Switching to a Mac For Dummies [Paperback]

Arnold Reinhold (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470466618 | ISBN-13: 978-0470466612 | Publication Date: September 15, 2009 | Edition: 2

Switch to a Mac with ease using this practical, humorous guide

Want to try life outside of Windows? You've come to the right place. Users are switching from PCs to Macs in droves, and now you can, too, with this helpful guide.

In a fun, but practical way, the book walks you through the entire process-hardware and software-including selecting a Mac, moving files, setting up security, and getting the most out of all the fun stuff that makes Macs famous, such as the iLife suite, and more.

• This book is fully updated for the new generation of Mac hardware and software, including Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the iLife suite, and the latest trends and tools
• Explore running Windows on your Mac via Boot Camp, how to switch your applications, converting your business to a Mac, getting online, and more

Plus, you don't even have to give up Microsoft Office, thanks to Microsoft Office for Mac-so get this indispensable book and join the fun!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Making Everything Easier!

Switching to a Mac® for Dummies

2nd Edition

Learn to:

• Choose the Mac that's right for you

• Transfer your files from Windows®

• Connect your Mac to the Internet by using a wireless network

• Get the most from Mac OS® X Snow Leopard and create cool projects with the iLife® suite

Arnold Reinhold

Switching is almost as easy as using a Mac, and we'll guide you all the way!

So you've decided to join the more intuitive, less virus-prone world of the Mac? Congratulations! This book tells you what to expect, how to choose a Mac (if you haven't already), and how to make the switch a breeze. Discover all the cool preloaded software, how to make your Mac talk to your iPhone and iPod®, and how to work the Mac way.

• Meet the family — compare MacBooks and the Mac mini, iMac®, and Mac Pro

• I'm a Mac, and you're leaving a PC — see what's alike and what's different, and learn to use Apple menus and the Finder

• Can I keep it? — find out what peripherals will still work with your Mac

• Moving day — transfer your files, address book, and content stored on other media

• Get connected — set up your Internet service and e-mail application, and connect to your printer and other peripherals

• iLove all these apps — play, buy, and organize music with iTunes®; edit, sort, and share photos with iPhoto®; make movies with iMovie®; and more

• Safety first — learn what makes Macs safer and why strong passwords are still important

• If you just can't say goodbye — see how to run Windows® on your Mac

Open the book and find:

• How a Mac can simplify your life

• Special advice for seniors and parents of young kids

• Tips on keeping your Mac updated and secure

• Ways to unleash your creativity with photos, audio, and video

• How to configure your new Mac

• Help with switching specialized software to your Mac

• Mac networking instructions

• How to get both WiFi and backup capability by using Time Capsule®

About the Author

Arnold Reinhold has more than three decades of experience in the software industry. His first Apple product was a Mac 512. He has coauthored numerous books, including Green IT For Dummies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 2 edition (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470466618
• ISBN-13: 978-0470466612
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #43 in Books > Computers & Technology > Hardware > Macs

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Switching to a Mac for Dummies, 2nd Edition, February 3, 2010

By 

K Matsumoto - See all my reviews

This review is from: Switching to a Mac For Dummies (Paperback)

I am a novice Mac user and I have been attempting to make the adjustment from using a PC to a Mac. I thought written information would assist in my transition and, after receiving my dummies book, I immediately began reading through it. The Table of Contents makes it easy to find subjects you are looking for. The first chapters of the book are very basic, exactly what you would expect if you were new to the world of Macs. I will say that throughout the book, the author writes as an enthusiastic fan of Mac products and his cheery attitude builds excitement for making the change to Mac. As I skimmed through the information I was familiar with, I learned about the command key and other unique features of the Mac. Chapter 5 was the most helpful one for me because it contained a great table comparing terminology between Windows and Mac. Also included in Chapter 5 was a list of keyboard shortcuts.

Tips, things to remember, and warnings are highlighted throughout the book making it easy to thumb through chapters and find important items. The author spent quite a bit of time discussing passwords and security. One important thing I learned was that the author does not recommend downloading virus protection unless you are also planning to install Windows on your Mac.

I was especially interested in learning about Snow Leopard but was disappointed when reviewing the book. Although the book's cover states "get the most from Mac OS X Snow Leopard" I didn't find any specifics. The book does state that Snow Leopard is an updated version of the Mac operating system and is version 10.6. Information on what makes Snow Leopard a better operating system would have been helpful, even if release notes from Apple had been included.

What helped me: Chapter 5: Mac OS X for Windows Users. This chapter, as I stated earlier in my review, has terminology, keyboard shortcuts, and information on Time Machine and Time Capsule and other differences between Macs and Windows.

What I have yet to explore: IPhoto (Chapter 12), Producing Movies and Music (Chapter 13), and Building Your Space on the Web (Chapter 14). I have uploaded photos to my Mac and my son has used IPhoto to play a slide show accompanied by ITunes music. The slide shows are so much fun to view.

Bottom line recommendation about book: This book provides a good overview of the differences between Macs and Windows. The author definitely is a Mac fan and recommends Macs for their quality. You can find terminology, program information, and lots of tips if you have questions and don't want to search Help on Apple's web site.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars switching to a mac, January 30, 2010

By 

Louise L. Babb "bunkybooks" (Edgartown, MA, US) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Switching to a Mac For Dummies (Paperback)

We probably should have purchased a book more focused on the mac itself, not so much on the switching process, which takes up half the book and by that time, we had already switched!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book, very helpful!, May 19, 2010

By 

Jerry Dove (Harrisonburg, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Switching to a Mac For Dummies (Paperback)

I bought this book to help me learn how to use a Mac because I'm a PC ; ) I haven't finished it yet but thus far it has been most helpful. This book was an excellent choice. Easy to use and understand.