Not signed in (Sign In)

Categories

Vanilla 1.1.10 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.

General Discussion: My first macbook

Bottom of Page

1 to 50 of 50

  1.  
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeOct 7th 2008
     
    So, i've recently grabbed my first macbook off ebay for cheap and since i know there must be a few mac users here i was hoping for any tips, tricks, good websites to look at to help me wade into the world of apple. Any assistance is greatly appreciated, google isn't the best help sometimes when you're hunting for something that you don't exactly know what it looks like.
    •  
      CommentAuthorFlanked
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2008
     
    I'd recommend My First Mac. It can be difficult to navigate at times, but you can usually find useful information.

    Also, Lifehacker doesn't tag their articles as they really should, but they still have a lot of cool information about stuff with Macs.

    I find that the official Apple community and support forums are usually a waste of time, sad to say.
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2008
     
    Free Alternatives to 10 Popular Commercial Mac Applications

    Also, use AdiumX for Chat.

    Familiarize yourself with Expose. It will become 2nd nature after a while.
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeOct 8th 2008
     
    I've asked for advice from a few people who have macs and Expose has been regularly mentioned, so that'll definitely be the first thing i start learning and using.
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeOct 9th 2008
     
    This is my first post from my new mac, snazzy little thing it is. Definitely a learning curve and adapting after being with windows for so long is a nice challenge from established habits. I'd say the biggest thing slowing me down is the loss of a traditional mouse and just learning how to use the touch pad correctly. Installed a few apps which is easy as hell and maybe i'm missing something really obvious but i can't expand any app i have open to full screen, what is the really obvious keyboard shortcut i'm missing to do that?
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeOct 9th 2008
     
    Most mac apps dont run "full screen" in that they dont have a background. They just kind of float on your desktop. Use expose to quickly switch between the apps and docs you are using.

    Two finger scroll on the trackpad is your friend. You can also enable "right click" in the preferences so you can hold down two fingers and click.
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeOct 9th 2008
     
    Maybe i'm just to set in my ways but safari isn't worth a damn compared to firefox. I need my addons and i'm just so used to the functionality of firefox that i had to go grab it, so the apple browser has failed on both windows and its native soil.
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeOct 9th 2008
     
    Posted By: FerrosMaybe i'm just to set in my ways but safari isn't worth a damn compared to firefox. I need my addons and i'm just so used to the functionality of firefox that i had to go grab it, so the apple browser has failed on both windows and its native soil.Never go with a hippie to a second location.


    Nobody uses Safari. Just ignore it.
    •  
      CommentAuthorTindomiel
    • CommentTimeDec 9th 2008
     
    Through a series of completely unanticipated wacky high-stakes adventures I am now the dubiously proud owner of a gently used Macbook Pro. :) I haven't spent substantial time on a Mac since, like, elementary school? It's all shiny and different.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeDec 10th 2008
     
    Posted By: TindomielThrough a series of completely unanticipated wacky high-stakes adventures I am now the dubiously proud owner of a gently used Macbook Pro. :) I haven't spent substantial time on a Mac since, like, elementary school? It's all shiny and different.Normally, this is that part where you'd say a prayer. For me, however, speaking those words has the unfortunate side effect of setting me on fire.


    Ooooo. I should be getting my first Mac(book) for $mas (from me to me)...
    •  
      CommentAuthorFlanked
    • CommentTimeDec 11th 2008
     
    Posted By: TindomielThrough a series of completely unanticipated wacky high-stakes adventures I am now the dubiously proud owner of a gently used Macbook Pro. :) I haven't spent substantial time on a Mac since, like, elementary school? It's all shiny and different.Normally, this is that part where you'd say a prayer. For me, however, speaking those words has the unfortunate side effect of setting me on fire.


