines. You'll use it with shortcuts.
Incidentally, many shortcuts are similar to those in Windows. Just use the Command key in place of the Control key. For example, use CMD+C to copy, CMD+V to paste and CMD+X to cut. Shift+CMD+A opens the Applications folder. Option+CMD+M minimizes all windows. Press the Command key as you drag an item to a different folder to move it.
TECH TIPS: Ask Kim
One shortcut to learn fast is CMD+?. It opens the Help menu.
You won't use the Control key much for shortcuts. However, holding it while clicking opens the contextual menu. This is the equivalent of right-clicking in Windows.
The Alt/Option key isn't used much with shortcuts either. Use it with the arrow keys to skip words. Hold the Shift key as well to select entire words.
Touring the Mac screen
The first thing you'll notice is that your Mac OS X doesn't have a Start menu or taskbar. Instead, you have the Dock. It sits at the bottom center of the screen awaiting your every command.
The Dock contains icons for programs on your Mac. To add a program's shortcut to the Dock, drag the program from the Applications folder. To open a program from the Dock, simply click it once.
Minimizing a window sends it to the Dock. Minimized windows appear between your shortcuts and the Trash.
Setting up your Mac
Odds are, you'll need to configure your Mac to your environment and liking. Here's where you'll use the Apple menu. It provides quick access to system commands. Always visible, it resides at the top left of the screen.
Use the Apple menu to turn off your system or restart it. Or, open System Preferences from the menu. Like Windows' Control Panel, it provides access to network, printer and other computer settings.
Macs check for software updates automatically. You'll receive a notice when updates are available. To check manually, select Software Updates from the Apple menu.
To change your wallpaper, select System Preferences from the Apple menu. Click Desktop & Screen Saver and then Desktop.
Click a folder on the left to see the images it contains. Click one to set it as your wallpaper. Close System Preferences.
Macs include wallpapers. You may want to select your own. IPhoto albums are listed below the other folders.
You can also change your screen saver when you change your wallpaper. Click Screen Saver in the Desktop & Screen Saver box.
In the box on the left, you can select from screen savers. You can also opt to use a folder of photos for your screen saver.
There are also Word of the Day and RSS screen savers. (RSS is a system for pulling news from blogs and other compatible sites). If you select the RSS Visualizer, click the Options button. You can then select a news source to use.
Finding things on your Mac
The Finder is another important program on your Mac. Like Windows Explorer, it lets you navigate through files and programs. It is always running.
Click File, then New Finder Window on the Finder menu to open the Finder window. Or use the CMD+N shortcut key. Click the desktop if you don't see the Finder menu.
In the left pane of the Finder, you'll see shortcuts. Click Macintosh to access the hard drive. Clicking Applications opens your program folder. There's also a shortcut to documents.
If you need to search your Mac for files, use the spotlight feature. Use the CMD+Space Bar shortcut key to access it.
Enter your search term in the box. Spotlight searches for files, applications and folders that contain the term. It also searches the contents of files for the search term. Results are displayed as you type.
You can also search by file extension. For example, enter ".MP3" (less quotes) to find all MP3 files on your computer.
The Mac places window controls on the left side of windows. The green button changes the window size. The yellow button minimizes windows. The red button closes windows.
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Mac "Snow Leopard" with no new features?
The seventh version of Mac operating system, called Mac OS X version 10.6 "Snow Leopard", has been launched on 28th August. It was first announced by Apple at WWDC on June 8, 2008 and first public exhibition was given on WWDC 2009.
Some of the dedicated Apple users, who were waiting for some new features in the next iteration of Mac operating system were really disappointed over non inclusion of new features. According to the company, there are no new features in the new version as compared to its predecessor 10.5, which had approximately 300 new features. But, it has introduced enhancements in the interface like better file and folder viewing in stacks, which made finding apps and files much easier. The company restructures QuickTime X to have a cleaner interface and recording tools and added much-anticipated Exchange support across Mail, the Address Book and iCal. But, the new operating system works with Intel Macs only.
