3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Perfect Guide for Mac Addicts of ANY AGE!, November 21, 2003
This review is from: Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh second edition (Paperback)
The OLD FART'S GUIDE TO THE MACINTOSH is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive, easy to understand "how to" guides on getting the best from your Mac computer. And guess what? You really don't even have to be an old fart to benefit from it! The book focuses primarily on computer users that did not grow up with a familiarity with technology so prevalent in the current generation. The author suggests this book will be especially helpful for the over fifty crowd, those who really want to learn to use a computer, but don't know their mouse from their mainframe.
Much more than just a "here's what to do" kind of manual, the author, a Mac user with a B.S. degree in Computer Science, takes the time to set the stage by first presenting us with the history of the computer, the actual parts of a computer, and the basic idea of what you can do with a computer before even launching into the more detailed technical instruction. Included are chapters on buying a new or used Mac (and what to do with it once you've got one!); getting around on the World Wide Web (including the world's favorite form of communication - email); creating letters and presentations with AppleWorks; understanding where all that information goes and what the different applications and programs do with it; getting to know (and love) your desktop and its various elements (get down from that chair, it's not a REAL mouse!); software choices for specific user needs; using digital cameras and scanners; and plenty of advise on advance topics such as graphic design, creating music on the computer, and so much more.
There is a complete chapter devoted to computer problems, which will probably be, for many readers, the most widely read and utilized! And for those users who are ready to tackle OS 10.3, there is an entire chapter devoted to the latest Mac operating system available. Whew! And I haven't even mentioned all of the resources for additional help such as Mac websites and user groups, side bars, illustrations, diagrams and just plain solid good stuff that will take you from old fart to old pro in no time flat. The OLD FART'S GUIDE TO THE MACINTOSH is a valuable and amazingly easy to use resource for Mac newbies and veterans alike, whether they are fifteen, fifty or far beyond.
MARIE JONES, Book Reviewer, BookIdeas.com
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A great read for oldies with iMacs, January 31, 2004
This review is from: Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh second edition (Paperback)
Macintosh users, of which I am one, have been quite well provided for by helpful manuals (the iMac for Dummies and How to do Everything with your iMac spring to mind). But there's always room for more, if they add something new to our knowledge of these user-friendly and constantly evolving computers.
Well, Aaron Rosenzweig has done just that, in a very thorough, clear and logical way, especially when explaining AppleWorks, which he describes as the greatest single piece of software ever created because it is easy to use and can do so many things.
Aaron's manual assumes no knowledge of computers, and starts from scratch with a comprehensive run-down of what computers are (not just Macs), their software, hardware, viruses and gadgets, such as mice. He then leaps straight into a discussion about Operating Systems, and a thorough exposition of the Macintosh itself. A description of the Internet follows, then AppleWorks, printing, information and storage, software categories, digital hubs, user groups, computer problems, advanced topics and, right up to date, what's new in OS 10.3 (Panther). The book concludes with a description of some useful web sites and a comprehensive glossary.
I would recommend this book-part manual and part commentary-to any Mac user, though I must warn that it's primarily aimed at the US market and to those who are using OS X. As one who is in neither category, I would yet argue that this is a small price to pay for a well-written, comprehensive, easy to read and understand guide. And if it's any consolation, Aaron is prepared to write a specifically Australian version, if he can find a co-author. Any takers?
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review from www.2guysamacandawebsite.com, December 7, 2003
This review is from: Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh second edition (Paperback)
It's Christmas time. A very special time of the year, when family and friends just seem more important. It's a time when you sit back and think about how good life is, and how much you really love the people around you. Your family, your friends, that weird guy who always walks around town wearing the top half of a superman costume, screaming things about the Bible. And most importantly, Christmas time is a time of giving. I'm talking gifts, baby. Some of you may be giving the gift of a Macintosh to a loved one, and that may be the first computer for some of those loved ones. Handing them, perhaps, the greatest gift you could give. A doorway into the information super-highway. The means to express their ideas and creativity in ways other gifts could never provide. The ability to be entertained with music, movies, reading, and more!
Well, if you are giving the gift of a Mac to someone who isn't familiar with Macintosh, or if you know someone who has a Mac, and doesn't really understand how to use the computer effectively, then I have the perfect book for them: "Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh" by Aaron Rosenzweig.
As the book states on the front cover, "A book for those who recognize the word 'computer' but do not know exactly what they can do". It does a good job of that. Aaron Rosenzweig took great care to explain not only how to use the software on the Mac, but also how to use things that seem so trivial to an "advanced user". There is a whole section on how to use a mouse, another just on how to turn the computer on. Also, the author doesn't just tell you how to use these things, he explains them, along with alternatives, and even the history of them. For instance, he explains the differences between a mouse, a trackball, a trackpad, and a tablet. He not only explains the differences, but the advantages and disadvantages to each, along with suggestions on which would be best for what type of person.
Another really nice feature of this book is that it has the definitions of "technical words" throughout the book on the side of the pages that the word is used. And it continues to put those definitions there, so that you don't have to flip back if you forget a word. These side areas also have pictures, for instance, a picture of the "command" key on the keyboard for when he mentions a keyboard command using the "command" key.
The book doesn't stop at the basics. It teaches how to use the Finder, how to change the way your computer behaves with System Preferences, how to save things to disks, (hard drive, CD, DVD-R, etc.) and all the things a person would need to know to use a Mac on a regular basis. There is even a 60-page section on the Internet, including some helpful links (2 Guys was mysteriously missing for some reason). The book even goes on to teach how to use AppleWorks, and all the iLife applications. (iTunes, iPhoto, iChat, iMovie, iDVD)
At the end is an advanced topics "for the curious", that delves in to things like .Mac, UNIX, Computer Artwork, Different Processors, etc.. And there is even an entire section on Panther at the end that discusses the differences between it, and previous versions of OS X.
Throughout the entire book, you can tell that the author really has a love for the Macintosh, and really knows not only how to use a Mac, but also the history of the Mac. He explains why things are the way they are and how it got that way, but does it in a way that doesn't seem like it would be too much information or become boring for a beginner. He also does a very good job of explaining alternatives. He talks about Windows and Linux, and explains why he thinks the Macintosh is the best choice. He talks about the different models Apple offers, and which model would be the right model for what type of person. He talks about software alternatives, and more.
While the book is designed for an older person who is new to computers, I would suggest it for a beginner of any age. It is enjoyable to read and very informative. Even though I know the Mac pretty well, I enjoyed reading it and never felt bored. Aaron Rosenzweig has put together a great book, and is a valuable asset to anyone who wants to "Learn how one computer will unleash your unlimited creative potential".
"Old Fart's Guide to the Macintosh" is available for $29.99US from Cocoa Nuts website and I give it 4 out of 5 pants.
-iKen
http://www.2guysamacandawebsite.com
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