macs are nice arent they

noah

noah

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just got my macbook. it's the first mac i've owned and i've no idea how to use the thing! was incredibly easy to set up and use but i keep losing firefox when i try to install it. it is very cool tho, got some xvids and music on there and the remote control and media stuff is lovely. all i need now is another copy of photoshop!

any mac tips appriciated... esp how to get firefox running!
 
lol i havent used a mac in years and they were unfriendly as hell back then, the new ones do look nice though !

Im just about to install Microsoft OSX coff i mean Vista to see how its come along in the last few months ! :)
 
I don't understand your Firefox problem! Have you installed it properly to the Applications folder? :)
 
hmmmn, nope. just clicked the .dmg file and expected it to do it for me. it runs firefox but doesnt seem to install.
 
it seems to mount something on my desktop, but give me no program shortcuts etc. then if i restart i have to install it all over again.
 
Mac installs are different to PC :)
It will mount it, and you just drag the Firefox file to the Applications folder to install it. That's all you do, you can then drag it to the dock to make a shortcut, or just use Spotlight.
 
splendid, i've puzzling over that for hours!

thanks
 
moving quickly onto Stage 2.

Move the Firefox icon to the trash bin and use Safari. It's far better ;)

:)

Congrats on your Macbook acquisition. I recently bought one to duplicate my imac setup for when on holiday. Typing this in LA :D Ho, Yes! :banana:
 
Hey guys

I have been drooling over a mac for a year or 2 now.Is it really as much an improvement over pc platforms?

I have had enough of having to redo my system every 3-6 months

Cheers
 
Macs are great, will be investing in a Macbook Pro when I am Canada incl Aperture.

You wont have 'redo' the system every 3-6 months either :).

King.
 
Congrats on the new macbook noah but I have one question to ask..:)


If Macbooks are so good why isnt half the population buying and using them..:thinking:

Believe me this isnt a sarcastic comment guy's but a genuine question, I have always believed in buying the best and using it but the total lack of knowledge on my behalf begs the question..:(

Macs are very expensive over Windows based machines but why isnt the majority using them. Is it cost:suspect:

Everyone complains about Bill Gates and Microsoft Windows but only a very tiny percentage use Linux which is free.. Why??:shrug:
 
Home users dunno jack about Linux and when they buy a new computer they want what their friend has. They're scared enough as it is so if they can get something they know they can call a mate round to fix then they'll be happy.
 
My MacBook is by far the best computer i've ever owned :) (i've had it since they were released). For me it's just a lot more fun to use, and so much less stressfull!! I do have a PC though, and use it for my media computer (it's my TV box really), as Mac's just can't do that very well yet :(

As Pete has said, when you're getting your first computer, or are a real beginner, you buy what your friends have, or what you use at work. It's a shame, but it'll take quite a bit for Mac's to become more mainstream, but they are getting there.
 
petemc said:
Home users dunno jack about Linux and when they buy a new computer they want what their friend has. They're scared enough as it is so if they can get something they know they can call a mate round to fix then they'll be happy.
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I take on board what your saying but without spouting my mouth off I can turn Windows upside down and back again but know nothing about Macs, Is there a problem with software etc using Macs or the general lack of knowledge by the general public (including me) that prevents their success in dominating the market..:shrug:
 
I think with Linux, is that it's because an amount of technical knowledge is required to both install and use it. Which in my experiences of fixing PC's and fielding telephone calls, the majority of the general populus does not have...lol


With Macs I think it's just down to business structure. Gates marketed windows to the home user....and won the battle.
Apple are now only starting to infiltrate the popular home market, so to speak.

The thing is, it's a sort of round robin situation. Microsoft dominated the market early on, so manufacturers built for the market. Look at how much software is out there for Windows compared to the Mac.

Same with components. The PC is a hybrid machine, made up of parts from all sorts of manufacturers. That means it can be cheaply sourced, built and repaired.
 
i've no idea why but with my education discount for being a student (still!) it only cost my £643, plus £59 to add some more ram, which is pretty cheap for a 13inch screen, 1.8ghz dual core, 60 gig drive and a gig of ram. and it looks rather pretty, is only 25mm thick and has a remote control!

2blue: just wondering why safari is better, i only use firefox as i'm familiar with is and can just swap over my bookmarks.
 
Joe T said:
There isnt really room for two "mainstream" systems imo - these things need 100% compatibility. Its why there is npnly one VHS format, only one DVD format and why only one of the two replacement formats for DVD will win through.
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Long live Betamax :thumbs: :lol:
 
I use Firefox on my MacBook as i don't really like Safari :)

There is some very cool software out for Mac's. noah, you should look at:
Adium (IM client... MSN/ICQ/AIM/etc...)
BluePhoneElite (connects to your mobile and is really good!)
Colloquy (IRC)
CyberDuck (FTP)
Delicious Library (keep a library of your cds/books/dvds/games, it uses the camera to scan barcodes - a bit useless, but so cool!)
 
ah the good old PC V's Mac debate :)

I have been using a pc for the last 12 years or so, and have had a Mac G5 for the last 2 years (ish)

I have had soooo many more problems with the mac that I have ever had with a PC :( unfortunatly Final Cut Pro etc is only available for Mac and therefore I am stuck with the damn thing!!