Here we discuss some of the upgradation in the new operating system:
Installation and System requirements
According to the company, installation of Snow Leopard is very simple and upto 45 percent faster than its predecessor. Further, it asks only one question during the installation and occupies less than 7 GB space. According to Apple, Snow Leopard will locate any missing drivers on the Web for you.
Apple said that for installing Snow Leopard in a PC, it requires Mac computer with an Intel processor, 1 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space.
New technologies
The new operating system has been rewritten in 64-bit to take full advantage of the hardware because all new Macs come with 64-bit multicore processors, multiple GBs of RAM and high-powered GPUs. It has Grand Central Dispatch technology, which manages the data to its multicore and enhances performance. Further, it has OpenCL, which allows software developers to tap into the power of any onboard video card. Like the GCD, these improvements will mean more and better-performing software for users in the future.
Some of the dedicated Apple users, who were waiting for some new features in the next iteration of Mac operating system were really disappointed over non inclusion of new features. According to the company, there are no new features in the new version as compared to its predecessor 10.5, which had approximately 300 new features. But, it has introduced enhancements in the interface like better file and folder viewing in stacks, which made finding apps and files much easier. The company restructures QuickTime X to have a cleaner interface and recording tools and added much-anticipated Exchange support across Mail, the Address Book and iCal. But, the new operating system works with Intel Macs only.
Here we discuss some of the upgradation in the new operating system:
Installation and System requirements
According to the company, installation of Snow Leopard is very simple and upto 45 percent faster than its predecessor. Further, it asks only one question during the installation and occupies less than 7 GB space. According to Apple, Snow Leopard will locate any missing drivers on the Web for you.
Apple said that for installing Snow Leopard in a PC, it requires Mac computer with an Intel processor, 1 GB of RAM and 5 GB of free disk space.
New technologies
The new operating system has been rewritten in 64-bit to take full advantage of the hardware because all new Macs come with 64-bit multicore processors, multiple GBs of RAM and high-powered GPUs. It has Grand Central Dispatch technology, which manages the data to its multicore and enhances performance. Further, it has OpenCL, which allows software developers to tap into the power of any onboard video card. Like the GCD, these improvements will mean more and better-performing software for users in the future.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Mac vs PC, and Why Mac Wins
It has always irked me that there has never been any service to speak of upon purchasing a PC computer embellished with Windows. I think the world owes Microsoft and Bill Gates a great deal, and there is so much about Windows that I adore. Vista is a beautiful operating system and I have had good luck running it, in spite of the painful wait for the service pack.
At this point in my life, my computers, and any electronic device that has to sync to them, are my most valued means of productivity. My TV broke – it didn’t get fixed for months. Good riddance! My surround sound went on the fritz, but I still had two speakers out of five that were working, so who cares. But let a computer, BlackBerry, external hard drive, or other piece of prized gadgetry become inoperative, and panic ensues.
The impact of customer service on product choice has become less important as goods become cheaper and more disposable. Computers are certainly one of those items that can be easily and cheaply replaced. However, because of the nature of my data (photography, writing, and years of research data), migrating to a new computer is a burdensome process for me, so I tend to look at computers as long-term keepers. I’ve had the same custom-built, PC desktop for almost five years, along with two rebuilds to keep it up-to-date.Then I had two very bad computer experiences almost back-to-back. The motherboard fried on both my custom-built ABS desktop and my HP laptop (it was the second time in six months for the HP laptop). ABS had contracted with an outside company to perform the warranty service for my 3-year warranty, and when I called them to get the computer fixed, I found out that company had just gone out of business the night before. Such is my good fortune! So on the day I called ABS, they were swamped with phone calls and complaints, and they offered no support to replace their dissolved service contractor. With my HP laptop, my Comp USA extended "gold" warranty went away when all Michigan Comp USA stores went out of business. So I had two dead computers and no warranty for either one, though I had paid for two extended warranties. No service whatsoever, and everything came to a halt. I found a local guy who does good work, and he now does all of my PC repairs and rebuilds.
Source
At this point in my life, my computers, and any electronic device that has to sync to them, are my most valued means of productivity. My TV broke – it didn’t get fixed for months. Good riddance! My surround sound went on the fritz, but I still had two speakers out of five that were working, so who cares. But let a computer, BlackBerry, external hard drive, or other piece of prized gadgetry become inoperative, and panic ensues.
