Just bought a Macbook Pro - what do I need to know

markrichardson

markrichardson

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Just got a very nice deal on a barely used Macbook Pro (if anyone's interested 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/500GB HDD/4GB RAM/512MB NVIDIA 9600 GT) after years of being the person defended Windows.

I've got loads of experience with Windows, but felt that I should finally try a Mac. If all else fails, I'm pretty sure I could sell it on at a profit!

So what are the essential things I need to learn about using a Mac?
 
cmd+space - shortcut to spotlight (any program or folder instantly)
cmd+shift+3 - screen grab saved to desktop
shift+F3 - wooo slow-mo expose (just for fun)
 
Firstly, have a browse through HERE

Lots of small tips in there that were usfull when I moved form WinOS to MacOSX.

Learn how your trackpad works, Goto Apps>System Prefs and click TrackPad, It is very informative.

Not much for you right now, but some good basic stuff.

Enjoy, I am glad I moved over.
 
So what are the essential things I need to learn about using a Mac?
Click to expand...

Cut off trouser legs held on by shoe laces so as not to give yourself away to soon:exit:
 
cmd+shift+4
brings up a cross hair to select what you want...!

Try to avoid thinking that you need to get the same stuff you had on a PC. I love mine an have not missed making the change over about 3 years ago.

Just use it, it is dead easy, set up time machine because that is a great feature, hourly backups...!!! oh yes.
 
One thing I found today (Only had my MBA for a day!) If your active window is Safari, put two fingers on the trackpad and move them apart (or closer). It changes font size!
 
Wow - that thread from Cowasaki is going to take a bit of time to read and digest!

PsiFox - there's always one ;)
 
Mark

I made the move to Mac 18 months ago. Took me about 2 days to suss most of it out.
 
They're lush and it should be told that daily!

I would love a mac, but can only use them at college... stupid windows. :razz:
 
Brooksy said:
Learn how your trackpad works, Goto Apps>System Prefs and click TrackPad, It is very informative.
Click to expand...

Aye. Two finger tap for "right click" and two finger drag for scrolling make life so much easier. God knows why they're not enabled by default?!?
And that's nothing if you've got one of the fancy new pads that does gestures :D

Have you created yourself a user account that's not the admin user? If not, do it and do it now, you'll save yourself a lot of pain later when you accidently delete something you're not supposed to (and wouldn't have been able to do if you weren't admin). I know this from experience :bonk:

Sort yourself an external HDD and get TimeMachine configured, that will save your bacon if you still manage to screw something up, even after following the tip above.
 
schizophonic said:
Do you only have a Mac book?

There might be a problem if you try to mix a mac and a windows desktop pc.
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What? I have a Macbook and my lovely custom desktop build and I haven't had any problems at all...Strange, I honestly have no idea what kind of conflict you could be talking about. Sure if you buy software for one it won't work on the other, but that's about it.

Anyway, I suggest you look for Quicksilver, my favourite app for OSX and when I use a Mac without it, it seems somewhat incomplete.
 
I had no issues with my Macbook or iMac for that matter with connecting to my other Windows based PC/Laptop's.
 
You could just have a play but I did do a 365 (1 tip a day for a year) which might be quite uesful so follow the link in my signature :D
 
dont use anti virus software on mac, especially norton. it ruins the performance.
 
when using programs like Safari for your net browser, you need to Quit the program and not just lose the window like with erm windows.. This in the top left above the minimise, maximise and close window buttons...

Removing programs you just drag to trash...
 
Rough Edges said:
when using programs like Safari for your net browser, you need to Quit the program and not just lose the window like with erm windows.. This in the top left above the minimise, maximise and close window buttons...

Removing programs you just drag to trash...
Click to expand...

It is better to learn hotkeys. Which is very important, it saves time. To close the application, Apple + Q. For Safari, if you got a couple of windows and want to close one of windows, Apple + W. To switch windows, Apple + `
To switch applications, Apple + Tab.

Anything else, ask away. :)
 
Thanks guys - it seems that the majority of shortcuts are basically the same as the Windows ones (but using the Apple keys) which bodes well (as I know about a thousand of those!)

Cowasaki - thanks for posting the link again - someone beat you to it earlier so I've already had a little look - man helpful things there. Thanks for your effort on that!

Unlike many people, I actually find that I have no use for a desktop computer and will be using the MBP as I did my previous laptops - with an external monitor but as my main (only current) PC.
 
markrichardson said:
Thanks guys - it seems that the majority of shortcuts are basically the same as the Windows ones (but using the Apple keys) which bodes well (as I know about a thousand of those!)

Cowasaki - thanks for posting the link again - someone beat you to it earlier so I've already had a little look - man helpful things there. Thanks for your effort on that!

Unlike many people, I actually find that I have no use for a desktop computer and will be using the MBP as I did my previous laptops - with an external monitor but as my main (only current) PC.
Click to expand...

I have several computers but at the moment I run an iMac in my studio for tethered shooting and a Mac Pro in the lounge/office with a tablet and large printer, dual monitors etc BUT 90% of my computer use is also on my MBP. I have the last of the pre unibody 17" MBP upgraded to 4Gb and 500Gb 7200rpm HD. I might stick another 2Gb in it but I have more important things to spend my money on at the moment :)

If anyone does want a cheap desktop Mac CGeezer will be selling a load of dual processor G4 Macs shortly which would be ideal to give MacOS a try or to use as a server or second machine.
 
learn to use the keyboard shortcuts
learn the trackerpad finger movements
turn on spaces (multiple desktops)
get little snitch to stop 'stuff' phoning home
try a bit monitor and external keyboard on it
use searchlight
try not to think pc - like the old ads used to say 'think different', you made the most important step

and if you really don't get on with it there will be a ready market for it
 
Must admit I do miss the three and four-finger swipes...Boot Camp doesn't support them :(
 
I'm still learning...lol
 
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