Customer Reviews

Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Tiger Edition

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been using Windows since the early 1990s and recently bought my first Mac. At first I thought this wasn't the book I wanted. I wanted to learn the OS on its own, not in "translation." For example, you'll find things like this in this book: "Finder = Windows Explorer," "Dock = Taskbar," etc. I thought it would hinder learning in a way total-immersion wouldn't; I'd hoped to learn to use the Mac directly. So after my husband picked up "Switching to the Mac" the first day I had the computer--in order to figure out how to network the Mac to our PCs and printers, and to transfer files, etc. (all of which is in this book)--I ordered four other books. I wanted to read them like other reviewers did: straight through, fun learning. But, it's not as easy as I'd hoped to learn a whole new operating system and, for me, the manuals don't prove to be fun reading -- as cheeky as their humor can be. So, I find myself reaching for "Switching to the Mac" as a necessary reference book. It presupposes that the reader is proficient at using a computer, but not a Mac (unlike other books, which either assume no computer knowledge or are written in "Mac language" for those familiar with previous Mac operating systems.)

That said, the space taken up on translating Windows lingo/usage to Mac takes up space that isn't used to fully describe how to use Mac applications. This book does a stellar, succinct job of teaching the OS. From there, I need a second book to explain the applications. And, oddly for me (because I'm not a David Pogue fan, and wouldn't have chosen either book had my husband not bought this one first) "The Missing Manual OS X," also by Pogue, is the best of the books I've bought for that purpose. The latter picks up where this book leaves off. Pogue states in the intro that the material overlaps, and as nice as it would be to spend money on one book rather than two, I've not found overlapping material to be a problem, and I've found them equally useful. Since the books are already fairly weighty, the two together are working very well for me. I truly don't think I'd have learned as easily or quickly without "Switching to the Mac." I definitely recommend it for Windows users...and I had resisted this approach.

Are you a long time Windows user that is new to the Mac?
Perhaps you are a long-time Mac user that is thinking of running Windows on your new Intel-powered Mac?
In either of these cases, "Switching to the Mac" is a great book to read. Surprisingly, I also found it a good book for Mac users that have no interest in Windows.

When I see the name "David Pouge" on the cover of a book, I expect to be entertained and educated in equal measure. "Switching to the Mac" did not disappoint on either front. Mr. Pouge has a talent for starting his books in a conversational and humorous manner that draws you in, and after you've turned some pages, you realize that you've learned some useful tricks and tidbits.

"Switching to the Mac" is broken into four parts.

Part One, Welcome to Macintosh (Chapters 1 to 4), covers differences between the Mac and Windows, terminology, and an overview of the Mac OS, including many small but very useful tips. Although I've been using OS X for as long as it has been around (and Macs for as long as they've been around), I was pleasantly surprised by the things I learned in this section of the book. The authors succeed at a difficult balancing act - giving new users the information they need, while giving power users information to keep them from being bored. For example, the first thing taught in Chapter One is where to find the power button on various models of Macs, then just a few pages later they show where to root around in the System folder to activate the Eject menu extra. One of the many highlight of Part One is Chapter Two's discussion on finding files, which covers Spotlight (Apple's new search technology), and Smart Folders (saved searches).

Part Two, Moving In (Chapters 5 to 8), covers transferring data, an assortment of third-party (non-Apple) applications, and hardware that connects to the Mac. Highlights of Part Two are Chapter Six's detailed discussion on transferring your email and contacts from PC to Mac, and Chapter Eight has several sections useful to any Mac user, covering topics as diverse as printing, burning CDs and DVDs, and a discussion on fonts that could save you hours of frustration and grief. Part Two shows repeatedly how useful the book is, not only as a tutorial, but also as a troubleshooting resource.

Part Three, Making Connections (Chapters 9 to 11), is the breeziest part of the book. Chapter 9 covers the many ways to connect your Mac to the internet, and Chapters 10 and 11 cover Apple's Mail application and Safari web browser. Most of this you may skim over, particularly if your plan on using more powerful alternatives to Apple's applications, such as Entourage (mail), and Firefox (web browser). Chapter 11 does have a nice section on RSS (subscriptions to internet-based information). If you read a lot of web pages and are not currently using RSS, this section explains why you'll love it, and how to set it up.

Part Four, Putting Down Roots (Chapters 12 to 15), covers OS X's built-in applications and system settings. Chapter 12 discusses accounts and security in a manner that is both easy to follow and detailed. I wish that this one chapter were available separately, as I'd like to make it mandatory reading for every Mac user. Chapters 13 and 14 briefly and alphabetically discuss each of the System Preferences and built-in Apple applications. Given the length of these chapters, they're probably best used for the curious--looking up a particular item--than reading from start to finish. My only disappointment with the book was that there was no discussion of Automator in Chapter 14 (or anywhere in the book). "Switching to the Mac" finishes with a chapter on troubleshooting. The authors hope that you'll never need the information in this chapter, but I'm glad that they wrote it. Many of the basic OS X troubleshooting techniques are covered here, and you may find yourself wanting to name your next child "David" after these details save you from a misbehaving Mac and a heart attack.

Many people would not think of reading a computer book as a fun activity, but "Switching to the Mac" was certainly both entertaining and informative. I'd recommend this title to anyone who wanted to understand the Mac better.

Switching to the Mac -the Missing Manual
Despite it's title this book is not just for those defecting from PC's
An essential for the beginner and an excellent read for those wishing
to burrow into the hidden depths and capabilities of the Mac.
Neither will be disappointed as this is a book written with enthusiasm and humour.
Every topic is dealt with straightforwardly and comprehensively, beginning
with the basics, then leading you on to uncover the complexities, versatility and the
many other wonders of the Mac.
An enlightening and enjoyable read.

