Little iMac Book, The (3rd Edition) (Little Book) (Paperback)

by Robin Williams (Author), John Tollett (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
The i in iMac stands for Internet, so it is fitting that The Little iMac Book divides its time between explaining the specifics of the Mac and the ways of the World Wide Web. The author explains larger concepts (such as the difference between analog and digital) as well as practical Mac-user advice. (For example, get a surge protector to prevent your iMac from a lightning-storm zap.)

Robin Williams is an expert on and proponent of the Mac, and her enthusiasm bubbles over into her explanations. She encourages her readers to play with the applications, to make drawings on the screen, and not to be afraid "to make something dorky." Her tone is a good match to the philosophy espoused by Apple through the years: that the computer is a tool that should be accessible to all.

The book extends beyond just Internet exploration to show users how to set up a database and maximize the preinstalled applications, such as ClarisWorks and the Williams-Sonoma Cooking Guide. She does provide ample coverage for first experiences on the Web, from setting up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to sending e-mail and using search engines. A strong beginner's primer, The Little iMac Book is as welcoming as the machine it's based on. --Jennifer Buckendorff --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Mac OS 8.5 is the latest operating system available and is a little more difficult to use than earlier versions thanks to myriad new features. Even if former Macintosh users don't have any problems, there will be lots of new users with PowerPCs, G3s, and iMacs clamoring for this book. Langer covers all the usuals: installation, using the new finder and file system, customization, networking, connecting to the Internet, and working with Windows data. Essential for all collections. Williams's classic (The Little Mac Book) likewise has been updated for the popular new iMac. Libraries frequented by students and home computer users might want to buy two and keep one on reserve.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; 3 edition (June 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321116305
• ISBN-13: 978-0321116307
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,060,978 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nirvana for anally-retentive neophytes., May 30, 2000

By	Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Little iMac Book (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

After purchasing 4 other iMac books, I took someone's recommendation to try Williams' approach. It did the trick: it presented computer/iMac literacy in accessible step-by-step tutorials and clearly told me what to do and what not to do. Previously, the combination of my ignorance and impatience resulted in nothing but crashes, hung programs, and Luddite sentiments. This book forces you to slow down and learn. The author's sequence of lessons is logically conceived, and the style is neither forced nor patronizing. For the next stage, I may go back to the Pogue books (Dummies series), as the author covers more ground and in a zestier style. But I wish I had saved myself some time and money and started with Williams.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you...an excellent book for iMac beginners, October 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Little iMac Book (Paperback)

This book is SO great...although I am thoroughly familiar with IBM PC's, I opted to purchase the iMac in August 1999, and with the help of this little book, it's been wonderful! This took me from opening the box, to installing, to surfing, and even educated me on some basics I "thought" I already knew about computer "stuff". My husband, a novice, has really grasped a lot in a short period of time by reading chapter by chapter (trust me, it's quick and easy reading). A definite recommendation for anybody purchasing the iMac (unless you're an expert already).

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I recommend this book for every iMac purchaser, May 8, 1999

By	P. C. Russell (Waldport, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Little iMac Book (Paperback)

Robin Williams' books have won a score of industry awards, and reading this book will show you why. Robin writes "for the rest of us." Jargon is broken down so you and I can understand it.

I have been using, teaching and consulting on the Macintosh for more than 15 years. I was the editor of the well-known Mouse Droppings newsletter for seven years. When I recommend a desktop Mac, I recommend Robin's Little Mac book. When I recommend an iMac, I recommend this book. I always tell people they NEED this book.

Robin knows Macintosh computers better than almost anyone I know. In addition she is a superb writer who knows how to make her subject interesting.

Oh yes, and contrary to what another reviewer has said, when you use a Macintosh computer you are NOT typing. You are type setting. And yes, Robin is correct, you NEVER use two spaces at the end of each sentence. Using two spaces is the mark of a rank amateur. So take my advice, not that of someone who does not know about modern typography.

While you are at it, look up all of Robin's book titles and buy every single one which relates to something you do on a computer. You will never regret it!

Of course it is only fair that I reveal that, like any Macintosh user who has ever met Robin, I am in love with her. Read her book and you will fall in love, too. I have been writing professionally for 52 years. I wish I could write just like Robin. She is a hard act to follow.