Customer Reviews

Mac OS X All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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!

I think this book will answer the questions and dole out the tips that anyone needs when they first run Jaguar. Read it from end to end like I did and the gurus might even learn a thing or 2. At last I am enjoying the iLife programs that I got with my system and things are running just like I like them in preferences. Invest the time to read it all and you'll appreciate this book like I do.

My wife's Win 98 PC finally pissed her off so much she wanted something new and we decided on an eMac. She had never used an Apple computer and I hadn't since about 1990 so it wasn't something we approached lightly. I did the reseach and made sure that both an Apple and the eMac were the right choice for her. This book was part of the research. It was a solid resource for beginners but not the best book ever written. Some things were not covered as well as I would have hoped (I fit into the power user category), but it was fine enough for my wife. All in all I'd say it's a nice starter but not your only option. Regardless, definately get a Mac and if you're switching from a PC definately consider getting a good reference to hold your hand for the first few days (you'll likely never touch it after a week of use, Macs really are as good as they say). Only word of warning against this book is that it was written for Mac OS 10.2 which has been replaced by 10.3. Most of the data and how to's are the same but it isn't always as accurate as you would like when you are needing it.

This book is perfect for every Mac owner who wants guidance with the Mac's Jaguar OS. The authors keep things light, even entertaining and there's nothing missing. Check out the index pages and you'll see what I mean.

Make sure you try out the tips, they're the best part of the book!

I have read many of the for Dummies books and for the most part I have found them to be well organized with relevant information at your fingertips. Alas, this book is not one of those. The author attempts to keep things cute and lively with all sorts of little catch phrases and other humorless items (can you say bob saggett) but it really just confuses and annoys. Several times I have turned to this book searching for a quick explanation on how to do something and found it nearly impossible to find. The index and appendix are not particularly helpful and many of the descriptions give you just enough information to get into trouble. While most of the "for Dummies" series are extremely helpful, this one is not one of them.

This is not a book for dummies, it's a book for people who have zero experience with MacOSX. I'd have been better off looking for an advanced book.

If you're new to using a mac or are like I was and knew that the computer has the capabilities to do things, but you just didn't know how to do them yourself, this is the book for you. It explains all of that. Just look out for this one thing..... Be aware of the publishing date of the book. Remember that while your computer and its software are continually updated by the manufacturer, the book is not... So, some of the things that are discussed can really help you, other things will just point you in the general direction of how to solve them. This is especially true as the book discusses things with one version of Mac and most people are now using a newer version. Still a good book, just not 100% accurate anymore.

Once again, The Dummies series is right on the mark. This All-In-One Guide to Mac OS X has everything you need to start, progress and excel while using the Mac. Whether you're a novice Mac user, or a longtime afficiando, this book has something for you.