I just don't see the appeal of the Mac at all :( yeah its pretty fast, but my fairly old spec PC is just as quick...granted Mac OS is nice, but still don't see any advantage over Windows!

I just don't get why people love them soooo much!
 
busterboy said:
I take on board what your saying but without spouting my mouth off I can turn Windows upside down and back again but know nothing about Macs, Is there a problem with software etc using Macs or the general lack of knowledge by the general public (including me) that prevents their success in dominating the market..:shrug:
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So your point is that you can do one thing well but you don't know anything about the other? :thinking: I can drive a car well enough but I dunno jack about motorbikes :p Could I learn given time, yes I'm sure I could. I can turn Windows upside down too :p I can also use OSX and I'm sure given time I could use Linux easily enough. I'm guessing your point was that you know a lot about Windows but you can't operate OSX implying that OSX is some untameable beast of complexity? I know a lot of people do feel that way but I haven't had any issues. Its just another way of doing things and I don't see it as a problem learning something new.

Do they need to dominate the market or do they need to be successful?

As for compatibility, its 2006 ffs :) You can get Office for OSX, Open Office, NeoOffice, Firefox, Opera, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and even Windows! Hell I can run OSX, Windows AND Linux all at once.
 
The Firefox .dmg will open a firefox icon on your desktop - just open your hard drive icon and drag firefox into your application folder. Start it up from there and in preferences - make default browser. drag the icon from application folder into the view bar at the bottom of your screen and it will always be there as a shortcut. Use and enjoy - I have for years on my G4 and Ibook and prefer it to Safari. Apple user before macs invented and then all through the evolution although daren't get involved in tweaking the Linux system as I could with the pre X versions.
 
petemc said:
So your point is that you can do one thing well but you don't know anything about the other? :thinking:
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Quite correct.. Dunno why you inserted the thinking smiley, I would presume Joe Public is in the same boat..:|



petemc said:
I can drive a car well enough but I dunno jack about motorbikes :p Could I learn given time, yes I'm sure I could.
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As could anyone if you are willing to listen and learn..;)



petemc said:
I'm guessing your point was that you know a lot about Windows but you can't operate OSX implying that OSX is some untameable beast of complexity?
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Yeah I build and configure computers and have done for quite some years but as quoted know nothing about Macs because its never been wanted or used by anyone including myself.:wave:



petemc said:
I know a lot of people do feel that way but I haven't had any issues. Its just another way of doing things and I don't see it as a problem learning something new.
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Agreed..;)


petemc said:
Do they need to dominate the market or do they need to be successful?

As for compatibility, its 2006 ffs :) You can get Office for OSX, Open Office, NeoOffice, Firefox, Opera, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and even Windows! Hell I can run OSX, Windows AND Linux all at once.
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Again I presumed that software was available but did ask the question earlier quote
busterboy said:
Is there a problem with software etc using Macs or the general lack of knowledge by the general public (including me) that prevents their success in dominating the market..
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So you have just answered my question regarding software is available but not spoken of any problems either using or installing it as noah is struggling to get something as simple as getting Firefox to work on his..:shrug:

Decent debate if nothing else..:)
 
He's not struggling, he's just not used to it :) On Mac's you install things in a different way. The majority of small applications like Firefox are downloaded as a .dmg file, which you double click on to mount in OS X. Once mounted you can run the program, but to install it you just drag it to the Applications folder. Uninstalling is just as simply... you drag it to the trash icon on the dock. Whereas on Windows Firefox has an install program, and files go in quite a few places.

Installing/uninstalling is certainly different, and it confused me when i first had it! But in my opinion it is better :) also, when there's an install wizard (like the majority of Windows applications) it will ask you all the questions BEFORE it installs anyway! so you don't have to sit there waiting for the next question :p
 
busterboy said:
Quite correct.. Dunno why you inserted the thinking smiley, I would presume Joe Public is in the same boat..:|
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I just found it funny that you seemed to blame the problem with Mac's on the fact that people have to learn something. People have to learn Windows too. I guess a lot of people just give up because it doesn't work how they want it to, ie how Windows works. Then they get fustrated and hate Macs. They forget that they had to learn Windows at one point.

