MAC-Freaks......advice??

[Joana]

Okaaay- well, as my dissertation is coming to a point where I'll soon really have to WORK on it instead of just SAYING I am doing one (*sigh*) I have finally decided to buy a laptop. Needed to do that as I am working with ooooold documents from our pathology (120 years the oldest....sheesh, I'd better find a way to nail my coffee-cup to the table and get a good insurance....lol) which I can't take home.

So- after looking here and there (and owning a five year old version of the Sony Vaio home-computer) I decided to get a refurbished Macbook. Simply as three of my friends have it (using it with airport express at home) and are loving it.

Got a black one- the 2GHz Intel Core duo version with 80 GB storage.
Opted against a Pro as online search seemed to reaveal that their performance is not that much better but you basically pay for the different case (aluminium or so I am told).

Anyhow- I know there are some Maccies onboard here.

Any hints about the do's and don'ts with a Macbook?
F.e.: I gather that there is not much attacking with viruses happening when it comes to Mac as it runs on OS X (unless you opt for windows, which I won't)...........so what kind of protection do you use? I am using Antivir in it's free version on my home-computer and am happy with it............anyone know if there is an OS X free programm to get??

Also: any experiences on wether you can connect a "normal" puter to the airport express without a prob? I THINK mine has the possibility to go wireless, so far I only see options to make this computer the STARTER of a wireless network, don't see a RECIEVER option............where would I find that?????

Any gadgets and thingies that you would recommend getting for the Macbook??

Any helpful hints will be greatly appreciated..............

[Andiline]

Are you home tonight? I could tell you a few things on the phone as my laptop is a MAC as well (PC is a windows PC though).

Andrea

[ryberg]

And the Mac world welcomes another of our best and brightest!

I'm not sure what you getting at with the wireless question, I'm sorry to say -- probably my bad -- but as for anti-virus software, I don't use anything.

Well, that is to say, what I use is a Mac running the regular Mac OS. That doesn't make it bullet-proof, I know -- I wouldn't make such an extreme claim (though some Mac users might, I dunno) -- but from what I can gauge from reports from the PC world, it seems to make it at least as bullet-proof as PCs running Windows plus whatever anti-virus programs are common and popular, if not more.

Good luck with the dissertation! Although I don't generally like or recommend paying so much attention to Oliver Stone, I have often passed along to people in such situations his rather insightful answer when asked what the secret to good writing was: "Keep your butt in the chair."

Steve

[Scaramouche]

the Mac OS has a few quirks, but after using it you wonder what Microsoft is thinking!

[zelda]

Welcome to the first step of becoming a Mac lover!

Originally Posted by Joana

Got a black one- the 2GHz Intel Core duo version with 80 GB storage.
Opted against a Pro as online search seemed to reaveal that their performance is not that much better but you basically pay for the different case (aluminium or so I am told).

I'm not sure which one that is, but it sounds like a good size and speed, so even though it's used, it's not outdated.

Originally Posted by Joana

F.e.: I gather that there is not much attacking with viruses happening when it comes to Mac as it runs on OS X (unless you opt for windows, which I won't)...........so what kind of protection do you use? I am using Antivir in it's free version on my home-computer and am happy with it............anyone know if there is an OS X free programm to get??

Yeah, like Ryberg, I don't use any anti-virus software. That doesn't mean I don't take any precautions at all. I still password my computer, and my wireless connection so that people can't leech onto them directly. I tend not to have any interest in junk mail and mass spam jokes, so don't open them anyway. But really, that's about it.

Originally Posted by Joana

Also: any experiences on wether you can connect a "normal" puter to the airport express without a prob? I THINK mine has the possibility to go wireless, so far I only see options to make this computer the STARTER of a wireless network, don't see a RECIEVER option............where would I find that?????

My computer can connect to whatever open wireless Internet there is around, called a Hotspot. I believe all that is needed is an Airport card installed in your computer, which might already be there if you're saying you can be a 'starter'.

It sounds like what you might need is a wireless router. It's a small box that connects directly to your Internet through the wires, and then transmits the signal through the air (ie: wireless) to the Airport card in your computer. When we first got wireless, I was sceptical. I like visual cues that things are connected, and this seemed a little like voodoo to me. But I have to say now that I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I can grab my laptop, go anywhere in the house or backyard and just flip it open and start working. I'm even taking it on my Playa trip (in 2 sleeps!) and figure I'll find open hotspots along the way.

