Macs for Dummies

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Author: Edward C.Baig Publisher: Wiley http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470048492.html Released: October 2006 Pages: 408 $22 USD ISBN-10: 0470048492 ISBN-13: 978-0470048498
Strengths: Highlight icon notes ( technical stuff, remember!, Tip) are very useful. The screenshots are very readable. Information on the use of windows Boot Camp and difference types of Macs. Decent information about the iLife suite of applications.   Weaknesses: Bland. Black and white with no color. Novice/Intermediate

 

Introduction

 

The MacIntosh computers are relatively easy to use. However for “newbies” to the Mac world or those who are upgrading, finding information to help use their machine is a nice idea. Books abound with ideas how to use computers in many ways. But sometimes users want a book that has hardware, software and more in one book. That is where the book Macs for Dummies comes in handy for those looking for information on latest Mac models, the iLife software suite and more.

 

The author is the USAToday Personal technology columnist has written this book into six parts and 23 chapters. A nice introduction let’s us know that he is a relative newcomer to the Mac world but now uses his Mac/Apple computers for everyday work. So I really wanted to see how this book played out in terms of his experiences and ideas while using Macs.

 

Part 1 deals with chapters that start from the beginning and work from there. Desktop information, introduction to the different types of ports are laid out in free flowing fashion to give a better understanding of these essentials. Freebie programs and the Mac models are outlines and covered as well.

 

Part 2 gives a basic understanding of word processing, printing and the (Tiger) operating system.

 

Part 3 leads into all thing things Internet, getting connected, doing online research,shopping online, sending email and learning about .Mac online area.

Part 4 informs about the suite of software iLife which is free with your mac. Learn about the basics and using the six applications and some nice ideas, sound advice for starting your photo library, music, movies (If you want more in depth information about any of these applications, it is best to buy a book that goes more into depth with these applications).

 

There is then a nice section on using Intel based Mac with Windows XP on your Mac by using the software Bootcamp (which will be a feature in the new MacOS Leopard in the near future).

 

Part 5 has good and solid practical information concerning networking and diagnosing problems.

 

Part 6 is called the “Parts of Tens” and deals with great information on websites that may be useful, learning about dashboard widgets and more great ideas and information.

 

The last chapter (23) is entitled “10 things to leave you with” is well done. Some of the included ideas and information screen capture, remote madness, using speech recognition etc may be part of your Mac arsenal that you may or may not want to work with.

 

Along the way you will be aided by icons which introduce you to tips, warnings!, technical stuff and (things to) remember. There are some cute mac related cartoons that grace each section. The screenshots are bland and colorless but most are big enough to give the user a good sense on what is needed and helpful (there are no arrows or circles or other pointers within these screenshots for additional help however.

 

Conclusion

 

For the Mac beginner and those starting out, this book is a good starter. I can’t really say it is “ a reference for the rest of us.” It could be a good guide for many beginners and possible intermediates. This might be especially true for those who are using the Tiger operating system or have migrated from the PC world and/or want to utilize the free iLife suite of application software for photos, videography, music and more.