Mac OS X for Dummies, Second Edition [Paperback]

Bob LeVitus (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764525646 | ISBN-13: 978-0764525643 | Publication Date: December 19, 2002 | Edition: 2

So you're finally making the leap from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X. Good for you! Or maybe you've just switched from Windows and bought a brand-spanking-new iMac. Bravo! Or perhaps you've never used a computer before and have bought a new Mac because you heard how easy they are to use. Bonus points!

Whatever your reason for diving into the Aqua-filled world of Mac OS X, rest assured that you made the right choice. Thing is, Apple has made Mac OS X quite different from earlier Mac operating systems, and it's way different than Windows, so you may need a little help finding your way through that big, complicated operating system – not to mention all that great software that comes bundled with it.

That's why veteran Mac-scribe Bob LeVitus has written a not-so-big, not-so-complicated Dummies book about Mac OS X. Recently revised for version 10.2 (a.k.a. Jaguar), Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition, shows you what Mac OS X is all about, without boring you silly, confusing you to the point of frustration, or poking you with sharp objects. You'll discover the information and advice you need in a language that you can understand (unlike those other computer books that shall remain nameless).

  Inside Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition, you'll find the following topics and more:

• Setting up and turning on your new Mac
• Getting around on the Desktop and in the Dock
• Finding stuff with the Finder
• Working with Mac OS X applications and files
• Surfing the Internet – Mac OS X style
• Sharing and printing files and documents
• Making your Mac your own: Setting System Preferences
• Troubleshooting – Yes, even Mac OS X crashes every once in a while
• Top Ten lists on how to speed up your Mac experience, accessories you should consider, Web sites all Mac freaks should know about, and valuable third-party software

No matter what you use your Mac for – whether it's to surf the Internet, watch DVDs, listen to online music, or any number of other reasons – Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition, will get you well on your way to becoming a bona fide Mac guru.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In Mac OS X for Dummies, Mac Daddy Bob LeVitus explains how to use the title operating system for everyday computing tasks. He does a great job of explaining--in terms well-suited to people who lack much computer experience--how to run applications, connect to the Internet, find information, and communicate with others. Plus, the Dummies format suits operating systems like Mac OS very well.

The real excitement of Mac OS X is that, beneath the surface, it's very similar to Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) Unix, an extraordinarily powerful and well-loved operating system. Apple calls this Unix core by the name of Darwin, and it comes complete with a C compiler, a whole suite of GNU-based development tools, the MySQL database, the Apache Web server, and a ton of other utilities that will open the floodgates to open-source development of software for the Macintosh.

LeVitus touches on practically none of this. True, this is a Dummies book, but it tells only half the story. The book documents Mac OS X only to the extent that it looks and runs like Mac OS 9.1. It does a good job at that, but don't turn to this book if you're interested in learning why Mac OS X is so exciting. Read LeVitus's work only if you happen to have a computer that runs Mac OS X, have very little Mac experience, and aren't interested in doing anything at the administrator or programmer levels. If you meet those criteria, you'll be very happy with this book. --David Wall

Topics covered: Mac OS X for the casual and inexperienced Mac user. The author explains how to manipulate files and folders, run programs, use Sherlock, and take advantage of Internet connectivity--the latter coverage deals with iTools nicely. An appendix explains how to install Mac OS X, and how to make it coexist on one machine with Mac OS 9.1. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Meet the Dock, share files, and search with Sherlock

The fun and easy way(r) to start using OS X version10.2 Jaguar and its cool new tools

Does that Jaguar have you on the run? Relax! This handy guide will tame him in a hurry. Whether you've been friends with Mac for years or you've just met, these easy-to-follow tips will have your OS X Jaguar purring along in no time, while you jam with iTunes, discover iDVD, and start talking to your Mac (yes, it's okay).

The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 2 edition (December 19, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764525646
• ISBN-13: 978-0764525643
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #777,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward C. Baig is the Personal Technology columnist for USA TODAY and the author of Macs For Dummies, 10th Edition. Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus pens the popular Dr. Mac column for the Houston Chronicle and is the author of Mac OS X® Snow Leopard For Dummies.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A "Dummies" book - little beyond the entry level basics, June 6, 2001

By 

Iolaire McFadden "iolaire" (Arlington, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mac OS X for Dummies (Paperback)

This is a good book for true novices...

Just go the book from the library and remembered why it is a "Dummies" book. It has page after page with screen shots of things like the dock, or how to navigate the file folder structure.

If you know how to use a Mac and have looked at X for over a few weeks this might not be the book for you. I am still looking for something that would say tell me where to find the Apache config files, and this book will never do that!

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for Beginner Mac Users, December 2, 2002

By 

B. Logan (Portland, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mac OS X for Dummies (Paperback)

I recently switched from a PC to an iBook notepad with OS X. So I was looking for any help I could get to teach me what I need to know. I checked out this book from the library and have found it extremely helpful. I don't think this book is aimed at "dummies" as another reviewer wrote, but at someone like myself who is just starting out with a Mac (and I don't consider myself a dummie). It is true that someone who is a "Power User" and has years of experience with Macs and the OS would find this book boring and talking down to them. But, if you're new to Macs at all, I think you'd find this book very helpful. It is a starter book, and from here, I would like to read other, more advanced books on the topic to further my knowledge.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Big Dummies Disappointment, May 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Mac OS X for Dummies (Paperback)

I have loved Bob LeVitus's other books but this one for me misses the mark. Confusing search for topics and solutions for problems that I had with Mac OS X leave me searching for another book on X. Too much reference to pre-X operating systems. OS X is a new operating system, I wanted more on X and not a refresher course on previous Mac Operating Systems.