So, I got a mac... Options

[Spectatrix]

Kind of my version of Blue's thread. I got a MacBook Pro yesterday. Haven't really done much with it yet, but what sort of apps should I install? I'm not hugely familiar with what's available for macs.

Firefox, obviously
IM program? I don't think there's a version of Trillian for Macs
Finance management? Not sure if the Mac comes with something for this... I use Microsoft Money on my PC
Other stuff?

[2wolUTT]

Fruity Loops!

[Spectatrix]

Ok, that was useful. Any real suggestions?

[2wolUTT]

Bitch, that is a real suggestion.

[theIncredibleEdi...]

I got Office 2004 for Mac from a Tech student....

I think there is a Trillian for Mac....there's also another program called Adium, that I hear most folks talk about. I use iChat and Yahoo Mesenger for Mac.

I've heard poor reviews on the money management programs for Mac....so if you can install Windows on yours, do that and install the Windows version of the money software you want.

[Hartmann]

There is Quicken for the Mac

I like iWork (I know TTUAthleticTrainer, I need to get it to you) for word docs and spreadsheets.

Adium for chat

iPhoto should suit your photo editing needs (if it doesn't I'll post suggestions)

If you have an external harddrive that is blank, I suggest downloading Carbon Copy Cloner and using it to make a complete backup.

Reading this is a great start: http://paulstamatiou.com/2005/11/29/10-thi...er-should-know/

http://www.flip4mac.com/ is for Windows Media files

And of course Skype works on the Mac

[Hartmann]

As a note, I almost never send word docs to people anymore unless I know that they need to edit them. Since the Mac has a "Save As PDF" feature built-in, I send most everything as PDF.

[theIncredibleEdi...]

I like iWork (I know TTUAthleticTrainer, I need to get it to you) for word docs and spreadsheets.

LOL, thanks! It's all good....I am a patient man!

[theIncredibleEdi...]

As a note, I almost never send word docs to people anymore unless I know that they need to edit them. Since the Mac has a "Save As PDF" feature built-in, I send most everything as PDF.

LOVE that feature! God PC's suck.

[cmac]

http://lifehacker.com/software/mac-os-x/re...oads-315981.php
http://www.macinstruct.com/node/139

most of those are good. spend some time with quicksilver, and you'll never use the finder, dock, desktop, or click on any app ever again.

[impala454]

Just FYI our gangsta friend wasn't lying... Fruity Loops is an excellent audio editing program, originally developed for Macs I believe.

http://www.flstudio.com/

I have a suggestion but it's not constructive so I'll keep it to myself

[blaarg]

LOVE that feature! God PC's suck.

you can make a pdf from a word doc on PC

[Hartmann]

you can make a pdf from a word doc on PC

I'd like to know how without a plugin. I'm on Office 2003.

[impala454]

If you install adobe reader it installs the plugin (or at least gives you the option to). Would be a little pointless to create PDFs if you can't read em, no?

[Hartmann]

If you install adobe reader it installs the plugin (or at least gives you the option to). Would be a little pointless to create PDFs if you can't read em, no?

You mean it would be pointless to read PDFs if you create them.

Adobe reader.

I've installed Adobe Reader and never had an option to install anything that allows me to "Print to PDF" without a 3rd party plug-in.

[2wolUTT]

I'm eating red hots, I'm hungry as fuck.

[impala454]

No, I mean it would be pointless to be able to create a PDF if you couldn't read it.

I have installed the basic Adobe reader, and I have both an "Adobe PDF" menu in Word, as well as Adobe PDF as a printer option. Every Adobe Reader I've installed since forever ago puts installs the "Adobe PDF" printer. When I go to the printers control panel it shows "Adobe PDF" as an available printer. Perhaps those who can't figure it out need to have their hand held w/the Mac.

[jonathan83]

if you get the pro edition, it puts a "save to pdf" option in microsoft word.

i just downloaded the torrent and got it that way

[Hartmann]

No, I mean it would be pointless to be able to create a PDF if you couldn't read it.

I have installed the basic Adobe reader, and I have both an "Adobe PDF" menu in Word, as well as Adobe PDF as a printer option. Every Adobe Reader I've installed since forever ago puts installs the "Adobe PDF" printer. When I go to the printers control panel it shows "Adobe PDF" as an available printer. Perhaps those who can't figure it out need to have their hand held w/the Mac.

No we've just had different experiences. I have Adobe Reader and do not have Adobe PDF as an available printer.

