Windows User thinking of Mac-What's included?

Hey,
I'm wondering whats included with a Mac. For instamce, I use notepad, character map, sound recorder occasionally, etc- Is there similar standard applications? Is there a System Restore style clone, to restore the OS should need be? I use Office and Jasc Paint Shop Pro 7 often. I'd be willing to buy Office for Mac but PSP I don't use enough to warrant spending so much money on. I'm used to 7, is there a mac equivalent?
Im just considering a Mac when my Windows XP laptop goes down the pan, which should be a while as its fairly new. Vista seems a bloated mess, and I just want to spend my time doing on my laptop rather than maintaining- but I don't want to have be restricted in the way I take quick notes (notepad) make quick recordings (sound recorder) and do some basic image producing when need be (Paint Shop Pro).
Thanks!

Hey randyraill89,
Here are some answers to your question(s):
Notepad?
The built in text editor on OS X is called TextEdit, which is best compareable to WordPad. It opens and saves .txt, .rtf, .rtfd, .doc, HTML and Word XML documents easily. Unfortunately, unlike notepad it seems a bit picky with regards to what other file formats it wants to save in. It might not be the best thing to edit HTML in, for example.
Character Map?
Yes, OS X has something called Character Palette. It also has a Japanese Kana Palette and a built- in software keyboard, called Keyboard Viewer. They have to be activated from System Preferences -> International -> Input Menu tab , and appear as a drop down menu in the menu bar with your flag as an icon.
Sound recorder?
This one isn't built-in from the start, but freeware/open source application Audacity takes care of that and converting between most sound file types easily.
Other "small essential apps" that come in OS (mentioning off the top of my head):
- A built in address book that works together with other applications on the
system, like iChat, Mail and Adium
- Calculator
- Oxford English Dictionary
- Font book, an application to easily install, find and manage fonts based on style, whether you installed them or they came on the system, etc.
- iSync, an application for syncing between your Mac and other devices
- A Preview application that supports viewing (and minor editing of) a bunch of file formats, like .bmp, .jpg, .gif, .png, .svg, .pdf, .psd, .tga, .tiff - notice that you need no extra software to view Photoshop files or PDF files.
- A utility for making graphs based on their formula called "Grapher"
Other than iPhoto there's no image editing or producing from start. If you don't want to pay for Photoshop or use the Photoshop CS3 Beta then open source GIMP is an option. It's powerful, but takes some time getting used to (and may require that you install the X11 interface). There's also software like ArtRage 2 or Pixen available. I'm not sure whether you lean more toward a more painterish program or something more graphic-designy, but there's got to be something well proper out for you. As for myself, I use Photoshop.

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Windows User Switching to Mac – System Install/Setup Help

Hi All,
I’m a (very) long time windows user switching to Mac. I know nothing about Mac’s as in zero zip (I’ve been messing with an iMac for 2 weeks.) Buying a MacBook Pro (spec’s at bottom). I do creative work audio/video/graphics and use a lot of nonstandard peripherals e.g. audio interfaces, RAID, drawing tablets etc. Getting a new system setup is a long and laborious process.
When I get a new computer here’s my normal process:
Step 1
I reinstall windows to get rid of the junk software that’s always added by third parties.
Update all hardware drivers & software (OS and Auxiliary app’s)
Tweak Windows OS for my needs
Make full system backup
Step 2
Install all my major app’s e.g. adobe creative suite, audio programs etc.
Install non-standard peripherals such as audio interfaces, RAIDs etc.
Make full system backup
Step 3
Open up all major app’s and customize e.g. set preferences etc.
Set-up and test app specific peripherals, tweak as necessary
Make full system backup
Step 4
Install virus software and unimportant apps/hardware. No backup.
Is this basically what I should do with the mac? What kind of issues might I expect? Are there steps or issues I’m worrying about that don’t apply to the Mac? Finally, is there an equivalent to the windows Blue Screen of Death? Does the system every get so jammed up that a complete wipe out and re-install of OS and software is required?
I know these are very open questions so I’m only looking for general information.
Thanks
Here’s the machine I’m going to buy:
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Just to clarify the Mac includes anti-virus software and updates with no additional software purchase required?
Yes. Unlike Windows OS X was designed from its inception to be a secure multiuser operating system incorporating many protections specifically intended to isolate one user's space from another. Each succeeding release has only added more protections, and Apple updates its virus / malware database regularly.
Third party "anti-virus" products abound, but none of them improve upon anything OS X already includes. Most of them are simply worthless junk. Some will only cause problems, while others are arguably malicious. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Apple is the most famously secretive company since E-Systems, yet the vast majority of Mac related problems reported on this site are the direct result of using ill-conceived products from third party developers claiming unique knowledge of OS X's inner workings. The companies selling them are desperate to assert their continued relevance in a market that is seeing rapid contraction of Windows PCs in favor of iPads - and to a lesser extent, Macs - that have never had the need for their products. Many AV vendors have been reduced to sordid scare tactics as they see their market and revenue stream diminish. Unfortunately, scare tactics work, resulting in widespread misery among Mac users gullible enough to swallow them. That represents a threat all to itself.
If it were not for Windows' predilection for malicious alteration from viruses and malware we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Even though I’m doing some heavy lifting e.g. video editing, audio recording (full band), large folders of music files/video clips/animations etc. no system/drive maintenance is required by me or if it is the software to do so is already included?
Correct. As a professional you may not be satisfied with the bundled apps such as iMovie but Apple has professional video and audio recording apps as well. Even they are not very expensive. You can find out more about them in the Professional Applications forum.
A Mac needs no third party maintenance utilities. Like "anti-virus" products most of them are worthless also.
Time Capsule: I thought that was Apples hardware for backup, remote access, streaming etc.
Yes. The Time Capsule is Apple's combination wireless router and backup device. You can just as easily use any inexpensive hard disk to use in conjunction with Time Machine.
Time Machine is Apple's backup software and it's included with OS X. You can use either one, or both. You can also use inexpensive commercial "clone" software such as Carbon Copy Cloner. Each one has its advantages, as well as their limitations. In the interest of redundancy I use all of them.
B&H Photo is a highly reputable vendor, one of the few I recommend.