    See, don't you already feel better than others with lesser computing devices?
    • CommentAuthorPattmyn
    • CommentTimeDec 17th 2008 edited
     
    I actually recently sold my Macbook Pro and as a result abandoned OSX completely. I found the machine too bulky for my mobile use (as I've migrated to an Acer Aspire One) and I prefer to build my own desktop systems which rules out getting an iMac or Mac Pro. All in all, I found that the OS was okay...but I couldn't help but feel it wanted to hold my hand through everything when I just wanted to do things my way.
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeDec 17th 2008
     
    Posted By: PattmynI actually recently sold my Macbook Pro and as a result abandoned OSX completely. I found the machine too bulky for my mobile use (as I've migrated to an Acer Aspire One) and I prefer to build my own desktop systems which rules out getting an iMac or Mac Pro. All in all, I found that the OS was okay...but I couldn't help but feel it wanted to hold my hand through everything when I just wanted to do things my way.


    This typically happens when you use the included iLife suite of software. Most Mac users I know never touch iPhoto, iMovie, iDvd, iWeb, iEtc. Indie developer software for OSX is where the platform really shines.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    Quick question, should I be using iWork or Office 08 on my new Mac? If I use iWork is it compatible with Office?
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    Posted By: RerunQuick question, should I be using iWork or Office 08 on my new Mac? If I use iWork is it compatible with Office?


    I use OpenOffice.org.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    Posted By: joel
    Posted By: RerunQuick question, should I be using iWork or Office 08 on my new Mac? If I use iWork is it compatible with Office?


    I use OpenOffice.org.Artist and Creator of HijiNKS Ensue


    Open Source office software? (just a guess, I'll check it out now)...

    Is it up to speed with the standard office programs?
    •  
      CommentAuthorDram
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    Posted By: Rerun

    Open Source office software? (just a guess, I'll check it out now)...

    Is it up to speed with the standard office programs?

    It's about as good as MS Office, but free and without all the MS.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2009
     
    Posted By: Dram
    Posted By: Rerun

    Open Source office software? (just a guess, I'll check it out now)...

    Is it up to speed with the standard office programs?

    It's about as good as MS Office, but free and without all the MS.Rimshot: The shit baby was malformed, and in that time there was only one thing to do with the miscreated: leave them to the wolves.


    You should probably be in advertising...
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    Open Office has its flaws, but for $0 and ease of use you cant really complain. it does everything an office suite should do and doesnt do most of the stuff that bloats word and excel that no one ever uses.
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeJan 22nd 2009
     
    I've been a fan of open office for ages. Used it on my PC well before i got my mac and now i'm using it on mac as well. At work and other places i've used MS office products and while Open office has issues i think the trade offs against MS office make it superior.
    •  
      CommentAuthorlarnsturt
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2009
     
    Posted By: RerunQuick question, should I be using iWork or Office 08 on my new Mac? If I use iWork is it compatible with Office?


    It is 100% compatible with MS Office and is cheaper to boot, as it just comes with Numbers (Excel), Pages (Word), and Keynote (Power Point). It's easy to use, and coming from a life-long Office user, on Mac and PC, I found I liked Pages much better than Word. And I had no trouble opening my Pages documents in Word on Mac or PC.

    I mean really, who uses Outlook/Entourage anyway?

    And go for iWork 09. It's great.
    • CommentAuthorKristi
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2009
     

    I mean really, who uses Outlook/Entourage anyway?


    Sadly, that's what we use for e-mail at work. Stupid outlook.... it never works.
    •  
      CommentAuthorDram
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2009
     
    Posted By: Kristi
    1. Sadly, that's what we use for e-mail at work. Stupid outlook.... it never works.


    When I accidentally click on an email link and outlook opens, I shriek.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeFeb 5th 2009
     
    Posted By: Dram
    Posted By: Kristi
    1. Sadly, that's what we use for e-mail at work. Stupid outlook.... it never works.


    When I accidentally click on an email link and outlook opens, I shriek.