Originally Posted by Joana

Any gadgets and thingies that you would recommend getting for the Macbook??

Hm. You might like a wireless mouse. If you work off your lap a lot, you might want to invest in a nice laptop rest that keeps the computer off your legs, keeping both your computer and your legs cooler. These laptops really get hot, and can scorch your legs if it's directly on them for too long. That said, I have neither of these (I use a 1" thick hardcover book between my computer and my lap). Here's an example of what I mean: http://www.nextag.com/RAIN-DESIGN-iLap-15-79065779/prices-html

Hope that helps!

[james]

anti-virus needs are over-inflated, even for Windows users. If you use webmail and don't open obviously risky attachments, and keep your browser patched, there's ultra-low risk. A firewall, however, is smart on anything, OS-independent.

As far as accessories, I find a Mouse Rug luxurious. Google it. It's like having your band's drumkit on a big persian, except far geekier. They really do last, too. I've been using the same one for several years now.

[Mrsfuzzmo]

I've been a MAC user for about 10 years. I do a lot of graphics and PR work and it is wonderful. I don't use a laptop, as I only use a computer at work. I have enough of it here that when I go home...I stay off. Right now I'm on a iMAC G4 and love it. Have had G3 and PoweMAC G3 as well. I don't use any anti virus software either and haven't for 10 years. Never had a problem.

[Thor Henning]

I use Mac a lot at work (and some PC), and I use a small Mac PowerBook G4 which I bring from work to home every day. I like it a lot. We don't use anti virus for Mac at all. Never had a problem. At home I use Windows. I've just got a new Vista PC which is really great.

[Thor Henning]

Originally Posted by Joana

Any hints about the do's and don'ts with a Macbook?

Be shure the applications you need are made for Mac!

[Tommygurl]

I thought this was about makeup......

[Sukidog]

Originally Posted by Tommygurl

I thought this was about makeup......

My bad Ditto

[btodd]

Originally Posted by Tommygurl

I thought this was about makeup......

Same!!!

[roni]

Get a good MacOS Book
Read a little, keep it around for reference.
Enjoy.

[Joana]

Thanks for all the advice and info peeps!
The Macbook arrived yesterday so I am in fact typing this on it........very different than on the normal puter but slowly getting used to it!!

Interesting to hear that apparently none of you use extra antivirus-protection- I guess for now I won't either then.

Unfortunately my airport base has not arrived yet so I am still stuck at my desk if I want to be in the net.....but should be coming in the next few days.

Steve- my question re: wireless was directed at my other computer....the Vaio. I will keep that one as well for now- for downloading and such.......and was wondering if I can use it with wireless via the airport express as well or wether I'll have to keep switching cables whenever I want to go into the net with it.

Andiline- I will surely call you one of these days for some advice......there are little things that annoy me and that I haven't figured out/ found yet........such as not even having figured out how to get my puter to STOP asking me wether I want to stay connected to the net every ten minutes.

Also have been wondering wether something like temporary files exist in Safari and should be deleted once in a while (as with the explorer) and if there is a program similar to the defragmentation in Windows......all these little things.

Have to admit that I was shocked that the Mac doesn't come with a "writing-program" such as Word for free...........unless I haven't found that yet.
There is Office 2004 on this puter- but I'll have to pay for the licence......*sigh*- will definately have to find a program to write with and do statistics with once the dissertation starts rolling.



OH- one last question about something that REALLY annoys me: in my mailprogram the header automatically includes that pic that one has to pic for ones profile when configurating. As that is not very professional (or do I really want an eightball on top of the mails I am writing to professors......??) I have been trying to get rid of that- to no avail so far.
Help anyone?????


Thanks again for all the advice and warm welcomes into the Mac community!!

And btw- does anyone else look as shitty as me on that i-sight camera??? Jeez..........I look like the most tired and ugly person on earth on that thing!! No ichats for me!! Hehe.

[roni]

I used our two iMacs and my Dell laptop with our Airport Express wireless thing.