The impact of customer service on product choice has become less important as goods become cheaper and more disposable. Computers are certainly one of those items that can be easily and cheaply replaced. However, because of the nature of my data (photography, writing, and years of research data), migrating to a new computer is a burdensome process for me, so I tend to look at computers as long-term keepers. I’ve had the same custom-built, PC desktop for almost five years, along with two rebuilds to keep it up-to-date.Then I had two very bad computer experiences almost back-to-back. The motherboard fried on both my custom-built ABS desktop and my HP laptop (it was the second time in six months for the HP laptop). ABS had contracted with an outside company to perform the warranty service for my 3-year warranty, and when I called them to get the computer fixed, I found out that company had just gone out of business the night before. Such is my good fortune! So on the day I called ABS, they were swamped with phone calls and complaints, and they offered no support to replace their dissolved service contractor. With my HP laptop, my Comp USA extended "gold" warranty went away when all Michigan Comp USA stores went out of business. So I had two dead computers and no warranty for either one, though I had paid for two extended warranties. No service whatsoever, and everything came to a halt. I found a local guy who does good work, and he now does all of my PC repairs and rebuilds.
Source
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Desktop or laptop? Help me choose my next computer
It’s time for me to decide what my next computer will be. I’ve been using a desktop as my main machine since I purchased my first computer back when 10mb (yes, I said MegaByte) hard drives were considered ginormous. The question I’m trying to answer for myself is – should I finally ditch the desktop and go with a laptop as my everyday computer? I welcome advice on which way I should go…
How about a little history first? After several false starts, I finally made the switch from Windows to OS X back in the summer of 2005. My first full time Mac was a 20″ PowerPC iMac. A year later, I upgraded to a 24″ Intel iMac and have been using that same machine ever since. Now that three years have passed, my iMac is starting to exhibit some hardware problems. For the past few months I’ve been dealing with intermittent lockups that require a complete reboot and weird graphics anomalies.With the help of new Gadgeteer writer Adam Scinto, we figured out that it is a GPU (graphics processing unit) overheating problem that has plagued my particular iMac model. Since the machine is 3yrs old now, I don’t think it’s cost effective to have the problem repaired, so I’ve been considering my options for upgrading.
Source
How about a little history first? After several false starts, I finally made the switch from Windows to OS X back in the summer of 2005. My first full time Mac was a 20″ PowerPC iMac. A year later, I upgraded to a 24″ Intel iMac and have been using that same machine ever since. Now that three years have passed, my iMac is starting to exhibit some hardware problems. For the past few months I’ve been dealing with intermittent lockups that require a complete reboot and weird graphics anomalies.With the help of new Gadgeteer writer Adam Scinto, we figured out that it is a GPU (graphics processing unit) overheating problem that has plagued my particular iMac model. Since the machine is 3yrs old now, I don’t think it’s cost effective to have the problem repaired, so I’ve been considering my options for upgrading.
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
Use the Zune HD with a Mac
Who says you can't use the Zune HD with a Mac? Well, I did, for one...but contrary to popular belief I sometimes actually enjoy admitting when I'm wrong. As a Mac user with a penchant for non-iPod MP3 players, I often feel left out in the cold, especially when I see shiny new devices like the Zune HD. Sure, I could always use Boot Camp, but I prefer not to clutter up my pretty Mac with Windows XP, thankyouverymuch. Plus, dual booting isn't exactly a seamless experience.
That's where VMWare Fusion comes into play. At $80, the software is about the same price as Windows XP Home--not cheap--but it provides a super simple way to run apps and connect devices that are otherwise relegated to Windows machines. Plus, it integrates seamlessly into the Dock. Of course, I would prefer if Microsoft would just make the Zune HD and Marketplace Mac-compatible to begin with, but in the meantime, this will have to suffice. To see how VMWare Fusion works with the Zune, check out the video below.
