Tips for a new Macbook user

I will be getting a new Macbook on Friday. I have had my 500 Mhz iBook for 6 years and finally I am upgrading. Any tips from anybody regarding transfering data, maintainance, clearing out harddrive space, etc. I am not a newbie and do regular maintainance on my iBook. I use YASU and Monolingual. What else needs to be done? Thanks.
Thom

A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
System maintenance
Maintaining Mac OS X

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Tips for a NEW mac user

So this is my new thread that started at
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8165450#8165450
I just learned that I can use most any mouse that has right click on my newish iMac G4. It also helps to know that I can control click / control space for the same operation.
Just hooked up different mouse. It is nice to have the scroll wheel again also.
Any other advice...
Thanks

Hiya, and welcome to macintosh!
I converted from PC's 5 years ago and have not looked back. Apart from computer games, software for macs is generally nicer looking, more "malleable" (you can make more adjustments than on PC's) and OS X is a very stable Operating system indeed.
Tips? Well, I think, just explore! A good idea maybe a comprehensive book. I bought "Mac OS X Leopard in depth" which explores many aspects of Leopard, including what is "hiding underneath the nice interface".
Generally, don't be afraid to experiment on OS X. It is difficult to break. A great idea is to password your machine, as well as turning on the file vault:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=mac/10.5/en/8736.html
This will increase security. Also, with a passworded account, you think twice if a window pops up and asks you for your password (e.g. software installation). That way, you think before installing and corruption of the system is less likely.
Maybe THE most important step to remember is "good housekeeping", such as
1) run "disk utility" immediately prior to ANY software update (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1782)
2) If you are updating apple software, and it tells you "+you are not connected to an AC power source+" DO plug in your AC adapter (otherwise there are problems!)
3) To maximise you battery life look at the following: http://www.apple.com/batteries/notebooks.html
4) Apart from that, ENJOY!

I need some tips on transfering my LARGE itunes account from a pc external hardrive to time capsule for my new Macbook Air

I just purchased a Macbook Air that is being shipped as I type, What I am trying to do is swap all the info on my external hard drive that was used for my old pc ( includes pictures, music and very Large iTunes account ) to a 2Tb time capsule that I purchased to use to store all my info for the new Macbook Air that is coming, without downloading it to the Macbook Air first. Im not sure if its even possible to do but any help is greatly appreciated. This is my first Mac and I just want to make this transfer smooth and fast. Also looking to make all future purchases from iTunes go directly to time capsule.

i think you will need to use a computer somewhere in the process
you could try putting Mac OS on the hard drive with the files on, and then booting from the hard drive

Is an anti-virus needed for a new macbook pro?

Is an anti-virus needed for a new macbook pro with retina display?

1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
If you find this comment too long or too technical, read only sections 5, 6, and 10.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
For the reasons given above, App Store products, and other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. OS X security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what is trustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
Software that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube "downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
Even signed applications, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.
Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself from malware.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. Any database of known threats is always going to be out of date. Most of the danger is from unknown threats. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free anti-virus products in the Mac App Store — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
8. An anti-malware product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
An anti-virus app is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
Anti-virus software may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use the software unless a network administrator requires you to do it.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
10. As a Mac user you don't have to live in fear that your computer is going to be infected every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have the false idea that you will always be safe, no matter what you do. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

How do I remove them from my itunes account as authorized accounts for my new macbook iphone and ipad to use? I CANNOT access them can i call you? also if i have an old itunes account on another email

help 4 of my authorized computers crashed or are gone how do I remove them from my itunes account as authorized accounts for my new macbook iphone and ipad to use? I CANNOT access them can i call you?
also if i have an old itunes account on another email can i transfer those songs i still have access to both emails?
thank you

De-authorise all, then authorise the one you still have.

As a new MacBook user I plug in my USB Flash Drive but don't know how to access its contents. Please help. Thanks.

as a new MacBook user, when inserting my USB Flash Drive, I do not know how to access its contents. Please help. Thanks.

Open a new Finder window, Finder > File > New Finder Window, and it should appear on the left under Devices.
If you don't see it there, or to get it to show up on the Desktop: Finder > Preferences... General tab, check External disks to have it show on the Desktop, Or Sidebar tab, check External disks under DEVICES.

I migrated info from a hard drive to a new mac under time machine. It says I have shared files, but I don't see the old info on the new machine. Where do I look for it ? How do I make the old backup the base for my new macbook ?