    I hurl a brick. Thanks for the help FB's...
    •  
      CommentAuthorlarnsturt
    • CommentTimeFeb 11th 2009
     
    If you live near an Apple store, I highly recommend going to one of their iWork workshops. It's different for every store, I think, but ours does a free hands-on workshop every week. I went to one of their Aperture classes to see if I wanted to use it instead of iPhoto, and while I decided I didn't need the software, I learned a hella lot about the product and how to use it. I hear tell they also have great getting started workshops tailored for switchers.

    It's surprising people worry about Office working properly on Macs, considering the software was originally released on the Mac OS.

    But back to iWork. You can try it here for free and see if you like it.
    •  
      CommentAuthorlarnsturt
    • CommentTimeFeb 11th 2009
     
    Oh and most important quick keys? Command-Q to quit; command-P to print; and command-T to make a new tab appear in the web browser. I use those constantly.

    Shift-command-3 will take a screen cap
    Shift-command-4 will let you take a screen selection
    Control-eject will take you to the shut down/restart/sleep option

    Here are a few more.

    I love the Apple website. Maybe it's my fascination with all things Mac.

    A few other good pages on the site:

    Ridiculously easy to follow getting started tutorials for damn near everything Mac
    Warranty Status Check
    Refurbished and clearance Mac, iPods, and Whatnot
    Tech Specs on most Apple products

    /end applesplosion
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeFeb 11th 2009
     
    Posted By: larnsturtOh and most important quick keys? Command-Q to quit; command-P to print; and command-T to make a new tab appear in the web browser. I use those constantly.

    Shift-command-3 will take a screen cap
    Shift-command-4 will let you take a screen selection
    Control-eject will take you to the shut down/restart/sleep option

    Hereare a few more.

    I love the Apple website. Maybe it's my fascination with all things Mac.

    A few other good pages on the site:

    Ridiculously easy to follow getting started tutorials for damn near everything Mac
    Warranty Status Check
    Refurbished and clearance Mac, iPods, and Whatnot
    Tech Specs on most Apple products

    /end applesplosion


    Thanks man, that's going to help when I get the freaking thing. Uni starts up again in two weeks and I'm still waiting on my cashmoney! I'm not buying notebooks though, not again, not this year... *shakes fist*
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeFeb 12th 2009
     
    Money's in! I'm purchasing tonight! First thing I'm doing when I get it is downloading Firefox...
    •  
      CommentAuthorHowwie
    • CommentTimeFeb 13th 2009
     
    Granted, I am typing this on my Dell XPS, but I have a 20" iMac that I adore. I wish, now, that I would have gotten a Macbook Pro, as I require a little more mobility now in my efforts, but the Mac has never failed me. I still aim to get a Macbook Pro in the future, when I come across a little more disposable income (which is tough without any income at all).
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeFeb 17th 2009
     
    Ok, impressions time...

    1. I love this thing, it's the shit. Everything just seems to work so goddamn seamlessly. I tweeted that I'm constantly saying to myself "Why didn't my PC do that?" I'm so glad I didn't get another Windows PC...

    2. I've had a few problems with file migration/time machine, turns out I'm going to need an external HDD for both things. Not a problem, just means I'll have to miss out on SFIV for a while... =(

    3. I'm not a huge messenger fan but when I use it I want it to work. I downloaded Windows Messenger for Mac but it's atrocious, akin to the really early versions of Windows Live Messenger. I tried Adium as well but they're too simple. I basically want something that is on par with the current version of WLM. Any suggestions?
    •  
      CommentAuthorFlanked
    • CommentTimeFeb 17th 2009
     
    Posted By: RerunOk, impressions time...

    1. I love this thing, it's the shit. Everything just seems to work so goddamn seamlessly. I tweeted that I'm constantly saying to myself "Why didn't my PC do that?" I'm so glad I didn't get another Windows PC...