But thanks for the condescending comment.

[impala454]

But thanks for the condescending comment.

Any time.




This condescending comment brought to you by the letter L.

[2wolUTT]

Big L rest in peace!

Some chicks don't even know me asking me can they get some money...

I'm looking nothin like ya poppa, I wouldn't give a chick 10 cents to put cheese on a Whopper.

[Spectatrix]

My bad, I didn't realize that Fruity Loops was an actual app.

I've had the same experience as Hartmann on PDFs. I've had "print to PDF" as an option with Adobe Pro, but never Adobe Reader. Maybe it requires a higher version of Word to work? I have Adobe Reader 8 here, but only Word 2003.

On the side of lameness, it looks like upgrading my hard drive myself would void my warranty? Anyone know if an Apple-authorized tech would install a 3rd party HDD or if they'd insist on an Apple-branded one?

[cmac]

i just downloaded reader on windows, and got the printer.
maybe it's cause i uninstalled the full version to do it, and it just stayed around.
there are plenty of ways to make pdfs though. in both os.

[Spectatrix]

Yeah, if I really want to make pdfs, I'll probably just use LaTeX.

[impala454]

latex eh?

[Hartmann]

Yeah, if I really want to make pdfs, I'll probably just use LaTeX.

Good choice

As far as the harddrive goes, it does void the warranty as I've read it.

I would use your Mac account and peruse the Apple Support forums and maybe pose the question there. I think that if you have a ProCare account ($99) they will install the harddrive for you.

[Spectatrix]

Well, the 120GB drive I have will suit me for now. If I really find myself in a crunch for more space, I can always get an external drive. By the time my warranty is up (3 years, I got AppleCare) I'll probably be wanting a new comp anyway.

[Hartmann]

Well, the 120GB drive I have will suit me for now. If I really find myself in a crunch for more space, I can always get an external drive. By the time my warranty is up (3 years, I got AppleCare) I'll probably be wanting a new comp anyway.

I'm guessing you got a laptop?

For externals (which you should have as a backup anyway), I'd go with a FireWire drive with 500GB+ of space.

[Spectatrix]

Yeah, laptop. Macbook Pro, 120GB HDD, 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Almost got the upgraded one w/ 140GB and 2.4 gigs, but I decided that bit of boost wasn't worth the extra 500 bucks.

[Hartmann]

Yeah, laptop. Macbook Pro, 120GB HDD, 2.2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Almost got the upgraded one w/ 140GB and 2.4 gigs, but I decided that bit of boost wasn't worth the extra 500 bucks.

Did you get any extra RAM? If not but you want it, you can upgrade that without voiding the warranty.

[Spectatrix]

No extra RAM. I've gotten by just fine on 512 in my desktop, so I figured 2GB in the laptop should be plenty. But yeah, I know that upgrading the RAM was fine.

[Spectatrix]

I'm happy with my comp overall, but GOD personal finance software for Macs SUCKS! They're either ugly as fuck, have retarded interfaces, don't work right, don't have all the features I want (which is not a lot, really)... going with Moneydance for now, since it's the best of the lot, but UGH.

Quicken for the Mac is bloody retarded, FYI. I've never used it on Windows, but I hear there it's comparable to/better than MS Money.

[Hartmann]

I'm happy with my comp overall, but GOD personal finance software for Macs SUCKS! They're either ugly as fuck, have retarded interfaces, don't work right, don't have all the features I want (which is not a lot, really)... going with Moneydance for now, since it's the best of the lot, but UGH.

Quicken for the Mac is bloody retarded, FYI. I've never used it on Windows, but I hear there it's comparable to/better than MS Money.

Have you looked at Cha-Ching? I've started using it and though there are little things that I don't like, overall it works well.

[Spectatrix]

That's one of the ones I heard about, but I read bad reviews, so I didn't check it out. I'll try it though. Thus far I've tried Quicken (lame), Moneywell (kinda neat, but not the kind of program I need), ibank (not *too* bad, but reconciling accounts is wonky and it doesn't seem to match downloaded transactions), and Moneydance (what I'm using for now... quirky, but works ok).

This post has been edited by Spectatrix: Jan 6 2008, 02:03 PM

[Spectatrix]

Well that was a short-lived test. It can't extract the separate accounts from my .qif file... just tries to dump everything in one pile. Definitely do not feel like exporting individual .qif's again, so no go for me.

[chook]

I found out today i get a 17% discount on macs. sorry i just found out.