This is an excellent resource for those looking to switch from Windows to Mac. All the basics of the operating system are there. Methods for getting critical data across from your Windows box is covered. And the text works well for migrating you from the Windows perspective to the Mac.

This book is excellent for those Windows users who are either switching to the Mac or are adding a Mac to a household of office where PC's are still being used. The book paves the way in just enough detail so that a Windows user can transition to the Mac, illustrating the important similarities and differences.

I believe the author goes a little overboard in his praise for the Mac operating system vis-a-vis the Windows OS, but the more I use the new Mac we have recently bought, the more I have become convinced that the author has a point!

Whereas all graphical user interface operating systems have much in common, the author points out the relative simplicity of the Mac OS, carefully guiding the Windows user to make use of his or her Windows experience to ease the learning process of the Mac. In addition, the many features of the Mac are explained in more than enough detail to understand what they are and how to use them.

This is an incredible book. I read all 500 pages cover to cover after purchasing my first ever Mac, an imac G5, in just a few weeks. I have been a corporate trainer in Windows and DOS software for twenty years. I never thought I would switch, and though I liked the look and feel of OS X and the Apple hardware, leafing through this book at the bookstore convinced me to take the plunge.

I just got off a video ichat with my brother-in-law in Alaska from the east coast and what an experience. He's been using macs for some time, but I was able to tell him some secrets I learned from this book in just my few weeks of using my new imac. If you are nervous about switching . . . just do it, you'll be sooo glad. And make sure you get this book to help you through the transition, it is just wonderful. John

Title: Switching To The Mac, Tiger Edition
Author: David Pogue and Adam Goldstein
Publisher: O'Reilly, Pogue Press
ISBN-10: 0-596-00660-8; ISBN-13: 978-0-596-00660-0

Reviewed by: Curt Blanchard, Tucson Macintosh Users Group
Date: 1/2/07

Here is another must-have from the O'Reilly Missing Manual series. Switching to the Mac is a hot topic these days not just because the overall Mac experience is superior, but it's much more secure from malware and other online nastiness. Now that Boot Camp and Parallels allow users to run Windows on the Mac, the arguments against switching are few. This book may well push those fence sitters over the edge. David Pogue and Adam Goldstein explain what the Mac gives you (lots!) - and what it taketh away (not much). With the Mac, you gain stability, strong security, advanced networking, true plug-and-play and simpler everything. When you switch, you may lose a few apps and access to some peripherals.

The book deals with the basics about how a Mac is different in hardware, how to get online and an exploration of the iLife apps as well as Mail, Safari, etc. There are in-depth explanations of Accounts, System Preferences and other things that the new user will need to know. This is no lightweight glossing over of the subject matter; it's over 500 pages of detailed informative material that the new Mac user will want on the reference shelf. One of the well-considered features is a dictionary titled, "Where did it go?" Here you can look up "Alt Key" or "Task bar" and find the Mac equivalents.

If you are a switcher or are considering switching, this is definitely the place to start. If you are looking for a gift for a new Mac switcher, this is something that will be greatly appreciated. Highly recommended.

--Curt Blanchard

For anyone that is not familiar with the wonderful, easy world that is the Apple Macintosh, consider yourself a poor, ignorant soul. Ever since the first Macintosh computer was launched in 1984, the Mac has been the most user-friendly computer available to the masses, and with the newest operating system X, the same is true, only times X!!!

For existing Windows users who have decided to make the switch because they got their slick new iPod and loves the way it works or they just got a look at a Mac recently and decided it was for them this is the perfect manual for making the switch!!

Covering basics like getting e-mail up and running, importing bookmarks, listening to music, viewing digital pictures and all the other important parts of everyday personal computing is all contained in this book. Written by the amazing David Pogue, every topic is covered in an easy to read manner and this manual is chock full of images on nearly every page!!

For all recent Mac OS X users or people who have made the switch, this book truly SHOULD have been in the box with the OS. It's an incredibly well-written resource, and while it's full of hard data and examples, it's really fun at the same time!!

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I know after u folks read some of this stuff, u will be like: GET A LIFE! Well honestly this book brought a family of ten people at the center of a debate which I am sure can only be witnessed at a MAC vs. Wintel convention! It was fantastic! I am an avid Wintel user until this book came along. All I can say is that if u spent so many year on Windows and u r sick of the little worries u have to worry about and it just became a routine for u: get this book!!

I am sure all of the users of the world reach a point in their lives where they just want to conduct work and be creative at their work. No one should be stuck to a chair trying to figure out which patch of which driver needs to be installed before installing service pack 2! Really after going through this book I realized and constructed a theory which my brother in law very vocally agrees with: co-exist both machines until u yourself will feel the difference of not worrying about other things besides your creative palette (he is a ER Doctor who does allot of research and I am a project manager in cross boarder financial company)

All in all we both decided the same night to go out and get the Mac Mini as a starter and see how we can gradually join the new Mac Club! (his biggest complain is the registry and installing and un-installing programs in the Wintel environment. mine is the setting up of other Bluetooth devices and copying address books instantly)

This book is the real deal. It gives u everything on both sides and makes u feel very compfortbale to switch (with the major macro level differentiators between the two platforms.) I can¡¦t wait for my MiniMac! I almost go everyday to the Apple Center next door drewlign and drive them nuts (I found to be cheaper online via activeshopper. Sorry amazon ƒº )

best manual I could have bought. I have been a Windows user for over 21 years beginning with DOS, windows 3.1.1 for workgroups, NT 3.5.1, NT4.0, Win 2000 and Win XP This book made my first MAC experience a delight. It taught me everything I needed to know in an easily understood fashion. Great job!