Newbee question (first of many though)

As soon as I can break through the initial intimidation I hope to begin learning Lightroom and cataloging my 15k+ images. Before I dive in though I'd like to begin with a handful of images and see how the program and my workflow (to be determined) will work. If I begin with an external flash drive and let's say 100 images just to learn a few things can I safely delete all traces and tracks of those images in the program before I begin my major work or is it advisable to simply uninstall the program then reinstall a fresh copy? Thanks. Looking forward to everyones help and generosity.
Andrew

Hi andyboy2. I believe your question is quite easily resolved. To remove a photo from the catalog, right click it in the film strip or grid view (in any module) This will bring up a series of choices, one of which is 'delete photo....' Clicking on this brings up a dialog box that gives you the choice of deleting the photo from disk (your hard drive) or just removing it from the catalog. Choose either the 'Delete from Disk' button for the 'Remove' button. (There is also a cancel button) Good Luck. LR is a lot to wrap your head around at first.

Similar Messages

I have 2 imac computers and here are my questions: first, how to I transfer the information from my contact directory from my old imac into my new imac and once the information is transfered how can I print it? Second: I have a large music collection in m

have 2 imac computers and here are my questions: first, how to I transfer the information from my contact directory from my old imac into my new imac? Once the information is transfered how can I print it? Second: I have a large music collection in my old Imac computer how do I transfer this information to my new computer? Also how can I share this information with other computers at home?

I think you may find helpful information here:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
The Knowledgebase article Intel-based Mac: Some migrated applications may need to be updated refers to methods of dealing with migrating from PowerPC chips to Intel with the Migration Assistant safely. The authors of this tip have not had a chance to verify this works in all instances, or that it avoids the 10.6.1 and earlier Guest Account bug that caused account information to get deleted upon use of the Migration/Setup Assistant. However, a well backed up source that includes at least two backups of all the data that are not connected to your machine will help you avoid potential issues, should they arise. In event it does not work, follow the steps below.
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3, G4, or G5 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
Screensavers written for the PowerPC System Preference add-ons
All Unsanity Haxies Browser and other plug-ins
Contextual Menu Items
Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5 Kernel extensions
Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior, TechTool Pro , SuperDuper , and Drive Genius work properly on Intel-Macs with Leopard. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries. Leopard Cache Cleaner, Onyx, TinkerTool System, and Cocktail are now compatible with Leopard.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
Intel In Macs
Apple Guide to Universal Applications
MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
Transferring data with Setup Assistant - Migration Assistant FAQ
Because Migration Assistant isn't the ideal way to migrate from PowerPC to Intel Macs, using Target Disk Mode, copying the critical contents to CD and DVD, an external hard drive, or networking will work better when moving from PowerPC to Intel Macs. The initial section below discusses Target Disk Mode. It is then followed by a section which discusses networking with Macs that lack Firewire.
If both computers support the use of Firewire then you can use the following instructions:
1. Repair the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.
2. Backup your data. This is vitally important in case you make a mistake or there's some other problem.
3. Connect a Firewire cable between your old Mac and your new Intel Mac.
4. Startup your old Mac in Transferring files between two computers using FireWire.
5. Startup your new Mac for the first time, go through the setup and registration screens, but do NOT migrate data over. Get to your desktop on the new Mac without migrating any new data over.
If you are not able to use a Firewire connection (for example you have a Late 2008 MacBook that only supports USB:)
1. Set up a local home network: Creating a small Ethernet Network.
2. If you have a MacBook Air or Late 2008 MacBook see the following:
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)- What to do if migration is unsuccessful;
MacBook Air- Migration Tips and Tricks;
MacBook Air- Remote Disc, Migration, or Remote Install Mac OS X and wireless 802.11n networks.
Copy the following items from your old Mac to the new Mac:
In your /Home/ folder: Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites folders.
In your /Home/Library/ folder:
/Home/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in /Home/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need including folders for any third-party applications)
/Home/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Preferences/ (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Calendars (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
If you want cookies:
/Home/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist /Home/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in /Home/Documents/Microsoft User Data Also in /Home/Library/Preferences/Microsoft.
Credit goes to Macjack for this information.
If you need to transfer data for other applications please ask the vendor or ask in the Discussions where specific applications store their data.
5. Once you have transferred what you need restart the new Mac and test to make sure the contents are there for each of the applications.
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.Revised 5/21/2011

I downloaded mountain lion for my macbook pro and i want to install it on my sisters' macbook air, my question is, how many times can i share my purchase?

i downloaded mountain lion for my macbook pro and i want to install it on my sisters' macbook air, my question is, how many times can i share my purchase?