I migrated info from a hard drive to a new mac under time machine. It says I have shared files, but I don't see the old info on the new machine. Where do I look for it ? How do I make the old backup the basis for my new macbook ?
The old OS was Mac X 10.5.8. I think the new one is 10.7.2 Lion.

Have a read here How do I set up a new Mac from an old one, its backups, or a PC?
Stefan

How do I download Windows 7 64 bit drivers for my new MacBook Air (Mid 2011) from a Windows 7 PC?

How do I download Windows 7 64 bit drivers for my new MacBook Air (Mid 2011)? I have already formated the HD and preformed a clean install of Windows 7. Perhaps I did this too early. I have read I need to install the drivers from my OS X DVD, however, OS X Lion does not come on a DVD! I've also read that I can download OS X Lion from the App Store and burn it to a DVD, however, all I have are Windows PCs which don't support the Mac App Store.
Is there no way for me to download these drivers from a Windows PC? I know they exist. However, you are supposed to download them through Boot Camp in OS X when you are creating a new Windows 7 installation. I'm I stuck?

I am pretty disappointed in the lack of documentation.
This is the Apple Support page for Boot Camp:
http://www.apple.com/support/bootcamp/
No mention anywhere of Lion, of 4.0/4.01
In the past, 10.6.6+ was suppose to - and sometimes did - provide for a download drivers from within Boot Camp Assistant program, in order to save them to flash or such (that should be about 1GB, too large for CD). Some macs req'd a USB-DVD or other driver that was needed pre-install of Winidows
You don't install Apple drivers until after Windows is installed otherwise,
It is possible for me, with a tower, to run w/o needing any drivers from Apple. But with laptops, mini, you do need some drivers from Apple for graphics, internet, wireless, SMC support.
And right now, loading any Apple support Tech Note articles is very very slow.
People keep asking why Apple can't post 3.0 or 4.0 like they do the updates. Only logic is to force t he download from inside OS X or from an OS X DVD. Otherwise would be here, and avoid all the trouble. they aren't of use on a PC, and any PC motherboard vendor does post their support software for download.
Apple Support Downloads #bootcamp

Where can I find a pdf writer for my new macbook air?

Where can I find a pdf writer for my new macbook air?

If you'd like to create a PDF from something rather than print, you can create a pdf from any print dialog.
ie. File > Print > click PDF button lower left > Save as PDF..

Where can I find an Owner's Manual for my new MacBook Pro?

Where can I find an Owner's Manual for my new MacBook Pro?

You should have gotten one w/your new MBP. If not, check out Apple - Support - Manuals & download the one for your model MBP.

Old Black Macbook for a New Macbook Pro?

about 5 or 6 months i got a black macbook and i have 3 years of warranty but the motherboard crashed on me out of the random so im just wondering can take my old black macbook for a new macbook pro and pay the difference?
Message was edited by: iloveska2

Apple will typically allow a return within 14 days of your purchase... which is basically what you would need to do if you wanted to make an exchange. You would basically return your old one and buy the new one. As the previous poster mentioned, at this point, you won't be able to achieve this working directly with Apple. As your machine is 5-6 months old, there is wear to consider... it is basically no longer a new machine. Apple stores are not equipped to "appraise" used machines.

I'd like to get an ebook reader for my new MacBook Air. Any suggestions???

I'd like to get an ebook reader for my new MacBook Air. Any suggestions???

like Kindle for Mac?

What windows do i buy for my new macbook pro

what windows do i buy for my new macbook pro

Windows 7 64bit Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/shop
See a comparison between versions here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/compare

I am looking for Microsoft office for my new macbook pro

I am looking for Microsoft Office for my new Macbook Pro.

MS isn't selling a version through the MAS. There are rumors that they are developing a version for next year.

I have brought Lightroom 5 for a new MACBOOK PRO, but wondering, am I still alllowed to load on my desktop as well running Win 7? It looks like the office enviroment that says you can!

I have brought Lightroom 5 for a new MACBOOK PRO, but wondering, am I still alllowed to load on my desktop as well running Win 7? It looks like the office enviroment that says you can!

Eww, thanks for your reply, as it makes good sense, and common sense is practical when you walk into an Apple store.
I guess all the reviews and great specs of the new MB pro's made me want one...
I should probably use my current setup till it is totally outdated or simply is beyond repair.
I could ask Santa Claus for one, but by than, the 2012's will be coming out..:)
Thanks Eww for your reply, IAN....

Tips for a new Macbook user

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