When I look at the storage on my Mac under about this Mac, what is included in the "other" category?

When I look at the storage on my Mac under about this Mac, what is included in the "other" category?

Hi, just about everything else...
OmniDiskSweeper is likely the easiest/best, and is now free...
http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnidisksweeper/download/
And if needed, you can use Terminal to run it in admin mode to see files/folders your user can't see...
http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/how_to_recover_missing_hard_drive_space/

If I want to run windows applications on my mac what do I need?

If I want to run windows applications on my mac what do I need?

See
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1461
or
http://www.parallels.com/ca/products/desktop/
or
http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/overview.html

Windows user but considering Mac OS

Hey guys and gals... So I need a new computer and I have noticed that Mac seems to be a much better choice for me if a few things live up to hype. How much does it cost to put the Windows OS on the computer. I wan't Windows on there becuase from what I understand is that programs that can only be ran on Windows (such as games :-D) can be ran on your mac through this program... Is this correct? Also when you are running Windows on your Mac is it going to get virus's like Windows seem to do.. all the time? I was looking at the black Macbook and I really liked what I saw.

The thing is that Mac makes a very good computer. Actually they make a lot of very good products. The problem can be for a new user is the learning curve.
Mac's run a bit different and it takes a while to figure out how it works.
The real drawback to Mac is software. Unless you plan to use windows somehow as a second operating system on Mac. Your familar software may be retired.
You may not find a similar product for the Mac. Research this first.
On the other hand Mac's come with a lot of software built in the Operating system. So you may not need anything else. I have used Windows (3.11)
was my first windows system, Linux. I would have to say OS 10 is by far the best OS. When WINDOWS Vista came out it made me go out a buy a copy of XP and put it on my Mac Book with Parallels. I still need Windows for a mapping program and IE for my corporate site which they refuse to make compatible with other browser's. It works just fine. If you are unsure of adding Windows and Parallels to your Mac. You can order it that way from several Apple reseller's. I really think it's just a matter of you wanting to try something new and willing to work through the changes. If you do I think you will be very happy you did!

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I'm a Windows user, never had a mac. What are the first things I should do when I add the iMac to my network and turn it on?

Hi, unpack it carefully, open the bottom of the box and slide the box off the mac. Set up exactly according to the instructions. Before connecting to your network I would run it for a few days and ensure it's ok. I would not install any 3rd party Apps until you are sure that the mac is 100%. Did you purchase Applecare?
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Problems trying to restore catalog from PSE 7 windows to PSE 12 MAC, what to do? NO PC with windows available any longer

I have recently changed my damaged PC windows to a MAC. Adobe kindly changed my PSE platform, it means PSE 12 is installed in my MAC but when I tried to restore my last catalog which was made with PSE 7 in windows I receive a message saying there is not valid file in my external hard disk (my backup). I've reviewed the available technical support and know that recommendation is to first update the catalog in windows using PSE 12, nevertheless I have not any longer a PC and even if I could use one, I have not anymore PSE 12 for windows platform. Could somebody please help me to solve this issue.
Thanks

A number of people have reported this error message and have had trouble troubleshooting. (PSE is notorious for uninformative error messages.) A couple of things to check:
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- What the external drive originally connected to an XP system and now connected to a Vista or Windows 7 system? That can create obscure permissions problems.
- Is the external drive formatted as as FAT32 or NTFS? In Windows Explorer, navigate to Computer, right-click the external drive, and select Properties.
Note that you can do a backup using a third-party utility or by copying all your picture folders with Windows Explorer. Make sure to also copy the catalog folder (do Help > System Info to find its location). Doing a restore from such a backup is quite feasible, though it may take a little extra time.