Association of Associated Devices is subject to the following terms:
"You may auto-download Eligible Content or download previously-purchased Eligible Content from an Account on up to 10 Associated Devices, provided no more than 5 are iTunes-authorized computers."
That information is available here > iTUNES STORE - MAC APP STORE - TERMS AND CONDITIONS
If you re download Mountain Lion using your Apple ID on her Mac, your sister will need to use your Apple ID and password to install and update apps.

Trying to open Premiere elements 12 for the first time even though I had it loaded for a while. It gives me a message that I need to be connected to the internet (which I am) or that my clock is off (it is correct). Any suggestions?

Trying to open Premiere elements 12 for the first time even though I had it loaded for a while. It gives me a message that I need to be connected to the internet (which I am) or that my clock is off (it is correct). Any suggestions?

First we need to check , whether the LAN settings is set to detect settings Automatically or not.
Follow below steps .
1)Open Control Panel and then click on the option "Network and Internet" .
2)Click on Internet options, click on 'Connections' tab.
3)In the 'Connections' tab, select 'LAN' settings, you will be able to view the Local area network settings box.
4)Check the box-"Automatically Detect Settings" and then "uncheck" all the other check boxes like 'Use automatic configuration script', 'Use a proxy server' , Bypass proxy server' ,then click on ok button .
5)Click on "LAN settings" button again , make sure "Automatically Detect Settings" is the only option selected, keep the LAN properties window open.
Then launch Premiere Elements 12 and try to sign in.
If the settings were already set like that or you face same issue after signing in , let me know

How to reset security questions after to many attempts and support is closed

how to reset security question after to many attemptd and support is closed

Unless you're desperate, wait until you can reach Apple's Account Security team.
(118978)

Hi everybody, I have 3 questions, first: Can we buy original LCD from Apple? Second: Where can my earphone can be repair(iPhone 4s) ? third: Where can my mute button can be repair ? Thanks for your answer !

Hi everybody, I have 3 questions, first: Can we buy original LCD from Apple? Second: Where can my earphone can be repair(iPhone 4s) ? third: Where can my mute button can be repair ? Thanks for your answer !

If out of warranty and mechanically inclined, you can get parts and how-to at www.ifixit.com.
The 4 Series are relatively easy to open and service, I've replaced batteries on two 4s. The 5 Series are a nightmare.

What do i do if my account was locked for answering the security questions wrong too many times?

what do i do if my account was locked for answering the security questions wrong too many times?

Apple ID security issues -
Call Apple Care and ask for the Account Security Team. They can assist you with your issue.

Using SPAM/SAINT for the first time (Many doubts and questions)