So you have just answered my question regarding software is available but not spoken of any problems either using or installing it as noah is struggling to get something as simple as getting Firefox to work on his..:shrug:
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I didn't have any problems installing software on mine. Its actually very easy to do. I don't have a Mac to hand to test it but I would have thought that with the FF dmg they would have had a shortcut to the Apps dir indicating to the user that you simply drag the app there to install. For the majority of apps on OSX thats all you do. Drop it in the Applications dir and you're done. To un-install just delete it from there.
 
yeah, i did struggle. it is rather a different way of thinking tho. it's very easy now these chaps explained that to me, but isn't a straight-forward as just clicking like windows.

on the other hand it seems much better organised and easier to change settings on for joe public. the equiv of control panel is far more friendly and switching between programs is very nice and easy.

as for linux, i've tried a couple of friendly versions and found the ones i used very easy to install and get running, much quicker than xp setup.

anyway i intend to put windows on this mac after i've forced myself to get to grips with osx. and before anyone argues about why bother, well it's simple, mac's don't support all the software and hardware i use. my line 6 guitar port won't work under osx :( so windows shall live on for me when i need it to.

it is rather cute too, i feel like i'm typing on a cute little puppy.
 
petemc said:
I didn't have any problems installing software on mine. Its actually very easy to do. I don't have a Mac to hand to test it but I would have thought that with the FF dmg they would have had a shortcut to the Apps dir indicating to the user that you simply drag the app there to install. For the majority of apps on OSX thats all you do. Drop it in the Applications dir and you're done. To un-install just delete it from there.
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yeah, there is. it's just the rotters do it in pictures not words. bit like playing pictionary with the computer, cute but not too helpful if you're expecting it to be automated!
 
petemc said:
I didn't have any problems installing software on mine. Its actually very easy to do. I don't have a Mac to hand to test it but I would have thought that with the FF dmg they would have had a shortcut to the Apps dir indicating to the user that you simply drag the app there to install. For the majority of apps on OSX thats all you do. Drop it in the Applications dir and you're done. To un-install just delete it from there.
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Excellent reply, Now I didnt know that but you have explained it very well..;)

Sounds very easy but as we all know "If you don't how its very hard but when told its a piece of cake":)

Thanks for the simple explanation, I would think 98% of Windows based problems are related to the registry and unfold from there..:(

I take it Macs don't have a registry or am I wrong..:thinking:
 
noah said:
i feel like i'm typing on a cute little puppy.
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Just wait until your puppies fans starts spinning at some insane speed because it just crashed for no apparent reason!
 
Jimmy_Lemon said:
Just wait until your puppies fans starts spinning at some insane speed because it just crashed for no apparent reason!
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That happens does it? I've had mine since May and haven't noticed it, mine must just be special then? :wave: :lol:
 
Jimmy_Lemon said:
Just wait until your puppies fans starts spinning at some insane speed because it just crashed for no apparent reason!
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no, don't say that, i'm still under the happy cloud that macs are infallable!

buster: that's exactly it, easy as pie, but confusing as hell if you approach it like windows! and no i don't think they have a registry.

another question for the mac users: did you say i can uninstall a prog buy dragging it from the applications folder to the trash and that's it? ta
 
busterboy said:
I take it Macs don't have a registry or am I wrong..:thinking:
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No they don't. They're based on a *nix style system. Its great because to backup things all you do is copy your home dir, the one with your name on, and it'll backup your application settings, emails, photos, music, everything related to you.
 
Matt. said:
That happens does it? I've had mine since May and haven't noticed it, mine must just be special then? :wave: :lol:
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To be fair to it, it is only when working with video that the crash and speeding fans thing happens. Still a pain though, as there never seems to be a reason for it. Have to turn off and on, do the exact same thing and its perfectly happy :(

Also the error box that just says something like:

"This program has had to close" or "This program has unexpectedly quit" (wording might not be exact, but it never seems too helpfull :( )
 
Well we've had our Mac for a week now. It has taken some getting used to and it is sometimes difficult to get out of the left click mentality (although I do have left click for some things). I do love the lighting fast pace and really as I said before you can't buy a cheap mac but you can buy a mac for the same comprable pre built PC setup. Apple just don't market to the I only surf the inernet sector like my Mom.
 
petemc said:
I just found it funny that you seemed to blame the problem with Mac's on the fact that people have to learn something. People have to learn Windows too. I guess a lot of people just give up because it doesn't work how they want it to, ie how Windows works. Then they get fustrated and hate Macs. They forget that they had to learn Windows at one point.
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You've hit the nail on the head there. Put someone who has never used either Windows XP or a Mac in front of both machines and I would happily put money on that person preferring the intuitiveness of the Mac.

busterboy said:
Thanks for the simple explanation, I would think 98% of Windows based problems are related to the registry and unfold from there..:(
Click to expand...

Most of windows' problems and instability are due to poorly written device drivers and hardware. If you think about it there are a billion and one bits of hardware out there for Windows systems and they all have to work together. Chuck in all of the software as well and it gets really messy.

Apple hardware is mostly proprietary or designed specifically to work together so that's why it's (generally speaking) more stable.

Software for the Mac is also developed with hardware that is a known quantity. Hope that makes sense...
 
All these dopes slagging macs off are slowly and quietly moving over to them because there power issue has finally been overcome thanks to the latest Intel/Mac connection.

People say that a mac is too hard to learn but I think they would find its a sintch. I bet when the first used windows XP (with no other OS experience) they were lost and alot probably still are to date.
 
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