Windows user switching to Mac, finding everything and how to?

Hi, I'm currently a Windows 7 user. I'm happy with windows but I could be happier!
I have an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2 and I absolutly love how they work together (via iCloud etc) and also how everything looks and feels. One thing in my opinion that wipes W7 off the age is the fluidness of a Mac. Just how well and easily it works. As Steve Jobs said last year "it just works" and he's right!
Another big thing that I love about Mac is the connection between the iOS and OSX Lion (and upcoming Moutain Lion).
And I feel the need (or want) to switch to Mac because I want that connection with my mobile devices and my Laptop/ Home Computer.
But there's a few things that are stopping me from doing that and it's basically my lack of knowledge regarding OSX Lion etc...
It's simple things like Music. On windows, you press the start menu and you see music where you have all your folders regarding music (Albums, songs, or other audio) and also Photo's with all your photo albums etc etc etc...
Another thing holding me back is Software. For example, I burn a lot of CD's for DJ'ing. I use Nero 10 on my PC. Is there any Mac equivilant software that can let me name the CD, burn at different speeds etc etc....
It's simple things like that. I can't really find any video's on the internet showing me these kind of things.
I hope you can help. Thanks!!

See these:
Switching from Windows to Mac OS X,
Basic Tutorials on using a Mac,
Mac 101: Mac Essentials,
Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts,
Anatomy of a Mac,
MacTips,
Switching to Mac Superguide, and
Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Lion Edition.
Additionally, *Texas Mac Man* recommends:
Quick Assist,
Welcome to the Switch To A Mac Guides,
Take Control E-books, and
A guide for switching to a Mac.

Windows version on a mac, what to do

I have accidentaly downloaded a windows version of adobe acrobat on a mac. Do I have to purchase another version for the mac?

Not sure what you mean. You could just download the Mac version as a trial and activate it? For serial number issues contact support directly.
Mylenium

Window user swapping to MAC

I have a desktop computer and I have been saving for a MBP for over 18 months now and I'm ready to take the plunge since the new refresh.
I want to get as much bang for my buck so that I can get a good length of use out of it before I feel I need to trade up again. For that reason I am settled on an i7 as opposed to the i5 and will get a 7200 hard drive.
My question goes out to seasoned laptop users. Do I get a 15" or 17" screen. Cost is not a massive issue for me as the difference in price if I buy through my employee program is about £165 ($240 ish) and I think if I look at that extra cost over the life time of the computer it is minimal.
I will be using the MBP for the usual - email, internet, itunes, word processing ect. I am also getting into amateur photography / video so will be using it for Photoshop ect. I'm not in need of ultra portability as I would use the MBP either on my lap or at a desk, occasionally at other locations.
Will I really appreciate the extra screen size when working with my photos? Will the extra size be cumbersome?
Thanks

I'm not in need of ultra portability as I would use the MBP either on my lap or at a desk, occasionally at other locations.
I would go with the 17" then. You won't regret it.
Check out the new remodeled MacOSG website! 24-hour Apple-related news & support.
 MacOSG: An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast  Follow us on Twitter: MacOSG

An old time Windows user in a Mac world ...

As you can guess, I just got my first iMac, and wow, what a beauty! The interface and new way of doing things took me about ... 5 hours to get use to, but I find the simplest tasks in Apple to be the hardest. I know some of these questions may be duplicate, but I would really appreciate your patients as I have never felt like such a noobie in my life
1) Networking: Im running a iMac and 2 Vista machines on a Wireless network. After struggling for quite some time, I finally got it to work, but the connection is VERY sloppy, and cannot stay connected for long. Is this a standard thing between the 2 os's or am I doing something wrong? Is there a tutorial somewhere which will explain step by step on how to share and keep the connection alive between MacOS 10.6 and Vista? I can still connect to the router and the internet, but thats where it ends. It appears that everytime i restart I get to connect again, but only for about 15 or so minutes then it looses the connection and I cant connect again.
2) Special keys: Now this appears to be quite a suprise. In SA we use a number of special keys e.g. the ^ of a e and dubble dots on a e, and I know in windows the shortcodes for these are alt+136 and alt+137. Can someone advise me on how it works in MacOS?
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This is it for now, I thank you in advance.

