Mac OS X All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies [Paperback]

Mark L. Chambers (Author), Erick Tejkowski (Author), Michael L. Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 2, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0764517961 | ISBN-13: 978-0764517969 | Edition: 1

* The perfect companion to help cut through the clutter and get started with Apple's powerful new operating system, Mac OS X
* Helps users quickly get up to speed with Mac OS X and the many powerful software applications included with the operating system
* Covers key features such as using classic mode, personalizing the desktop, getting on the
* Internet, using Apple Mail, and going digital with iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and Apple DVD
* Combines the following eight minibooks into one reference: Introducing Mac OS X, Customizing OS X, The Digital Hub, The Internet, Networking, Expanding Your System, AppleWorks, and Advanced Mac OS X

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Covers iPhoto, iTunes, iMovie, iDVD, and other cool features

Your one-stop guide to building networks, going digital, and more with OS X version 10.2 Jaguar

Mac OS X opens up a whole new world for Mac users, but where do you start? Right here, with this handy all-in-one guide. Discover how to customize your Mac, burn CDs and DVDs, edit movies, set up a home network, organize and manage files, expand your system, stay safe online, work with UNIX and AppleScript, and much more.

The Dummies Way
* Coverage of the essentials and beyond
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Thumbtabs and other navigation aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* A dash of humor and fun

About the Author

Mark L. Chambers is a writer, tech editor, and unabashed Mac OS X fan. He's the author of Teach Yourself Visually the iMac, CD & DVD Recording For Dummies, and other For Dummies titles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 792 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (December 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764517961
• ISBN-13: 978-0764517969
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,132,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The one book that tames all of Jag, January 12, 2003

By 

ToddR (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mac OS X All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies (Paperback)

I've been using OS 9 for about a year, but when I upgraded to Apple's newest 10.2 (Jag) I felt like I was lost without a road map. I have this author's book on DVD recording and figured that he did a good job with Toast Titanium.

I can honestly say that after a solid weekend of using this 600+ page book, it has already paid for itself ten times over. It is really amazing how much gets covered. Networking and optimizing your desktop, all of Mail and the address book and all of the "i" programs are fully explained. I really like the fact that every single system Preferences option is discussed. He gives you clear information on what upgrades are out there, how to protect your system while you are on the net and how to make Jag run faster. Trouble shooting and QuickTime, remote control, Applescript and the unix terminal, and Classic mode are covered indepth too. Like other Dummies books you learn what to do, without the 'behind the curtain' tech stuff that you don't need.

I can't say enough about this book, except that the All-in-One part of the title is about as accurate as they come. If you need one reference book for your computer desk that will guide you through all of OS X Jag (and is still funny and an easy read), this great book is definitely it!

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good and fun to read, April 11, 2003

By 

Catspec "Catspec" (VT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mac OS X All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies (Paperback)

As usual with Dummies books, this one is a good foundation for using the subject matter, and fun to read. However, too much time is spent on the differences between MAC OS whatever and OS X. Some of us didn't have a MAC before OS X and we don't care about the differences. We are coming from Windows and we want to know all we can about the MAC OS X and the UNIX underpinnings. That is what makes OS X exciting. I like this book, and found it very useful for specific questions that were not too complex, but there is too much about programs out there that cost too much that you can buy as add ons. I want to know how to use the OS and the features it came with more than what to spend even more money purchasing. Still, this book is very good and easier for many people than some of the other books out there.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for Dummies, March 6, 2003

By 

"webmastervj" (Morgan City, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mac OS X All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies (Paperback)

I know my way around Windows, but MacOS Jaguar is on a different planet. Thank goodness for this book.

The authors have done a great job describing everything about the hugely successful Apple system, and it applies equally well to both the novice and the old school Macintosh user. Interesting writing styles so you don't get bored. The 'technical stuff' tips and the historical background will appeal to readers who care about why things work the way they do.

My favorite part dealt with Macintosh-to-Windows networking, a hassle that caused the Mac faithful in my office to upgrade to MacOS X from MacOS 9. Every word is gold here; not just concepts but real live procedures, and THEY WORK! The same goes for the troubleshooting chapter and the optimizing chapter too. In-depth but not hard to follow (which makes a good combination). I don't know how many novice readers will peek into the unix and Applescript chapters, but they showed just what you can do with MacOS X and a little effort.

Overall, the best and most complete guide I've read for Jaguar X.2. It'll make you an expert in your office too!