[Spectatrix]

Eh, I got $200 off the comp and $110 off the warranty with my educational discount.

[Mommy]

posting from my roommate's mac laptop... ARGH... I hate it but its better than sitting at my desktop in my room all lonesome and whatnot

[Spectatrix]

Why do you hate it?

[Mommy]

cuz on aim, the button flashes up and down on the bottom and its annoying... and then if i have multiple convos open, i cant see which one has messaged me unless i click on that box. the minimzing and maximizing on macs are annoying as helll

[Spectatrix]

Well, I don't use AIM, I use Adium. It's cool. The min/max stuff is definitely different than on Windows, but I don't mind it. I've gotten into the habit of using command-Q to close apps if that's what I want to do.

[Hartmann]

Well, I don't use AIM, I use Adium. It's cool. The min/max stuff is definitely different than on Windows, but I don't mind it. I've gotten into the habit of using command-Q to close apps if that's what I want to do.

Yep, Adium is it. Especially with the newest update which basically allows you to run the entire thing from taskbar icon.

[Mommy]

its like i understand how it works, i can get used to it, i just think its stupid. like if i click another window instead of hitting the minimize button, it throws it in the back without putting it in the taskbar. I HATE THAT. I want everything in the taskbar whether or not i hit the minimize button

[zetec]

jumping into the thread without reading anything but the last post:

you could always install xp.

[Mommy]

its not my laptop... im borrowing my roommates because she has had her face stuck into the tv playing xbox 360 for the past few days... booooring

[Spectatrix]

its like i understand how it works, i can get used to it, i just think its stupid. like if i click another window instead of hitting the minimize button, it throws it in the back without putting it in the taskbar. I HATE THAT. I want everything in the taskbar whether or not i hit the minimize button

I'll have to check this when I get home, but I coulda sworn the windows stay in the taskbar. Just if it's up or x-ed out, it's on the app side (left side of dock), if minimized it's on the right side. If you click on the icon for the app, it should bring all the active windows for that app forward. Or just use Expose. That works too.

[Hartmann]

An application doesn't have to be in the task bar. Just hit the Cmd key and tab at the same time or go down and hit the application's icon in the dock.

[Mommy]

I just dont understand why a PC can do everything I need with a ctrl button but a Mac needs a fucking flower key too

[impala454]

Bc flowers sell computers to girls

[Hartmann]

I just dont understand why a PC can do everything I need with a ctrl button but a Mac needs a fucking flower key too

Cmd does in Mac what Ctrl does in Windows. It's that simple. Just because it's different doesn't make it wrong.

I'm still trying to figure out the point of the windows key. So I can get to the start menu faster?

[Spectatrix]

Cmd does in Mac what Ctrl does in Windows. It's that simple. Just because it's different doesn't make it wrong.

Not quite that simple. Sometimes it acts like Alt does in Windows (Cmd-Tab/Alt-Tab being one example).

I'm still trying to figure out the point of the windows key. So I can get to the start menu faster?

Yeah, pretty much.

[impala454]

I'm still trying to figure out the point of the windows key. So I can get to the start menu faster?

Go look at every non-mac keyboard in existence and you'll discover the point of the windows key . Friggin genious IMHO.

[Hartmann]

Go look at every non-mac keyboard in existence and you'll discover the point of the windows key . Friggin genious IMHO.

Adds space between the Ctrl and Alt keys (space BTW that used to be for a cmd key )

Unix, Linux, BSD all have the capability to use the CMD key. Not so easy with the Windows key.

[impala454]

Adds space between the Ctrl and Alt keys (space BTW that used to be for a cmd key )

Unix, Linux, BSD all have the capability to use the CMD key. Not so easy with the Windows key.

think beyond actual physical computer button press uses

[Hartmann]

think beyond actual physical computer button press uses

I was being a smart ass but now, seriously, I'm intrigued. What exactly can you do? I've never seen any uses for the Windows key.

Ahh, I'm guessing you mean subliminal marketing. Just thought about that.

[impala454]

Yeap Everyone in the country with a computer that is not a mac (including the linux gurus) has a windows logo on their keyboard

It's no surprise that every MS item in existence uses a small, disgustingly similiar graphic on the box.

Like I said, genius.

And while I don't use it for anything monumental, I do press windows+L to logout every day at work.

[Hartmann]

It is smart, but by that same token, wouldn't Apple be smart as well

Though, the Apple is not present on the new keyboards (as far as I can tell).

[theIncredibleEdi...]

