New Macbook Pro owner, just a few questions?

I just bought my Macbook pro around a month ago, I just had a few questions since this is my first Apple computer.
1. My screen often gets smuges on it, any suggestions on what to use to clean the screen without damaging?
2. I have a PC that I rarely ever turned off, anyone know whether or not it would be more beneficial to shut down the laptop everynight or keep it running?
3. Do you suggest keeping up with all of the software updates that become available?
4. Can I watch DVDs and Blu-ray movies on this laptop? are they able to be saved?
5. Any other tips / suggestions would be great! Like I've said, this is my first apple computer, after a month I am still trying to get used to it.
Thanks!

1. In MacBook: Care, Use, and Safety Information, Apple says:
Dampen a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or paper with water only and wipe the screen. Do not spray liquid directly on the screen.
That's what I do. Microfiber cloths are so effective at removing fingerprints and grime that they can sometimes do it without water, but a little water helps microfiber cloths a lot. Because of the way microfiber cloths work, chemicals are rarely needed. Apple warns against using "aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives" because your screen has coatings that can be scratched or eaten away by the wrong chemicals. iKlear products are safe, but they cost significantly more than cloths and water.
2. I am also one of the many Mac users who rarely shut down or reboot their MacBook Pro. My friends and I routinely go weeks without rebooting, we just close the lid at night and it sleeps. This is great because it allows the Mac to be instant-on: open the lid and all your open apps and documents are where you left them, with zero startup time.
Part of the reason for being able to run for long periods of time is that OS X is based on Unix, which was originally written as an operating system for servers, which require stability during 24/7 operation and long uptimes between reboots.
3. It is best to keep up with all security updates that become available, since they are about security. After that, you can install other available updates whenever you want. If you don't want to be updating all the time just wait until you want to click the Update button, like maybe updating only on the weekends if you want.
4. If your MacBook Pro has an internal optical drive it will play DVDs. No Macs play Blu-ray Discs unless they have an extra cost drive and third-party software. You can rip DVDs using software like Mac DVDRipper Pro; I use that and then I run them through HandBrake (popular on Mac and Windows) to convert for my phone, tablet, and Plex for my TV.
5. In general Macs don't need a lot of maintenance because many maintenance routines that used to be manual have been built into the normal operation of the system.

Similar Messages

I have a new macbook pro and just made a video on imovie and it asked me to put it on idvd but there is no idvd listed as an option. How can I get idvd?

I have a new macbook pro and just made a video on imovie and it asked me to put it on idvd but there is no idvd listed as an option. How can i get idvd. it doesn't seem available

Since Apple has stopped supporting and offering iDVD you'll need to purchase the iLIfe 11 disk from a 3rd party retailer like Amazon.com: iLife 11 which will include iDVD 7.
OT

My new macbook pro 13" just died and i can not turn it on. When i connect the power cort it also does nor charge. No light is commong on. I was working on battery power when it died and the battery was fully charged. What is the problem?

My new macbook pro 13" just died and i can not turn it on. When i connect the power cort it also does nor charge. No light is commong on. I was working on battery power when it died and the battery was fully charged. What is the problem?

Take it back to the Apple Store for repair since it's still in warranty.

Hi all, i just bought the new macbook pro and just want to know if i can install Vista or Xp on it?

Hi all, i just bought the new macbook pro and just want to know if i can install Vista or Xp on it?

Yes.
Windows on Intel Macs
There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
1. Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak2, Vista, or Windows 7. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
2. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
3. VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
4. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
5. VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris. It is not as fully developed for the Mac as Parallels and VM Fusion.
Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system.
See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion. Boot Camp is only available with Leopard or Snow Leopard. Except for Crossover and a couple of similar alternatives like DarWine you must have a valid installer disc for Windows. You must also have an internal optical drive for installing Windows. Windows cannot be installed from an external optical drive.

Questions from a new MacBook Pro owner

Hey everyone! Just a few questions.
1. My friend has his Mac set up so when you double click the top of a window, it minimizes. How do I set this up?
2. Can I mak Safari (and other windows) fit the whole screen, so there isn't black bars on the sides?
Thanks! I'll probably have more questions later.

I will try to answer your questions:
1. Go to system preference --> appearance --> then you will see an option to double click title bar to minimize.
2. You can drag the window to maximize safari and it should "learn" this preference though I have a bookmark titled resize that I click on that maximizes my window. If you add a book mark and make the address this: javascript:self.moveTo(0,0);self.resizeTo(screen.availWidth,screen.availHeight) ;

I am a new Macbook Pro user (just the 13" baby). I have an external DVD drive and would like to load onto my Mac and then onto my iPad - how do I do this?

