Switching to a Mac for Dummies

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Author: Arnold Reinhold http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0470140763.html Publisher: wiley Released: 2007 Pages: 384 $22 USD, $26 CND, £15 GBP ISBN: 978-0-470-14076-5 Novice/Intermediate/Advanced   Strengths: Good solid helpful information on all things Macintosh. Screenshots and illustrations are large enough to view easily. Solid information concerning switching over from a PC to Macintosh and covers all the bases.   Weaknesses: Black and white makes the book appear bland.

 

Introduction

Arnold Reinhold has over three decades experience in the software industry. He has coauthored numerous books, including The Internet For Dummies Quick Reference, 8th Edition.

 

I have been a staunch Apple/ Macintosh user from the days of Apple 2E. Many of my family have Macs, but my son just switched over after having another laptop brand. I was interested to know what my son would ask and want to know like other PC/windows users, as they make the transition to the Apple/Macintosh world. This book, Switching to a Mac for Dummies covers what my son and other switchers will need.

 

I particularly was curious about the line in the introduction which talked about Macintosh and Windows/PC similarities but then said "still there are differences big and little, that cause problems for the unaware (PC users?)".

 

There is a nice page on the inner front page dealing with top 10 Mac hints for Windows users and boot option keys which immediately will settle down and have Windows users more at ease.

 

Tearout cheat sheets

 

Six Foolish assumptions on page 2 were interesting.

 

It is written in black and white. While the size of the illustrations and screenshots is ample, the non-coloration gives the book a little “bland “ feel to it. But as with most of the Dummies books, the non-color books are still user-friendly and include additional helpful information to find and learn about, in this case, Macintosh computers and switching from PCs.

 

Of course, the review would not be the same without pointing out the other helpful informational icons “peppered” throughout the book. Five icons that are placed throughout the pages. These (Tip; Technical stuff; Warning!; Remember;) serve to include precise additional information that assists along the way regarding the instructions. Through the chapter in the 6 parts, there are helpful numbered steps to guide you along the way.

 

Informed switching starts here, Part 1, is a great start for the book. It is too bad that most PC users are not able to read most of this section of the book. For most people who are thinking about or have just purchased a new Mac, they are acquainted with why Apple computers have an advantage right away. There is a nice two-page historical outline of the history Apple from beginning to now which some might like to know about and read (pages 18-19).

 

Part 2, Making the switch, why switch, understanding the Mac family and selecting which Mac to buy covers the full line of computers and equipment. Assuming you are still searching for your Mac computer instead of already having one, you gain a great understanding of not only what to buy but how to decide which is best for you in terms of computer types (hardware etc).

 

Chapter 4, setting up you machines helping learning about Mac OS X, techniques for windows users moving files from PC to Mac and switching applications.

In Chapter 6, there is a enlightening set of paragraphs concerning “digital right management - curse and blessing? “

 

Part 3, Connecting hither and yon, covers Mac online stuff, networking the Mac way and being secure (chapter 8). There is a nice section on Ethernet configuration for your Mac understanding, configuring, connecting routers networking wirelessly and setting up Wi-Fi security. This is some of the nicest written material about networking and more that I have seen. Well written, to the point and includes illustrations and more. Since I have been dealing with some networking problems recently, I found this information very interesting. Very helpful section on working with Wi-Fi and fixing interference problems (page 185). There is also Bluetooth information and sharing files from your PC.

 

More software, more choices (Part 4 ), the iLife suite stuff, enjoying other Mac OS X goodies running windows on Mac is well done. It is a good place to start working with iLife’s components. Of course you might need more information and books to cover iLife, but at least you have an insight how to get started with iLife, which doesn't have much documentation.

 

Part 5, Specialty switching scenarios covers interesting information.

 

Part 6, The part of Tens (additional helpful information found in many of the Dummies books) is always interesting. In this section the prevalent points concern troubleshooting, cool Mac tips and 10 creative uses for all your old PCs ( there may be some more innovative ideas in here then you think!).

 

Chapter 10, staying secure, is very important, even in the Mac world. I found it interesting that all the information about passwords. Removing data from an old Mac will certainly come in handy for those switching from another Mac not only a pc. Social and parents control switching, your business to Mac-converting files and operating system files and even converting from Linux (page 299) are well done.

 

There are a host of diagrams and helpful illustrations that deal with running PC windows with your Mac. I found the little section “why can’t I run OSX on a Dell?” (I thought that Apple should have tried that a long time ago) very interesting.

 

Appendix A, a transition glossary used for speaking and using the right vocabulary helps to focus on needed information In addition, another way to quickly find out what you want to know is there is a helpful index. The top section includes the part and title while on the right top page you know which chapter you are in and the title.

 

Conclusion

This book is a solid and in-depth guide to learning and knowing all that you need to switch from a PC to your Macintosh. Despite the drab look of the book, the helpful illustrations and ample sized screenshots will give you a better visual understanding of using your Mac. This book might even be used by those who casually use PCs, but have Macintosh already. The author covers the material in depth and breadth. Even though I am not converting over from a PC, I still found the information informative. This is great book for converts and those using Macs. While it appears visually bland, the text and information are solid. If you are switching, this book is a great one to try.