Hi all,
I'm newbie using SPAM/SAINT and SOLMAN.
I've mande a maintenance optimizer task for the SOLMAN system here in the company.
My actual installed components are:
SAP_ABA     700     0012     SAPKA70012     Cross-Application Component
SAP_BASIS     700     0012     SAPKB70012     SAP Basis Component
PI_BASIS     2005_1_700     0012     SAPKIPYJ7C     PI_BASIS 2005_1_700
ST-PI     2005_1_700     0006     SAPKITLQI6     SAP Solution Tools Plug-In
SAP_BW     700     0013     SAPKW70013     SAP NetWeaver BI 7.0
SAP_AP     700     0010     SAPKNA7010     SAP Application Platform
BBPCRM     500     0009     SAPKU50009     BBPCRM
BI_CONT     703     0005     SAPKIBIIP5     Business Intelligence Content
CPRXRPM     400     0009     SAPK-40009INCPRXRPM     SAP xRPM/cProjects/cFolders 4.00 (ABAP)
ST     400     0012     SAPKITL422     SAP Solution Manager Tool
ST-A/PI     01J_CRM500     0000     -     Application Servicetools for CRM 500 / 5
ST-ICO     150_700     0009     SAPK-15079INSTPL     SAP Solution Manager Implementation Cont
ST-SER     700_2007_1     0001     SAPKITLOM1     SAP Solution Manager Service Tools
I've made the search and found a lot of info.
Some kernel updates (I386 on my case), and my first question is: "How do I update this? Is it safe to be the first thing to be done?" Is it only copy to the Run directory (usr\sap\<SID>\SYS\exe\run)?
Also a component BC-FES-IGS has some updates, but I don't know what is this and how to update. (it says: Installation for SAP IGS integrated in SAP Kernel igsexe_16-10003071.sar)
All the rest (SAPK* files), seems to be normal patches that is possible to use spam to update them. Correct?
How to use SPAM/SAINT? What is used in one time, and on others? Do they do the same?
Regards,
Pedro
Edited by: Pedro Taveira on Aug 17, 2010 5:20 PM

Hi Pedro,
Some kernel updates (I386 on my case), and my first question is: "How do I update this? Is it safe to be the first thing to be done?" Is it only copy to the Run directory (usr\sap\<SID>\SYS\exe\run)?
As SolMan is a dual stack machine, you can use JSPM to update the kernel. Another way is to extract the Kernel SAR files into the exe\run directory. It is a best practice to update the kernel before the support packages. Take a backup of the existing exe directories before you update the kernel and also pay good attention while downloading the kernel. you need to take care while choosing the correct version of the kernel (either 32 bit or 64 bit and ITANIUM or XEON). If you choose the wrong kernel, then ur SAP system will not come up.
Also a component BC-FES-IGS has some updates, but I don't know what is this and how to update. (it says: Installation for SAP IGS integrated in SAP Kernel igsexe_16-10003071.sar)
Extract the IGS SAR also along with teh kernel files.
All the rest (SAPK* files), seems to be normal patches that is possible to use spam to update them. Correct?
Yes!!! You may have to update the latest SPAM/SAINT (SAPKD700*) before updating the SP's.
How to use SPAM/SAINT? What is used in one time, and on others? Do they do the same?
Support Packs can be updated using SPAM and the add-on upgrades has to be done using SAINT.
Regards,
Varadharajan M

IIf Expression: The first of many questions. Thank you in advance.

One of the situations I am in need of assistance with is the following "IIf" statement:
=IIf([Check36]=Off,10,0) The expression is located in a field [LateFee].
When, [Check36], is Off, $10.00 is displayed, if On then $0.00 is displayed.
I have come to conclusion that this statement is correct and functional, although, it is not complete to my necessity.
I'm wanting to include another action to the expression:
=IIf([Check36]=off >=11th Day of any month then,10,0)
In effect, what I would like to express is that if the Check Box [Check36] is Off any Day of the Month > = to the 11th Day, then the [LateFee] will display 10,0
Pardon the inquisition, although, I've really caught the bug and I would like to locate the correct answer.
Jason

You don't need '=Off'. A check box control has a value of a Boolean TRUE or FALSE, so simply reference the control by name:
=IIf([Check36] And Day(Date())>10 And Time() > #12:00#,10,0)
This will return 10 if the value of the check box is TRUE and the current date is after the 10th of the month, zero otherwise. You can see how it works in the debug window today, 6th march at 12:50 PM with:
Check36 = TRUE
? IIf(Check36 And Day(Date())>10 And Time() > #12:00#,10,0)
0
If we change the expression so that the relevant date is after 5th of the current month, yesterday as of now, we get 10:
? IIf(Check36 And Day(Date())>5 And Time() > #12:00#,10,0)
10
If we change the Boolean value to FALSE:
Check36 = FALSE
we now get zero:
? IIf(Check36 And Day(Date())>5 And Time() > #12:00#,10,0)
0
Is this what you are aiming at?
However, I'd recommend that you don't accept the default name like Check36 which Access gives to a control when you add it to form, but change it to some meaningful such as chkLatePayment. Always do this immediately on adding a control to a form, not
after you've inserted any code in one f the control's event procedures. If you change the name afterwards the link between the control and the event procedure will be broken.
Ken Sheridan, Stafford, England

How to play a DVD in QuickTime first of many questions

Hi, can someone please explain how to play a movie from DVD in QuickTime.
I go to "Ablage" (don't know english word for that) -> open file -> klick on some *.VOB and klick play. But the Movie is very slow and I have no sound.