I am a new MacBook Pro user - actually totally new to the Mac goodies and am having a bit of trouble sorting out how to get a DVD from my external DVD player onto the Mac and then onto my iPad (I travel a lot!). I have been a windows user for many years and am still trying to learn all the bits and pieces. I have VLC on this - don't have any trouble playing a DvD, just don't know how to do the rest i.e. rip it, change to an MP4 and get it onto my other device. Please help! You are more than likely to see many more "how do I do this" on here!

program called MDRP to rip it...... then use Wondershare to convert it, also Iskysoft video converter is an option.
You dont have to put it ON the Ipad, once on the Mac, you can Stream it wifi to the Ipad using the $2 program called VLC STREAMER (not VLC, but streamer made by VLC),.... best APP for your Ipad to stream videos from your MAC to your Ipad.
A direct DVD to MP4 converter : http://www.xilisoft.com/dvd-to-mp4-converter-mac.html

I'm thinking about buying the new Macbook but I have a few questions.

Alright, so I've never owned any kind of Mac computer, ever. I'm seriously thinking about switching to Mac, and buying the new Aluminum Macbook.
I'm going to start school in the fall of 09 for Music Production.
I know that Mac's are good for Video editing and etc...but are they good for Music Production?
Would you guys recommend that I buy the new Macbook?
How is the new trackpad? Is it easy to get use to?
Can I still use a Mouse with the new Macbooks?
I have yet to see anyone use a Mouse with their new Mac.
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
-Thanks
Message was edited by: jayjay24

jayjay24 wrote:
Alright, so I've never owned any kind of Mac computer, ever. I'm seriously thinking about switching to Mac, and buying the new Aluminum Macbook.
I'm going to start school in the fall of 09 for Music Production.
Good. Work hard and save up. Your buying window has yet to open.
I know that Mac's are good for Video editing and etc...but are they good for Music Production?
State-of-the-art. Period.
Would you guys recommend that I buy the new Macbook?
Not yet. The product line, yes. But wait until late spring, when you'll be targeted by Apple directly. By then the MacBook line oughta be completely refreshed. Everybody is waiting for a Unibody successor to [_*this model.*_|http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/17-inch> Chances are, if you're pockets aren't that deep, you could buy the current model at whatever point it becomes discounted. That decision won't come till Spring.
Simply put, if your dream is capturing that once-in-a-lifetime session or live performance from that great new artist you're producing, you want some screen space to run the hi-end software on the road. And so you will not need a desktop Mac for audio. The MacBook Pro does that job with plenty of power to spare. If you're a sound designer/composer, you need more processing power. Same for HD video or animation (like Pixar). So those folks need the desktop machine with the multi-core processing. Zoom!
But you can still plug in an external display when you're in workstation mode on the MacBook.
You'll also need to get good mics and a FireWire "mixer" to outfit yourself fully and go record. So save now!
How is the new trackpad? Is it easy to get used to?
Pretty much. Go to your nearby Apple Store and check it out.
Can I still use a Mouse with the new Macbooks?
Sure! Only one question: Wired or not?
I have yet to see anyone use a Mouse with their new Mac.
LOL! We have a copy of the "free limited edition" MacWorld New York 2000 Pro Mouse (1-button!) that hooks up to our MB AL in workstation mode. I'll have to record some video of it now . . .
Your help would be greatly appreciated!
-Thanks
More to come. Save now, study and work hard. Don't get too excited too soon! You'll be glad you did.
''86

New MacBook Pro - user name and password question

Okay, I am fired up. I just opened my brand new MacBook Pro 15.4". I purchased it from MacMall and had them install Parallels (I use one program that is Windows only) and Office:mac 2008 Special Media Edition.
Since MacMall installed Office and Parallels (and then Windows XP Pro) they initially set up the user name and password for my MacBook Pro. The user name is simply "user" and there is no password. How can I go back and reset the user name and password at the system level?
BTW, this is my first Mac in 15 years! My firm uses all Windows based machines . . . except me now!
Message was edited by: J Perry