    2. I've had a few problems with file migration/time machine, turns out I'm going to need an external HDD for both things. Not a problem, just means I'll have to miss out on SFIV for a while... =(

    3. I'm not a huge messenger fan but when I use it I want it to work. I downloaded Windows Messenger for Mac but it's atrocious, akin to the really early versions of Windows Live Messenger. I tried Adium as well but they're too simple. I basically want something that is on par with the current version of WLM. Any suggestions?


    Maybe this thing? Try browsing around the Downloads page on Apple's site, I go there maybe once a month and find a cool new app that improves my life. I've also had great luck just going to Google and enterering "os x and ..." whatever I'm trying to find.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeFeb 17th 2009
     
    Posted By: Flanked
    Posted By: RerunOk, impressions time...

    1. I love this thing, it's the shit. Everything just seems to work so goddamn seamlessly. I tweeted that I'm constantly saying to myself "Why didn't my PC do that?" I'm so glad I didn't get another Windows PC...

    2. I've had a few problems with file migration/time machine, turns out I'm going to need an external HDD for both things. Not a problem, just means I'll have to miss out on SFIV for a while... =(

    3. I'm not a huge messenger fan but when I use it I want it to work. I downloaded Windows Messenger for Mac but it's atrocious, akin to the really early versions of Windows Live Messenger. I tried Adium as well but they're too simple. I basically want something that is on par with the current version of WLM. Any suggestions?


    Maybethis thing? Try browsing around the Downloads page on Apple's site, I go there maybe once a month and find a cool new app that improves my life. I've also had great luck just going to Google and enterering "os x and ..." whatever I'm trying to find.


    Haha, that's the one I'm currently running. Thanks anyway though...
    •  
      CommentAuthorMike Brady
    • CommentTimeFeb 17th 2009
     
    Trillian is my favorite all-in-one IM client. The old client was Windows-only, but the new one - Trillian Astra - is now in beta testing for OS X. I haven't signed up for beta testing myself, but if it's not too much of a pain I'd give it a strong recommend.
    •  
      CommentAuthorBill
    • CommentTimeFeb 17th 2009 edited
     
    Posted By: Rerun3. I'm not a huge messenger fan but when I use it I want it to work. I downloaded Windows Messenger for Mac but it's atrocious, akin to the really early versions of Windows Live Messenger. I tried Adium as well but they're too simple. I basically want something that is on par with the current version of WLM. Any suggestions?

    I don't have a Mac, so take these suggestions with a grain of salt:

    * I use Pidgin on Windows, and they have a Mac version as well. The Windows experience has some quirks, but is decent overall.

    * The Pidgin page links to Adium, which is Mac-only. I've heard mixed things about it.

    * Digsby doesn't currently have a Mac version, but one is supposedly in the works. I keep hearing awesome things about the Windows version. It requires a sign-up, though, which is why I've been putting off trying it out.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeFeb 17th 2009
     
    Thanks guys, I'll check them out later tonight after work...
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2009 edited
     
    Ok, clearly i'm having a brain deficiency or something is more complicated than it should be. I'm trying to burn some data files to a blank DVD and i've got no idea how to do this. I've checked the apple website and tried the usual help stuff but it just won't let me burn these two files to a dvd. What am i missing?

    Edit: Don't mind me, figured it out. Wow, that's just stupidly more complicated than it should be.
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2009
     
    Posted By: FerrosOk, clearly i'm having a brain deficiency or something is more complicated than it should be. I'm trying to burn some data files to a blank DVD and i've got no idea how to do this. I've checked the apple website and tried the usual help stuff but it just won't let me burn these two files to a dvd. What am i missing?

    Edit: Don't mind me, figured it out. Wow, that's just stupidly more complicated than it should be.Never go with a hippie to a second location.