Source
That's where VMWare Fusion comes into play. At $80, the software is about the same price as Windows XP Home--not cheap--but it provides a super simple way to run apps and connect devices that are otherwise relegated to Windows machines. Plus, it integrates seamlessly into the Dock. Of course, I would prefer if Microsoft would just make the Zune HD and Marketplace Mac-compatible to begin with, but in the meantime, this will have to suffice. To see how VMWare Fusion works with the Zune, check out the video below.
Source
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Mac vs. Windows Laptops
Do you still pay a premium for Apple's laptops? Not always, as I found when comparing Windows and Apple models.
James A. Martin
Jul 9, 2008
A few weeks ago, I bought my first Apple laptop, the MacBook Air. I've never loved a laptop more. The skinny profile, the ease of carrying it around, the full-sized keyboard and screen, the slick Mac OS X Leopard operating system, the...
Okay, enough of that. I'm not interested in writing another "Macs are great, Windows computers are dog meat" religious conversion story. I've been using both Macs and Windows PCs for years. Each has its pros and cons.
Instead, I'm interested in addressing the lingering concern about Macs: They're more expensive than comparable Windows machines.
So I decided to see if this concern is valid. I didn't perform an exhaustive, detailed survey. Rather, I compared the specs and prices of three current Apple laptops--the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro--against their likely Windows laptop competitors. (Keep in mind computer prices and specs change often. Prices and specs mentioned in this article were accurate as of 6/20/08.) Here's what I found.
MacBook vs. Dell XPS M1330
The MacBook is Apple's most mainstream laptop, and Dell's XPS M1330 seems to be a reasonable counterpart. Both have 13.3-inch displays and built-in Webcams, and are aimed at general-purpose users who like multimedia features.
I configured online a MacBook and Dell XPS M1330 with specs as closely matched as possible. Both had 2GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive running at 5400 rpm, a 2.4-GHz Intel Core Duo 2 processor, Intel integrated graphics media accelerator (X3100), and Bluetooth 2.0. I chose the Dell 56Whr battery option (an extra $79), which is comparable to the MacBook's standard 55Whr battery. I also added the $99 optional bundle of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements to the Dell laptop. The MacBook ships with Apple's iPhoto and iMovie applications, part of its iLife suite, at no extra cost.
The bottom line: The Dell laptop that I configured cost $1308. The MacBook was $1299.
Worth noting: When I upgraded the hard drive in both computers to 250GB, the Dell laptop cost $1358 and the MacBook, $1399, tipping the balance slightly in Dell's favor. Also, Dell offers more configuration options than does Apple.
Price advantage: Apple, by a hair.
Read more at pcworld.com.
James A. Martin
Jul 9, 2008
A few weeks ago, I bought my first Apple laptop, the MacBook Air. I've never loved a laptop more. The skinny profile, the ease of carrying it around, the full-sized keyboard and screen, the slick Mac OS X Leopard operating system, the...
Okay, enough of that. I'm not interested in writing another "Macs are great, Windows computers are dog meat" religious conversion story. I've been using both Macs and Windows PCs for years. Each has its pros and cons.
Instead, I'm interested in addressing the lingering concern about Macs: They're more expensive than comparable Windows machines.
So I decided to see if this concern is valid. I didn't perform an exhaustive, detailed survey. Rather, I compared the specs and prices of three current Apple laptops--the MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro--against their likely Windows laptop competitors. (Keep in mind computer prices and specs change often. Prices and specs mentioned in this article were accurate as of 6/20/08.) Here's what I found.
MacBook vs. Dell XPS M1330
The MacBook is Apple's most mainstream laptop, and Dell's XPS M1330 seems to be a reasonable counterpart. Both have 13.3-inch displays and built-in Webcams, and are aimed at general-purpose users who like multimedia features.
I configured online a MacBook and Dell XPS M1330 with specs as closely matched as possible. Both had 2GB of memory, a 160GB hard drive running at 5400 rpm, a 2.4-GHz Intel Core Duo 2 processor, Intel integrated graphics media accelerator (X3100), and Bluetooth 2.0. I chose the Dell 56Whr battery option (an extra $79), which is comparable to the MacBook's standard 55Whr battery. I also added the $99 optional bundle of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements to the Dell laptop. The MacBook ships with Apple's iPhoto and iMovie applications, part of its iLife suite, at no extra cost.