It is possible to either change the account's name, or create a new account. The first (changing the username), does NOT fully change the name. A version of your name (called the short name) remains unchanged.
Therefore, I recommend creating a NEW account. The procedure...
1) In the Apple menu, select "System Preferences".
2) Click "Accounts"
3) If locked, click the lock (lower-left corner) and login (guarantees you are the authorized person).
4) Click "+" to create a new account.
5) Assuming you want to be the administrator of your computer, setup the NEW ACCOUNT as "Administrator".
6) Enter your desired username.
7) Enter your desired shortname (can be the same, but no spaces and all lowercase).
8) Enter your desired password.
9) Click "Create Account".
However, the computer is still configured to automatically login the user "user" at startup. You can change this at the "Accounts" pane of "System Preferences" as well. Proceed...
10) Click "Login Option"
11) Change AUTOMATIC LOGIN to either "Disabled" or your new username (your choice).

I have a new macbook pro and just installed latest firefox. The problems is i can't seem to disable the tabs from appearing each time i restart firefox. I did uncheck every box in the peferences tab menu, still can't stop the tabs from appearing.

New Macbook pro with lion
Firefox 10.0

Hi dcast01,
Are you saying that it restores your old tabs when you restart? Have you looked at ''Preferences > General'' to see if Firefox is set to restore your tabs from the last session? You should change it to ''When Firefox Starts: Show my home page''.
Or is your issue that you keep seeing the tab that says "welcome to firefox" when you start the browser? If that's the case, you should look at [https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firefox+has+just+updated+tab+shows+each+time+you+start+Firefox this article about that specific issue] and the article [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Preferences_not_saved Preferences not saved]. These should give you all the information you need!
If that doesn't work:
# Type about:config in the address bar
# Click ''I'll be careful, I promise'' if prompted
# In the Filter input field type ''startup''
# Double click on startup.homepage_override_url
# Delete the text string and click ''OK''
# Close Firefox and reopen the window to verify that it has worked.
Hopefully this helps!

New MacBook Pro Owner Stupid Questions :0)

Hello Mac Experts,
Just opened my new 15" MacBook Pro and I am in Awe of this machine!! My first Mac!!
Former PC Owner my whole life..Must have owned 12 or more Dells..Got SICK of Vista!!
I have a quick couple of simple dumb questions I hope you Experts can help with:
1) My new windows i open in Safari are not full size/screen and I cant seem to get them full screen?
2) I need to transfer my Itunes Library that would be to large for my Iphone to carry over
any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your help!! This Laptop is a SWEET RIDE Mac for Life!

Hi Richie,
these two have helped me a lot making the transition:
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/
http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/
And this for your question no. 2: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2518
Have fun
Stefan

I just got a new macbook pro and I had a question about sleep vs off.

When do you turn it off? i hear from alot of people that they never turn it off, rather they keep it on sleep mode, even overnight. What os the best for your macbook?

One of the reasons that people just sleep it is that OS X is based on the Unix operating system, which was designed for servers, which means the OS was designed to be run 24/7. It has no problem with not being shut down in weeks.
And in fact that's how I run my Macs. They stay up for weeks, sleeping at night, often they are only restarted if a software update requires it.
Avoiding a full shutdown has many practical benefits too. You can leave many apps and documents open when you sleep it, and when you wake it, all your work and logins are already open and waiting for you.
In other words, taking advantage of sleep means you have an "instant-on" computer. You don't need to care how long it takes a computer to boot up, if you hardly ever boot up, and if your own wake-to-work time is basically one or two seconds with no need to re-open anything.
I and many other Mac users have successfully used sleep-only habits during extended travel. At least a couple times I have left on a trip, carried my MacBook Pro on a plane, across continents and oceans, and trains and buses and walking, and all the way back home, in a single OS X uptime session, never restarting or shutting it down at all. (Although sleeping it during transport, of course.)

Messed with user acct name & now can't use new MacBook Pro I just received!