    You insert the blank media, open it in Finder and drag your files into it. Did you find a hard way to do it?
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2009
     
    I didn't know i needed to open it in Finder was all, keep screwing around in disk utlity thought it was in there because it has the burn symbol at the top.
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeFeb 19th 2009
     
    Posted By: FerrosI didn't know i needed to open it in Finder was all, keep screwing around in disk utlity thought it was in there because it has the burn symbol at the top.Never go with a hippie to a second location.


    Burning in Disk Utility is for burning ISO's and DMG images.
    •  
      CommentAuthorFerros
    • CommentTimeFeb 20th 2009
     
    Posted By: joel
    Posted By: FerrosI didn't know i needed to open it in Finder was all, keep screwing around in disk utlity thought it was in there because it has the burn symbol at the top.Never go with a hippie to a second location.


    Burning in Disk Utility is for burning ISO's and DMG images.Artist and Creator of HijiNKS Ensue


    I know that now...
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeMar 7th 2009
     
    Thinking of bootcamping some form of Windows (purely for games). I hear that there's a problem with adjusting fan speeds, can anyone shed some light on this issue?
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeMar 7th 2009
     
    Posted By: RerunThinking of bootcamping some form of Windows (purely for games). I hear that there's a problem with adjusting fan speeds, can anyone shed some light on this issue?


    Ive virtualized windows but never bootcamped. sorry.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeMar 7th 2009
     
    Posted By: joel
    Posted By: RerunThinking of bootcamping some form of Windows (purely for games). I hear that there's a problem with adjusting fan speeds, can anyone shed some light on this issue?


    Ive virtualized windows but never bootcamped. sorry.Artist and Creator of HijiNKS Ensue


    Through which program? That would be better...
    •  
      CommentAuthorjoel
    • CommentTimeMar 8th 2009
     
    Posted By: Rerun
    Through which program? That would be better...


    As I understand it, Virtualization isnt great for gaming (at least it wasnt). Because it requires so much system resources to run one OS on top of another one.

    I used Parallels. I think Crossover has a package designed just for windows gaming on a mac. Check them out first.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeMar 9th 2009
     
    Posted By: joel
    Posted By: Rerun
    Through which program? That would be better...


    As I understand it, Virtualization isnt great for gaming (at least it wasnt). Because it requires so much system resources to run one OS on top of another one.

    I used Parallels. I think Crossover has a package designed just for windows gaming on a mac. Check them out first.Artist and Creator of HijiNKS Ensue


    Yeah, I was going to get parallels but i decided I didn't need it. And yeah, I think even with my four gigs of RAM I'll have problems gaming/running two OS's at the same time. Cheers though...
    •  
      CommentAuthorFlanked
    • CommentTimeMar 9th 2009 edited
     
    This may work for some games. Your mileage may vary. Looks like it does well enough with source, don't know about Unreal Engine 3 games.

    BTW, big plus: does not require a copy of Windows.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeMar 10th 2009
     
    Posted By: FlankedThis may work for some games. Your mileage may vary. Looks like it does well enough with source, don't know about Unreal Engine 3 games.

    BTW, big plus: does not require a copy of Windows.


    Thanks man, that looks to do the trick...
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeMar 21st 2009
     
    Ok that codeweavers thing isn't great. Thanks anyway man. I've decided to boot Windows on the MB. Sorry to be a huge noob but is there a Mac program that will let me make an image of XP or am I going to have to DL Nero or something?
    •  
      CommentAuthorFlanked
    • CommentTimeMar 22nd 2009
     
    Guh ... if you find that out, let me know as well. Imaging is beyond me. I'd like to learn as I think it's relatively simple.
    •  
      CommentAuthorRerun
    • CommentTimeMar 23rd 2009
     
    Posted By: FlankedGuh ... if you find that out, let me know as well. Imaging is beyond me. I'd like to learn as I think it's relatively simple.


    It's so much work, maybe I'll just buy a genuine copy of XP, they're cheap anyway. Saves me a lot of effort and all the foreseeable failed DVD writings...

1 to 50 of 50

  1.