So I just got a Macbook...

[dubeskin]

and I'm looking for suggestions as to what I need to install, things I should learn, etc. Pretty much any info would be helpful, but I'm not too sure about what I'm doing. The most I've done is downloaded Firefox and bookmarked my most viewed sites.

[Lorien]

1. There aren't many things to learn with a Mac

it's all pretty intuitive-and much simpler than a PC.If you want to move a file, then just grab it with your cursor and move it to where you want it to be, then drop it. For instance; you download digital photos into "pictures", then select a photo from the picture file that you'd like to crop in Photoshop. Just drag it from Pictures and drop it into photoshop. Moving files around is that easy.

I can't think of anything you would need to install. Macs come pretty complete these days-unless there's something special that you are planning to do with it. Installation of just about any program is dead simple: Open the installer, grab the icon and drag it into applications, then just follow the directions that pop up (if there are any).

Otherwise, the only other tip one needs to know about Macbooks is that they should always be used on a flat surface. Don't use it on you lap on a long road trip; the intake fan is located by the hinge, and anything blocking it can cause it to over heat (unless they've changed that recently).

It's a great machine. Enjoy!

[dubeskin]

2. Thanks!

It does feel a lot easier to use than a PC. I think probably the hardest part is trying to just get accustomed to everything and make the change over from the PC interface. The install thing is working out well, and once again just takes getting used to.

It's funny though how different using a Macbook is from using an Apple desktop. I had been using a desktop for a while now but this just seems so much easier to use for some reason.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

3. If you need help

I have owned Apple computers since 1987.

I love Apple.

:)

[Awsi Dooger]

4. The obvious one is to run Software Update

Second item on the Apple Menu.

Not a heck of a lot else. You could get comfortable with System Preferences, 4th under Apple Menu.

I like to run DeLocalizer, a freeware that gets rid of foreign language excess in your system. I saved 1.4 GB in Leopard.

Plenty of Mac sites to check out, like DealMac, EveryMac, MacFixIt, LowEndMac, VersionTracker.

You might learn some of the Mac key strokes, like Command-Option-Escape for the rare instances an application gets stuck with a spinning beach ball and you need to quit it. The system itself won't be effected. Command is the button left of the space bar, with the apple on it.

[NuttyFluffers]

5. this is incredibly open ended without knowledge about what you want to do.

if you want to play Mac Classic or Win '95 PC Classic games on an Intel Mac you are going to have to go through some effort.

if you want to do some console video game emulators you're pretty well set.

if you want to do genealogy with spiffy graphics and easy interface, you're in luck.

if you want to do multimedia pyrotechnics without learning minutiae you're in a great position.

so, what do you want to do?