Apple Mac vs Windows PC | Geek Opinion

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Mac OS X Leopard for Dummies - Review

No sooner has the latest (and supposedly greatest) operating system from Apple landed on our doorsteps, that this surprise landed on mine. It seems like there is a Dummy book for more or less everything nowadays, but I certainly did not expect this one so quickly.

Mac OS X Leopard for Dummies covers the new features in Leopard, and does it in a way that is suited for the first time user. It is presented in black and white, but fully illustrated with clear screen shots. You will find it is divided into sections that start with the basics of what the desktop, finder and icons do, moving on to how to organise your files and folders, before taking a look at dealing with CD's and DVD's. iChat and the new screen sharing, using Mail (the Mac email application) and iTunes are all covered. The writing is done in such a way that there is no technical language, and where there is, it is explained very clearly.

The various sections are marked up with easy to follow icons, that indicate things like a 'New Feature' or a 'Tip'. This is great, as it allows you to learn the subject at hand, but also pick up some handy tips along the way.

TextEdit, fonts, and setting up and using a printer are also explained. The book even moves into areas that are a bit more involved, like networking, backing up and how to re-install your system software should the need arise. Even these more complicated tasks are dealt with superbly in layman terms, so you should come away knowing how to really enjoy your Mac.

My only gripe is that a little splash of colour would make the book a more interesting read. That said, this may well effect the bargain £14.99 price, which is a steal. So if you need to learn how to use your Mac from the ground up, or perhaps you need a gift for a friend or relative who has just acquired a new Mac, then Mac OS X Leopard for Dummies is highly recommended.

Product: Mac OS X Leopard for Dummies
ISBN: 978-0-470-05433-8
Price: £14.99 / $21.99
Supplied by: Wiley Publishing Inc.

Stacks in Mac OS X Leopard - Tidy Up!

I have been reading on many forums that users are not too impressed with Stacks in OS X Leopard. Well, I have to agree, the way they are configured is not great. One of the main complaints is how to get the frontmost icon to look like something meaningful. I hope this short screencast helps a little.

Macs for Dummies (nothing personal)

The Dummies range of books have been available for quite a while now, but I felt it appropriate to bring you this mini-review of 'Macs for Dummies' just before Christmas is upon us. The reason, well hopefully many many people will be receiving or treating themselves to an Apple Macintosh as a self-indulgent gift. Those who have experienced the Mac already know that it is one of the easiest computers to use and learn, but for some, who may not have had ANY experience of a computer, a bit of help is often welcome.

Where the Dummies books excel is that they explain things in plain English, and the Mac version does just that, with no techno-speak to be found. The books starts by explaining types of Mac, what different connections look like and your first experience with the Finder (the user interface). It continues by covering all aspects of your new Mac, from setting things up just the way you want it, printing, the internet and email. It also takes you through each of the iApps, by this I mean iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie etc. Then if you want to delve a little deeper, the no nonsense networking and troubleshooting sections will see you right.

I would not recommend this book to any experienced users, as it will seem a bit basic. For anyone new to the Mac, or perhaps 4-6 months down the line of owning one, then 'Macs for Dummies' is a must buy. It will point you in the right direction and make sure that you have the knowledge to really enjoy using and experiencing the new found freedom of a computer (Mac) and operating system (OS X) brings.

Macs for Dummies
Supplied by Wiley Publishing
Price: £14.99
ISBN: 0470048492
Pages: 408