I also can open *.VOBs from my HD with QuickTime and convert them. They just have no sound and also I can't trimm them in QuickTime.
Since you already have the MPEG2 component, recommend you simply download the free MPEG Streamclip application. It can also load/convert single VOB or entire Title VOB series and allows you to trim, adjust volume, brightness, contrast, and/or saturation levels as well. Quite a handy application whether used alone or in conjunction with QT Pro filters and/or preset options.

I am going to buy a new external hard drive and have some questions first

Although I asked this question several years ago, I would like to ask it again, just if in case technology in general or external hard drives in particular have changed in any significant ways.
I need to replace a 1 terabyte LaCie external hard drive that died on me after a few years.
1. I am afraid of buying another LaCie. What other brands are reliable? I heard that Western Digital is. Also another brand beginnibg with S (so helpful, I know).
2. Do I have to look for a drive that is MAC FORMATTED? I vaguely recall this term from years ago. I also remember another term that I was to look out for, but I don't remember what it was. Something like ”chronicled“ but obviously not that.
3. Should I get more than 1 terabyte? Right now I have an old, old 125 gigabyte LaCie that still lives, but it is so small that it is almost nothing
4. What do you think about buying external hard drives fron Costco as opposed to from the Apple Store?
~L

Ziatron, you wrote ”All you do is open the enclosure and the hard drive plugs in. (done.)“ What enclosure?
This is the enclosure I like, it needs a hard drive to work : http://www.cooldrives.com/ox93saiihadr.html
But there are many others.
looking at my two dead laCie ext. hard drives and they don't have ”enclosures.“ Just holes in the back to receive the cables.
A hard drive enclosure is a box or case the actual hard drive goes into. Look at the images in the link above. You can see what is inside.
This hard drive goes inside the above cool drive enclosure: http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Intellipower-Desktop-WD20EADS/dp/B001RB1TI S/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258862242&sr=8-1
You recommended getting a hard drive with a Firewire connection, but most of the hard drives have USB.
Well maybe, the better drives are Firewire.
Should that matter to me?
Yes, Firewire is "isochronous", basically meaning that you can pump "clocked" data though it in real time. USB works more like TCPIP, with the data chopped up into packets and later reassembled. (Thus, at a minimum, you have latency, that is, the wait for the data to be "put back together".) Second, the Firewire protocol allows more direct address to memory (including mass storage) with minimal intervention of the CPU.
Is USB a whole lot slower than Firewire if I am transferring materials?
Firewire is faster and _more reliable._
Take a look at the link below, "Build Your Own External Hard Drive". The enclosure I like is easier to use.
http://www.harmony-central.com/articles/tips/hard_drive/
http://macs.about.com/od/diyguidesprojects/ss/externalhdcase.htm
Also you need a Mac Pro to use eSATA, with a iMac use the Firewire port.

Just got ext HD and want to use Time Machine; questions first

I finally purchased an ext. HD with enough capacity to actually start using TM. My question is, the main reason for getting it was to back up media, mainly videos and such, things that I'd have quick access to. So, my question is, is okay to partition the drive? And if so, about how much should I allot to it? The drive is an Iomega ego and is 320GB. My iMac is a 250 GB HD with only about 100 GB's used.
Also, when I first plugged in the Iomega, it automatically took me to a Time Machine screen asking me if I wanted to use this drive for TM. I guess it's formatted for mac right out of the box. Should I click yes on this? Will it allow me to format after the fact? OR, do I need to hit "cancel" and then go into Disk Utility and set up my partition?
Many thanks. I know this is probably pretty rudimentary, but it's my first time using Time Machine.