The bottom line: The Dell laptop that I configured cost $1308. The MacBook was $1299.
Worth noting: When I upgraded the hard drive in both computers to 250GB, the Dell laptop cost $1358 and the MacBook, $1399, tipping the balance slightly in Dell's favor. Also, Dell offers more configuration options than does Apple.
Price advantage: Apple, by a hair.
Read more at pcworld.com.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Going thin on Road Trip 2008 with the MacBook Air
Posted by Daniel Terdiman
SAN FRANCISCO--After working on an Apple MacBook Air for the last month while on Road Trip 2008, it was a real shock when I returned home and picked up my regular work MacBook Pro for the first time.
Compared to the Air, which I'd really gotten used to as I drove around the South, the Pro was really heavy. Shockingly so. And thinking back over the countless hours I spent with the Air in my backpack on my back as I visited endless places, I'm eternally grateful for all that weight I didn't have to carry.
And there can be no doubt that the thinness and the very light weight of the MacBook Air are its major selling points. That and its very bright, very clear LED screen. Several times during my trip, people came up to me to say how amazed they were by how bright the screen on the Air was, even in direct sunlight.
I also heard plenty of people saying to each other as they walked by me in one place or another things like, "Wow, look how thin that is," or "Hey, look, it's that new super thin Mac."
So having spent a great deal of time over the last month using this loaner machine--I'm writing this on the Air--I can say that, on the whole, I really enjoyed it.
As I mentioned, the weight--or lack of it, really--was a seriously wonderful thing, especially since I was always carrying the computer in a backpack full of camera gear, notebooks, magazines, and other things. In that regard, this is definitely the most impressive computer I've seen in a very long time.
Of course, it's a fully functional Mac, so that means it's a much better computer than just about any PC I can imagine. Sorry, folks, but that's just the truth.
I found it to be fast, for the most part, easy to use, great to look at, and generally a touch simpler to use on a day-by-day basis than my MacBook Pro.
It seemed to recognize Wi-Fi networks more quickly than other computers, and to shut down faster, as well. As I said above, its LED screen was consistently brilliant, no matter how much light was shining on it. This is a big improvement over what I've used before.
I did have a few issues with the Air, some which will surprise no one, and another which I think caught even Apple off guard.
Read more at cnet.com.
SAN FRANCISCO--After working on an Apple MacBook Air for the last month while on Road Trip 2008, it was a real shock when I returned home and picked up my regular work MacBook Pro for the first time.
Compared to the Air, which I'd really gotten used to as I drove around the South, the Pro was really heavy. Shockingly so. And thinking back over the countless hours I spent with the Air in my backpack on my back as I visited endless places, I'm eternally grateful for all that weight I didn't have to carry.
And there can be no doubt that the thinness and the very light weight of the MacBook Air are its major selling points. That and its very bright, very clear LED screen. Several times during my trip, people came up to me to say how amazed they were by how bright the screen on the Air was, even in direct sunlight.
I also heard plenty of people saying to each other as they walked by me in one place or another things like, "Wow, look how thin that is," or "Hey, look, it's that new super thin Mac."
So having spent a great deal of time over the last month using this loaner machine--I'm writing this on the Air--I can say that, on the whole, I really enjoyed it.
As I mentioned, the weight--or lack of it, really--was a seriously wonderful thing, especially since I was always carrying the computer in a backpack full of camera gear, notebooks, magazines, and other things. In that regard, this is definitely the most impressive computer I've seen in a very long time.
Of course, it's a fully functional Mac, so that means it's a much better computer than just about any PC I can imagine. Sorry, folks, but that's just the truth.
I found it to be fast, for the most part, easy to use, great to look at, and generally a touch simpler to use on a day-by-day basis than my MacBook Pro.
It seemed to recognize Wi-Fi networks more quickly than other computers, and to shut down faster, as well. As I said above, its LED screen was consistently brilliant, no matter how much light was shining on it. This is a big improvement over what I've used before.
I did have a few issues with the Air, some which will surprise no one, and another which I think caught even Apple off guard.
Read more at cnet.com.
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