Mac OS X Panther (Visual QuickStart Guide) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Maria Langer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

So you're finally ready to find out what all the fuss is about! Whether you're switching from a Windows system or upgrading from an older Mac OS, this task-based guide represents the surest way to go from 0 to 60 in no time flat with Apple's much anticipated Mac OS X Panther--more mature, powerfully enhanced, and with an improved GUI that will knock your socks off! In this thoroughly revised volume--which includes an expanded iApps section and new chapters on networking (including AirPort networking), security, Unix, Classic Environment, and System Preferences--you'll find the task-based, step-by-step instructions that have become the hallmark of Peachpit's enormously popular Visual QuickStart series. Veteran author Maria Langer uses plenty of visual aids and clear, concise instructions to step you through the process of installing and configuring the new OS before moving on to explore its many capabilities and bundled apps. Tips, tricks, and sage advice round out the package.

From the Back Cover
So you're finally ready to find out what all the fuss is about! Whether you're switching from a Windows system or upgrading from an older Mac OS, this task-based guide represents the surest way to go from 0 to 60 in no time flat with Apple's much anticipated Mac OS X Panther-more mature, powerfully enhanced, and with an improved GUI that will knock your socks off! In this thoroughly revised volume-which includes an expanded iApps section and new chapters on networking (including AirPort networking), security, Unix, Classic Environment, and System Preferences-you'll find the task-based, step-by-step instructions that have become the hallmark of Peachpit's enormously popular Visual QuickStart series. Veteran author Maria Langer uses plenty of visual aids and clear, concise instructions to step you through the process of installing and configuring the new OS before moving on to explore its many capabilities and bundled apps. Tips, tricks, and sage advice round out the package.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 664 pages
• Publisher: Peachpit Press; illustrated edition edition (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321213513
• ISBN-13: 978-0321213518
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 7.6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #900,179 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Observe the obvious, first!, June 13, 2004

By A Customer

The series of books to which this one belongs is "Visual Quick Start guides." Not the sister "Visual Quick Pro Guides." So those above trashing this book should have hit themselves in the face with the book in order to see what is right on the cover.

This book is intended for those who need an introduction, not those on their third book or seeking power skills.

I have used "visual quick start guides" to gain beginner level usage of many different programs, including my move from MS to Mac. I find the format is consistent, targeted at the beginner and is exactly as the series title implies,"Quick Start."

These books are best at providing a vocabulary to discuss the software at hand. Which makes the thicker, harder to digest books easier to read. You can complete this book in a couple of weeks and be a competent user of Mac OS X panther, nothing more. It will introduce you to each feature and how it is used. Most of each page is dedicated to an image depicting the feature at hand with explanation, pointers and tips in text. It moves fast and the language is simple.

If you already are familiar with the Mac OS then another book may be better suited to your needs.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Beginners and before, January 25, 2004

By A Customer

The 'Book Level' labeling on this book says it is for 'beginning' & 'intermediate' but I doubt anyone who has used OS X before will be satisfied with what this has to offer. I switched form 10.2 to 10.3 and was not using a book to supplement what Apple provided with 10.2. I thought this would help me get more out of 10.3 and OS X in general. It was one of the first out so I bought it before much else was available. Clearly a mistake on my part and am now looking for something that does more than tell me how to go through a dialog box. I am probably an 'intermediate' level user at best. Someone new to Macs or computers may find it helpful. A wide range of topics is covered but little is added to onscreen instructions or what Apple presents under 'Help.'

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great for the beginner!, March 21, 2004

By	jbzoller (Manitowoc, WI) - See all my reviews

Another in the VQSG series from Peach Pit Press, this book is a good general reference, but NOT the kind of thing that you cuddle up with in front of the fireplace. It serves best as a "how-do-I-do-this?" kind of book. At well over 600 pages, there aren't too many questions that you could have about Panther that aren't answered by this book. It limits itself to an audience of basic to intermediate users, but I really think that even advanced users would have questions that could be answered in here.

Now, having said all that, as someone who considers himself an advanced user, I'll admit to you that I haven't used this book that much myself. I think I read through the section on Applescript once and referenced the UNIX Basics a couple of times. It's not that it's bad, quite the contrary, but it would probably serve someone else a little better than me.