Yes it's OK to partition a backup drive in order to use part of it for storage and the other part for TM backups. But your external drive is not large enough for both. A TM backup volume should be at least twice the capacity of the drive it backs up. In your case that means the TM volume should be at least 500 GBs to back up a 250 GB drive (it's really less important how much space is currently used then how much space could eventually be used.)
If I were you I would get a second larger external drive for TM backups. Or adopt a different backup strategy that does not involve using TM such as a simple cloned backup that you update periodically with backup software. This would only require a 250 GB volume on your external drive leaving about 70 GBs of a storage partition.
For backups you could use one of the following:
Backup Software Recommendations
1. Retrospect Desktop (Commercial)
2. Synchronize! Pro X (Commercial)
3. Synk (Backup, Standard, or Pro)
4. Deja Vu (Shareware)
5. Carbon Copy Cloner (Donationware)
6. SuperDuper! (Commercial)
7. Intego Personal Backup (Commercial)
8. Data Backup (Commercial)
9. SilverKeeper 2.0 (Freeware)
10. MimMac (Commercial)
11. Tri-Backup (Commercial)
Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files.

How do I reset my iTunes when I have answered security questions wrong too many times. It says I am locked and I need to reset but not how to do it.

I am not sure what my kids have done but after several attempts it says I am putting in the wrong answers to my security questions and now has locked it. It says I need to reset but no clue how to.....can anyone help

Hello Racheljez,
I would be concerned too if I was not able to access my Apple ID. I found some resources that I think will help.
First, I recommend reviewing the following article for steps in resetting and updating your password to gain access to your account:
Apple ID: "This Apple ID has been disabled for security reasons" alert appears
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2446
If you are not able to gain access to your account after following the steps in that article, I recommend using the following link for additional assistance in accessing your Apple ID:
Apple ID: Contacting Apple for help with Apple ID account security
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5699
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Sheila M.

Thinking about getting a new macbook pro, just a few questions first --

Hey guys,
I've been a mac user for about 5 years now and I love them. I've had a white 2.0 c2d macbook for about a year now. I primarily used this macbook for work, and my PC desktop for occasional games. I was thinking about getting a mac pro to do some gaming since my PC desktop broke about 2 months ago, but recently I've been getting more expenses so my wallet has grown thinner. So now I don't really have enough cash to get the mac pro. I also can't sell the macbook for a mac pro because I need something mobile for work. What I can do though is sell my macbook and get a macbook pro.
My question to you guys is, how do you like your macbook pro as a desktop replacement? I have a dell 2407-HC monitor as well to use with it. Does it game well over boot camp? I know cider hasn't yielded good performance, so please stick to bootcamp reviews. I'm not looking at anything really really intense, as I don't really have time to do as much gaming as I used to, but it'd be nice if it could run the orange box (mostly team fortress 2), dawn of war dark crusade, assassin's creed (when it comes out), and possibly the warhammer online mmo or age of conan mmo.
The other question is whether or not I should wait for a new one. Macrumors says that it's been about 150 days, and the macbook pros are updated every 180 days or so. I've already waited a few months since my desktop broke to see if the mac pro was going to be updated for penryn, but now the situation has changed, and now it looks like I might have to wait if I want a macbook pro. So, to wait or not to wait?
Any other opinions are welcome as well. Thanks.
Message was edited by: logisticprism1