I ordered a MacBook Pro 17" i5 for my sister off eBay that was only about 2 months old and seemed brand new. When it arrived this week I charged it up and then began tweaking the prefs and parameters for her, including some custom things and attempting to set up personal accounts for both of us. Since it was not brand new I didn't have to go thru the usual welcome & set-up process. The seller had a generic name "macuser" as the sole user account with no password. When I went to set up the user accounts in the system prefs pane, I foolishly changed the user name from "macuser" to my chosen personal name. It confirmed all was changed successfully, but upon logging out and then attempting to restart it just hangs on the gray apple startup screen indefinitely. In hindsight, I realize I should've created a new user name and then logged in under that and only then deleted the original "macuser" name (although I'm not sure why it let me change the current one "successfully" if that was going to be an issue). I could've duplicated the user folder, named it what I wanted, then when I went to create the new account in system prefs it would ask me if I wanted to use that folder for the new name that it found.
The seller did not have or include any of the restore/install DVD's and I don't have a copy of Snow Leopard (still using Leopard on my MacBook Pro 15") to boot it up with. I'm sure it has to do with directory issues and the system now confused by the new user name created from the old one in this unclean, sloppy way. I tried rebooting in "safe mode" but that is not working (progress bar but still hangs on gray startup screen). Then, I thought about hooking the two MB Pro's together via FireWire and booting the new one up in target disk mode. I was able to access the files this way, but obviously I couldn't change anything via the system prefs of the new MB Pro while in target disk mode. The only thing I could possibly think of was to change the user name on the home folder back to "macuser" in case the computer was looking for that. To be safe I even duplicated that folder and renamed the duplicate with the personal name I had first switched in the system prefs pane (causing this mess). I figured if it had two duplicate user folders, one with each name, I could cover my bases. It would recognize one at least, whichever it was looking for: the original I changed sloppily and/or the new one that I replaced it with and was now registered in system prefs. But unfortunately, that still didn't work.
I was supposed to deliver it and set her up this weekend, but the DVD copies the seller made upon my request were sent out yesterday and probably won't be here until next week. I even thought of logging in as "sudo" or root user, but everything I've read about that seems to indicate you must first set some parameters on the computer to do that before restarting, which of course I cannot access it to do. I'm in quite a pinch, so any ideas I have not thought of would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Apparently the seller gets these wholesale in bulk (maybe at a discount since they are not brand new but still under original warranty and show that they are only a few months old). He said "they didn't send him any this time", but yeah, At the very least I should've gotten those DVD's with it. Maybe I'll ask him or look into securing the originals from Apple.
So is there nothing I can do until I get the discs?

New MacBook Pro Owner ! WooHooo!!!!!!!!!

I just bought a brand new shiny MBP 2.0GHz 1GB RAM
No noise !!! Wheres the whine ??? Its a week 13 build and its SO ***** NICE !!!!!!! Yes its warm but I like warm things.....!!!
Wow !! I am amazed !!! What a sleek piece of kit !!!
GUYS !!! I am in the MBP Owners Club !!! LOVE IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!
So ONLY ONE QUESTION: Do I need the firmware update ?
Next stop: BOOT CAMP !!!! BRING IT ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since you don't hear the whine and you were specifically looking for it I want to ask a few questions if you don't mind.
1) Would you consider yourself to have good hearing, especially in the high frequency range?
2) Have you heard the whine before on a different MBP?
3) Have you tried unplugging the power adapter and opening/closing photobooth to see if there is any audible noise difference (even the slightest change).
I ask because I returned mine due to the noise and have been waiting to hear some more positive reports on the whine issue. I really want to buy it again but I'm nervous.
Mac OS X (10.4.6)

New Macbook Pro (15-inch) freeze few times daily

This is insane.....My new 15-inch Macbook Pro with Retina Display that I bought just 2 weeks ago freeze few times a day every single day. I did read about this known issue everywhere on internet, but having the laptop freeze few times every single day is another thing...maybe time to stay away from Apple product or what??????