Your Windows drives are formatted NTFS which is most likely why they appear to be read-only. SL's support for NTFS read/write is somewhat sketchy, but see this discussion and read the post from Q__Q near the end of the thread.
Otherwise you will need third-party software to write to an NTFS formatted drive. If you search the forums for NTFS you will find plenty of references. Also search VersionTracker or MacUpdate for "ntfs" to find third-party software. I don't know if it works with SL at this time.
Open the Language & Text preferences and click on the Input tab. Check the box for the Keyboard and Character Palette. Check the bottom right box to show the input menu in the menubar. You can then locate whatever font or other characters you wish to enter into your text. In the Text tab of the same preferences you can also make text substitutions. You can also use a third-party text macro expander such as TextExpander, TypeIt4Me, or Typinator to assign characters to a keyboard macro or inline macro.
Not sure I can help with your network problems, but what you might try is opening Network preferences and verifying your configuration. Also verify your File Sharing configuration. In Network preferences you might try setting the Configure IPv6 drop down menu to OFF. Problems may also arise from the type of router you are using. Be sure its firmware has been updated. You can also try removing network preference files from the /Library/Preferences/SystemConfiguration/ folder then reconfiguring your Network setup.

No as I am a windows user not a mac user

I cannot turn off my computer while useing firefox I have to do a forced shutdown every night and it is frustrating the hell out of me. If I switch and use Explorer I can press shutdown and it shuts down but it won't work with Firefox WHY.
Thank you
Barbara Wittmann

Close Firefox before you attempt to Turn Off your PC.

Making the switch from PC to Mac what's my best option?

I am at the stage where I need to upgrade my notebook. I am looking at a Mac because of all the multi-media capabilities that come with Mac, but I will still need to function in the MS world. Any comments on running MS Office on a Mac? Can I run both the Apple software & the MS software on the Mac at the same time? I need some help to decide what to do.
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I am by no means a Mac head that will recommend a Mac in any circumstance, regardless of the facts. However, I think devbob's comments are biased and he has never used a Mac.
I own both a Mac and a Windows computer and I consider myself above average when it comes to computer knowledge, so I thought I would add my 2 cents. The Mac is, hands down, is easier to use and requires much less maintenance. And the Mac interacts very will with Windows for the basic stuff like email, internet, Word, and Excel. If you need to do anything else with other Windows users regularly, a Mac is probably not for you. Outside of those items, it can get very difficult to work across platforms and it would be much better to use the same opporating system your peers are using. In most cases, that is Windows.
devbob is certainly correct that there is more software for windows than for Mac. But there are also more viruses and spyware for Windows. For home use, I don't think there is a better computer than a Mac. However, I don't think I will ever use a Mac at work because, like devbob said, there isn't enough software out there for the Mac. Also, since only 3% of the world uses a Mac currently, there isn't much incentive for outside vendors to write for a Mac yet. Although, there isn't much incentive for people to write viruses for it yet.
If you are planning to use a lot of Windows programs at work, don't get a Mac. If you are doing a lot of multimedia, email, and internet surfing and only need very occasional access to Windows software, I think getting a Mac would be a good choice.
Oh, and one more thing. I don't currently have an Intel Mac, but if you do want to run Windows with bootcamp or Parallel, I am pretty sure that you will need to buy you're own copy of Windows XP and you'll also probably want to buy virus protection. That could set you back another $400. You could almost buy a cheap laptop for that.
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Permissions for file sharing to Windows users

Greetings, I would be very pleased if someone could help me with file sharing permissions for Windows users of a Mac mini file server running Snow Leopard 10.6.1 (not server).
I have a folder in my root directory, lets call it Project, that holds a series of 10 sub folders, say 1 through 10. Some of my users I wish to have read/write access to the whole Project directory, and, having enabled file sharing in System Preferences (and SMB for Windows), I did cmd to get info on the Project folder, ticked sharing, added the users (whose user accounts I had replicated on the Mac from their Windows machines), gave them read/write access, and then was able to map a drive to Project in their machines. All good so far, notwithstanding an hour tussle with a Vista laptop . The other user 'groups' were set the following permissions: me - read/write; Admin - read/write; Everyone - no access; which seemed sensible.
Then, when I wanted to only share say sub folders 4, 5 and 6 with other users, who will not have access to the whole Project directory, things were not as straight forward. I followed the same procedure as above, but for the particular sub folders. However, I think they are only able to see them if I provide read or read/write access for Everyone to the parent Project directory. This of course then lets them at least see all the other folders I do not want to share with them. I don't seem to be able to remove the Everyone group from the Project directory, which occurred to me might resolve this.
Any thoughts? Thanks.

"On the way down, it seems to me that you still can prevent that user from using folders that he or she is not supposed to use by setting appropriate permissions."
I don't think this is the case. If I allow someone read & write access to a folder because they need to have read & write access to two of three subfolders, I cannot deny them (at least) read access to the third folder.
In respect of a particular folder:
1. You can only assign read; read & write; or write (drop box) to an individual user; and
2. You can only assign No Access to everyone.
Do I need to use Snow Leopard Server to be able to assign No Access to a particular folder for an individual user?

Windows User thinking of Mac-What's included?

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