leonhart1981
What's the beneift of buying 2.6GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 instead of 2.3GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7?
Benefit of the QUAD core and the BASE UNIT 13" is extra cores for "heavy" photo and video editing and dedicated graphics
On 95% of things you wouldnt notice a difference, web viewing, typing, youtube, etc. Simple APPS
http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/specs-retina/
The 2.6 is DUAL CORE, not quad core.
On the top model:
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB of GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics switching
There are lots of new reviews of the new late 2013 Retina macbook Pro including DETAILED SPECS on speed diff. between
Reviews of the new Retina 2013 Macbook Pro
13”
Digital Trends (13") - http://www.digitaltrends.com/laptop-...h-2013-review/
LaptopMag (13") - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lap...play-2013.aspx
Engadget (13") - http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/29/m...-13-inch-2013/
The Verge (13") - http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5...ay-review-2013
CNet (13") - http://www.cnet.com/laptops/apple-ma...-35831098.html
15”
The Verge (15") - http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/24/5...w-15-inch-2013
LaptopMag (15") - http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lap...inch-2013.aspx
TechCrunch (15") - http://techcrunch.com/2013/10/25/lat...ok-pro-review/
CNet (15") - http://www.cnet.com/apple-macbook-pro-with-retina-2013/
PC Mag (15") - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2426359,00.asp
Arstechnica (15") - http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/10...-pro-reviewed/
Slashgear (15") - http://www.slashgear.com/macbook-pro...2013-26303163/
The best pragmatic review of the new Retina Pro is:
http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5044874/13-inch-macbook-pro-with-retina-displ ay-review-2013
Happy Halloween

Want to switch from PC to MAC but have a few questions first.

Hi
It's time for me to upgrade my old computer and I am seriously considering switching over to a Mac but I have a few compatibility concerns that I would like to address before making my final decision.
I use my PC for business and regularly use Excel, Word and CorelDraw. I have numerous documents that I have created using these programmes. I was wondering firstly if I will have any problems loading CorelDraw onto the Mac and then will I find that I cannot open some of my old documents?
I also have several other programmes that I have downloaded from the internet (for a fee) such as SiteStudio6 and I also have a webpage hosted by Windows Hosting. Will they by usable by the Mac or will I have to download them again for the Mac version (and presumably pay for them again)?
Many thanks
Nicole

So if I understand correctly, I can use my Windows CD to load Windows onto the Mac and continue using Corel Draw and Site Studio 6 that way.
It may need to be a retail Windows disc (the type that is sold separately) to do a fresh installation onto a virtual machine. If it's the type that comes with the PC, it often only works on that PC. But yes, that's the way it works. And as I mentioned, VMware Fusion has a feature that imports your current Windows installation from an existing real PC, so if you use that feature, you would not need to reinstall Windows or those apps. I'm not sure if Parallels has that feature. VMware Fusion is $70; Parallels Desktop is $80. Those are retail prices, so look for specials.
I won't have any difficulty with my Word and Excel documents - Mac should be able to open them using one of its programmes. But do I have to purchase the Mac equivalent of MS Office or is it pre-installed?
If you want Microsoft Office, you have to purchase it separately. There are different versions from the +Home and Student+ edition, to the business edition. iWork, which is Apple's office suite, can open typical office documents; you can download a trial version (it may be pre-installed) that is good for 30 days, so you can see if it will work for you. Even the built-in TextEdit app can open basic Word documents. iWork '09 is $79 retail (you can probably find it for less), which is less than any of the Office editions.
I currently use Outlook to receive mail from my Windows Live Mail account. Is the Mac equivalent of Outlook bundled with the machine and can I import Windows Live Mail into it?
Office for Mac includes Entourage, which is Microsoft's Mac equivalent of Outlook, although it is not exactly the same. I don't know how it would work with "Windows Live Mail." The next version of Office for Mac is supposed to have Outlook. The built-in Mac OS X email program is called Mail. It can connect to standard POP or IMAP email services. Again, I don't know enough about "Windows Live Mail" or "Windows Professional Hosting" to know how it would work with it. If it uses Exchange, Snow Leopard has built-in support for Exchange.
It's a big decision as I doubt I will be able to purchase another computer for at least another 5 years or so
You should probably buy AppleCare with the Mac. Then you are protected against failure due to manufacturing defects for a total of three years. You also get phone tech support from Apple for those three years. The standard warranty is for one year, with 90 days of free phone tech support.
And keep in mind that current Macs are Intel PCs. Some say Intel Macs run Windows better that most "real" Windows PCs. At worst, if you cannot find a Mac solution that is acceptable, you can keep using your current Windows solution. And since you seem to be a creative professional, your actual work will be on what is usually the platform of choice for the creative types.

Newbee question (first of many though)

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