Hardware Information:
          MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013)
          MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro11,3
          1 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7 CPU: 4 cores
          16 GB RAM
Video Information:
          Intel Iris Pro - VRAM: 1024 MB
          NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M - VRAM: 2048 MB
System Software:
          OS X 10.9.1 (13B3116) - Uptime: 0 days 0:3:26
Disk Information:
          APPLE SSD SM0512F disk0 : (500.28 GB)
                    EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB
                    Macintosh HD (disk0s2) /: 499.42 GB (409.41 GB free)
                    Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB
USB Information:
          Apple Internal Memory Card Reader
          Apple Inc. BRCM20702 Hub
                    Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
          Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
FireWire Information:
Thunderbolt Information:
          Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
Kernel Extensions:
          com.pgp.iokit.PGPwdeDriver          (1.2.0d1)
          com.sophos.nke.swi          (9.0.53 - SDK 10.8)
          com.pgp.iokit.PGPdiskDriver          (9)
          com.sophos.kext.sav          (9.0.53 - SDK 10.7)
          com.Symantec.kext.SAVAPComm          (11.0.6)
Startup Items:
          AltirisAgent: Path: /Library/StartupItems/AltirisAgent
          NortonMissedTasks: Path: /Library/StartupItems/NortonMissedTasks
          PGPDesktopWatcher: Path: /Library/StartupItems/PGPDesktopWatcher
          quest-owcimomd: Path: /Library/StartupItems/quest-owcimomd
          quest-qmxcmd: Path: /Library/StartupItems/quest-qmxcmd
          SMC: Path: /Library/StartupItems/SMC
          SymAutoProtect: Path: /Library/StartupItems/SymAutoProtect
          SymProtector: Path: /Library/StartupItems/SymProtector
Problem System Launch Daemons:
Problem System Launch Agents:
Launch Daemons:
          [loaded] BESAgentDaemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.anchorfree.ajaxserver.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.pgp.framework.PGPwde.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [failed] com.quest.rc.ipwatchd.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [failed] com.quest.vasd.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [failed] com.quest.vasgpd.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sharpcast.xfsmond.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.autoupdate.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.configuration.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.intercheck.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.managementagent.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.messagerouter.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.notification.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.scan.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.sxld.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.webd.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [failed] com.vmware.launchd.vmware.plist 3rd-Party support link
Launch Agents:
          [not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.sophos.uiserver.plist 3rd-Party support link
          [loaded] com.symantec.quickmenu.application.plist 3rd-Party support link
User Launch Agents:
User Login Items:
          iTunesHelper
Internet Plug-ins:
          o1dbrowserplugin: Version: 4.9.1.16010 3rd-Party support link
          Unity Web Player: Version: UnityPlayer version 4.2.0f4 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
          Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
          Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.3.6.5 3rd-Party support link
          net.juniper.DSSafariExtensions: Version: (null) 3rd-Party support link
          Silverlight: Version: 5.1.20913.0 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
          FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 11.9.900.170 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
          Flash Player: Version: 11.9.900.170 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
          QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
          googletalkbrowserplugin: Version: 4.9.1.16010 3rd-Party support link
          SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.6 3rd-Party support link
          npgtpo3dautoplugin: Version: 0.1.44.29 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
          JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Outdated! Update
Audio Plug-ins:
          BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9
          AirPlay: Version: 1.9 - SDK 10.9
          AppleAVBAudio: Version: 2.0.0 - SDK 10.9
          iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9
3rd Party Preference Panes:
          Flash Player 3rd-Party support link
          Flip4Mac WMV 3rd-Party support link
          FUSE for OS X (OSXFUSE) 3rd-Party support link
          SymAutoProtect
          Symantec\nQuickMenu 3rd-Party support link
Bad Fonts:
          None
Old Applications:
          Solver:          Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Office/Add-Ins/Solver.app
          SLLauncher:          Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Silverlight/OutOfBrowser/SLLauncher.app
          /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Office
                    Microsoft Graph:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Database Utility:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Office Reminders:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Upload Center:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    My Day:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    SyncServicesAgent:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Open XML for Excel:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Alerts Daemon:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Database Daemon:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Chart Converter:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Clip Gallery:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
          /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011
                    Microsoft PowerPoint:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Excel:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Outlook:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Word:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    Microsoft Document Connection:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
          Microsoft Language Register:          Version: 14.3.9 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    /Applications/Microsoft Office 2011/Additional Tools/Microsoft Language Register/Microsoft Language Register.app
          dynamiclinkmanager:          Version: 6.0.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Common/dynamiclink/CS6/dynamiclinkmanager.app
          Microsoft AutoUpdate:          Version: 2.3.6 - SDK 10.4 3rd-Party support link
                    /Library/Application Support/Microsoft/MAU2.0/Microsoft AutoUpdate.app
          dynamiclinkmediaserver:          Version: 6.0.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
                    /Library/Application Support/Adobe/Common/dynamiclinkmediaserver/1.0/dynamiclinkmediaserver.app
          Music Manager:          Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.5 3rd-Party support link
          Audacity:          Version: 2.0.4.0 - SDK 10.4 3rd-Party support link
Time Machine:
          Skip System Files: NO
          Auto backup: YES
          Volumes being backed up:
                    Macintosh HD: Disk size: 465.12 GB Disk used: 83.83 GB
          Destinations:
                    My Passport for Mac [Local] (Last used)
                    Total size: 931.16 GB
                    Total number of backups: 2
                    Oldest backup: 2014-01-04 22:53:56 +0000
                    Last backup: 2014-01-04 23:40:57 +0000
                    Size of backup disk: Adequate
                              Backup size 931.16 GB > (Disk used 83.83 GB X 3)
          Time Machine details may not be accurate.
          All volumes being backed up may not be listed.
Top Processes by CPU:
              96%          InterCheck
               2%          EtreCheck
               1%          WindowServer
               1%          BESAgent
               1%          hidd
Top Processes by Memory:
          557 MB          SymAutoProtect
          164 MB          Dock
          164 MB          Messages
          147 MB          InterCheck
          147 MB          SophosScanD
Virtual Memory Information:
          9.74 GB          Free RAM
          3.27 GB          Active RAM
          1.73 GB          Inactive RAM
          1.24 GB          Wired RAM
          476 MB          Page-ins
          0 B          Page-outs

