Mac OS X Panther [Paperback]

Maria Langer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321213513 | ISBN-13: 978-0321213518 | Publication Date: January 1, 2004 | Edition: 1

So you're finally ready to find out what all the fuss is about! Whether you're switching from a Windows system or upgrading from an older Mac OS, this task-based guide represents the surest way to go from 0 to 60 in no time flat with Apple's much anticipated Mac OS X Panther--more mature, powerfully enhanced, and with an improved GUI that will knock your socks off! In this thoroughly revised volume--which includes an expanded iApps section and new chapters on networking (including AirPort networking), security, Unix, Classic Environment, and System Preferences--you'll find the task-based, step-by-step instructions that have become the hallmark of Peachpit's enormously popular Visual QuickStart series. Veteran author Maria Langer uses plenty of visual aids and clear, concise instructions to step you through the process of installing and configuring the new OS before moving on to explore its many capabilities and bundled apps. Tips, tricks, and sage advice round out the package.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

So you're finally ready to find out what all the fuss is about! Whether you're switching from a Windows system or upgrading from an older Mac OS, this task-based guide represents the surest way to go from 0 to 60 in no time flat with Apple's much anticipated Mac OS X Panther-more mature, powerfully enhanced, and with an improved GUI that will knock your socks off! In this thoroughly revised volume-which includes an expanded iApps section and new chapters on networking (including AirPort networking), security, Unix, Classic Environment, and System Preferences-you'll find the task-based, step-by-step instructions that have become the hallmark of Peachpit's enormously popular Visual QuickStart series. Veteran author Maria Langer uses plenty of visual aids and clear, concise instructions to step you through the process of installing and configuring the new OS before moving on to explore its many capabilities and bundled apps. Tips, tricks, and sage advice round out the package.

About the Author

Maria Langer has written dozens of computer books, including the best-selling previous editions of this guide. She is a columnist for Mac Today and FileMaker Pro Advisor, and she writes for MacAddict and numerous other publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 664 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; 1 edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321213513
• ISBN-13: 978-0321213518
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,037,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Maria Langer has been a freelance writer since 1990. She has written more than 75 books and hundreds of articles about using computers, software, and online services. She provides support for her work, as well as new content, on the Maria's Guides website. These days, she also writes about aviation and travel for a variety of print and online publications.

Maria is also a commercial helicopter pilot and owner of Flying M Air, a helicopter tour and charter company based in Arizona. Her company offers tours, day trips, multi-day excursions, and aerial photography services throughout the southwest.

And if that's not enough to keep her busy and out of trouble, she's also a serious amateur photographer. She shows off her best work on her photo gallery, Flying M Photos.

Maria blogs at Eclectic Mind, her personal journal of thoughts and experiences.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Observe the obvious, first!, June 13, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Mac OS X Panther (Paperback)

The series of books to which this one belongs is "Visual Quick Start guides." Not the sister "Visual Quick Pro Guides." So those above trashing this book should have hit themselves in the face with the book in order to see what is right on the cover.

This book is intended for those who need an introduction, not those on their third book or seeking power skills.

I have used "visual quick start guides" to gain beginner level usage of many different programs, including my move from MS to Mac. I find the format is consistent, targeted at the beginner and is exactly as the series title implies,"Quick Start."

These books are best at providing a vocabulary to discuss the software at hand. Which makes the thicker, harder to digest books easier to read. You can complete this book in a couple of weeks and be a competent user of Mac OS X panther, nothing more. It will introduce you to each feature and how it is used. Most of each page is dedicated to an image depicting the feature at hand with explanation, pointers and tips in text. It moves fast and the language is simple.

If you already are familiar with the Mac OS then another book may be better suited to your needs.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Beginners and before, January 25, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Mac OS X Panther (Paperback)

The 'Book Level' labeling on this book says it is for 'beginning' & 'intermediate' but I doubt anyone who has used OS X before will be satisfied with what this has to offer. I switched form 10.2 to 10.3 and was not using a book to supplement what Apple provided with 10.2. I thought this would help me get more out of 10.3 and OS X in general. It was one of the first out so I bought it before much else was available. Clearly a mistake on my part and am now looking for something that does more than tell me how to go through a dialog box. I am probably an 'intermediate' level user at best. Someone new to Macs or computers may find it helpful. A wide range of topics is covered but little is added to onscreen instructions or what Apple presents under 'Help.'

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great for the beginner!, March 21, 2004

By 

jbzoller (Manitowoc, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mac OS X Panther (Paperback)

Another in the VQSG series from Peach Pit Press, this book is a good general reference, but NOT the kind of thing that you cuddle up with in front of the fireplace. It serves best as a "how-do-I-do-this?" kind of book. At well over 600 pages, there aren't too many questions that you could have about Panther that aren't answered by this book. It limits itself to an audience of basic to intermediate users, but I really think that even advanced users would have questions that could be answered in here.

Now, having said all that, as someone who considers himself an advanced user, I'll admit to you that I haven't used this book that much myself. I think I read through the section on Applescript once and referenced the UNIX Basics a couple of times. It's not that it's bad, quite the contrary, but it would probably serve someone else a little better than me.