Got a New MacBook!! (And a few questions)

Hello everyone...
I've finally switched to Mac! Well... I'm halfway in the process. Right now I'm typing this on my PC. I'm completely new to the world of Mac, and if you could help me with some questions I have, I'd really appreciate it!
1. How fast is the file transfer from a PC to a Mac (by a direct Ethernet Connection)? Is it like USB 2.0, or a little slower?
2. My MacBook came with the MagSafe Power Adapter, and another cable that the MacBook Tech Specs page calls "AC Wall Plug & Power Cord". What is this one for? Isn't the MagSafe the one I should use with my computer?
3. I'm concerned about battery lifespan, I want my battery to last as much as possible. The thing is, I'm not going to college until September (next year), and I probably won't need the battery power until then (right now, I don't need portability that much).
What's the best I can do to keep my battery condition like new? The supports articles I've read say that Li-Polymer batteries should go through at least one charge cycle per month. Is this the way I can maximize my battery lifespan? Or should I make it go through 2 charge cycles per month? Is there a better alternative?
Also, I've read that it's good to calibrate the battery (perform a full charge, then a full discharge) every 30 charge cycles or so. Has anyone here done it? How were your experiences?
4. Last but not least, I've read that the MacBook comes with a lot of programs already installed in the hard drive, and some people are saying that re-installing Mac OS X with the CDs provided in the box will give you disk space back for programs that you don't use. I've also read a little about this program: http://www.id-design.com/software/whatsize/ (I think it's freeware) that lets you do the same thing: claim hard disk space you're not using at all. How good is it? What's the best choice?
Also, can I uninstall demo programs included with my MacBook once they expire (like iWork '06 and Office 2004)? Can I use iWork '06 after the demo expires, or are there any limitations?
Well, thanks A LOT for reading this large thread. I hope you can help me out with my questions...
Black MacBook (1 GB RAM) Mac OS X (10.4.6) Got my new MacBook!

Hi and welcome to the Mac
1. It depends on the ethernet port of your PC. The Macbook has a gigabit capable port than can transfer as much as 100MB per second. If your PC also has one, then this is probably the fastest option.
Probably, your PC has only 100Mbit ethernet port, which allows you to transfer data at up to 10MB per second. In that case USB 2 will be a bit faster (even though you have to copy your data two times - once from the PC to the USB drive and once from the USB drive to you Mac).
2. The power cord can be used as an extension if you can't connect the power adapter directly. Just slide off the wall plug on the adapter and connect the cable. You can not connect it to the Macbook directly.
3. Not sure about that one. You should leave the battery installed though, because if it is removed the Macbook doesn't work correctly anymore (at least that's what I have heard, havn't tested it myself). The power connection to the battery is cut off as soon as it is charged, so it shouldn't be damaged, if you just leave it as it is. I have calibrated my battery when I got my Macbook (this made the capacity go up a bit) and should probably do so again soon. Maybe someone else can give you more tips.
4. It is true that you can save space by doing a clean insall, just because you can deselect those applications that you don't need. iDVD for example comes with a Gigabyte (or even more) Templates. GarageBand and all its loops and instruments take several Gigabytes. I don't know that particular program WhatSize, looks quite useful though. You can remove the demos (Microsoft Office, iWork, something else?) by just dragging their directories (in the Applications folder to the trash (and emptying it). Unless you buy a full license of the Demos, they stop working after a certain period of time. You won't be able to open them anymore. If you delete an application and later realize that you need it, you can always re-install it from the included CD/DVDs.
hope that helps

New Macbook Pro owner, just a few questions?

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