So yeah.....what about that iWork? LOL

[Hartmann]

So yeah.....what about that iWork? LOL

Alright, I have the key at my house. Tonight I'll e-mail it to you

[theIncredibleEdi...]

Alright, I have the key at my house. Tonight I'll e-mail it to you

Woohoo!!! Do u want my direct email address?

[Hartmann]

Woohoo!!! Do u want my direct email address?

Yep. Send it to me through PM.

[Mommy]

I was being a smart ass but now, seriously, I'm intrigued. What exactly can you do? I've never seen any uses for the Windows key.

Ahh, I'm guessing you mean subliminal marketing. Just thought about that.

I use the window key to avoid use of the mouse. I dont like switching from mouse to keyboard so often so when Im typing a lot of stuff, the windows key comes in handy so that i can access like notepad or something without the mouse. I dont know. thats just me

[Mommy]

And just to be fare, Im not saying that Macs are pieces of shit and no one should own one. If thats your style, cool; but I personally cant stand them. Its just that when people like my roommate say things like "I like Macs because they're faster" I want to slap the shit out of them. She doesnt know shit about how a computer works, though, so I dont really blame her. She bought a brand new Mac Pro decked out... of course its going to be faster than anything she has used in the past, but that doesnt mean its faster than a PC. I keep trying to tell her that the OS has little to do with how fast a system is. Honestly, my 4-year-old PC is faster than her Mac Pro. The damn thing (her Mac) was way slow yesterday when I was using it. Then again, the upgrades I have done to my desktop over the years keep it running so smoothly.

[Hartmann]

I use the window key to avoid use of the mouse. I dont like switching from mouse to keyboard so often so when Im typing a lot of stuff, the windows key comes in handy so that i can access like notepad or something without the mouse. I dont know. thats just me

It's funny because I do the same thing with my Mac. I have a mouse, but hardly ever use it, especially if I'm programming.

[Mommy]

yeah, i just like to keep my hands in one place without all the arm movement. I dont know... its just more comfortable to me. Man, I sound lazy now

[impala454]

There's really nothing monumental or ground-breaking that makes one better than the other. It's just personal preference really. The only actual real difference is in the pricing and the software (yes, including viruses) available for each. And the pricing would become a moot point if Apple would retail its OS.

[theIncredibleEdi...]

I dunno....some folks on here trash Macs like crazy. I have both a PC and a Mac, and I love my Mac and dread using my PC. I love having a built in webcam and mic. And it works with Skype better than my PC ever did. Also, I find that on the Mac the best solution is usually the most simple. But i've used Windows so long that I have to get into that mode of thinking, because I am used to having to find some long, drawn-out solution for things.
There are some things that I am not fond of in the Mac OS, but overall, I prefer my Mac over my PC anyday.
I have several friends who have laptops with Vista on them and I hear nothing but complaints, and one or two of them say they wished they had bought a Mac when they use mine. Heck, one of my friends has a laptop that is less than a year old and the battery lasts for shit.
I think some folks bitch about Macs just for the sake of bitching, and without TRULY taking a good look at them. I've encountered some who do so without even having used one. The most experience they have was on a Mac in junior high.

Also, Ive found that the wireless in my Macbook is stronger than that on my PC/Windows laptop.

But, thats me...

[Mommy]

I agree that most complain without having used one, but I have used a Mac for years and am used to the way it works but it bugs the shit out of me. Ive had to use one for work, several classes, and then some other things and I just think Windows systems have been perfected for the average joe user. Maybe my mind has grown to think like a pc as far as arrangement and other things, but thats just my preference anyday. Now would I go out and buy some desktop PC? Hell fuck no... unless it were a higher end Alienware system or something. God PC manufacturers blow. FUCK HP. If i HAD to buy a desktop, I might consider a mac... key word MIGHT. Id rather just build myself a system though. I would buy a windows-based laptop but only after a TON of research, and I dont think I would run Vista at this point... not yet anyways.

[theIncredibleEdi...]

One thing I wish was that my power cable and remote matched the black color of my Macbook LOL

[Mommy]

the stupid power cable pops out of her mac every time its touched. stupid magnet

[Hartmann]

the stupid power cable pops out of her mac every time its touched. stupid magnet

Her power cable pops out of the desktop Mac Pro? Sounds like she beats it up or something.

[theIncredibleEdi...]

Her power cable pops out of the desktop Mac Pro? Sounds like she beats it up or something.

Yeah, mine stays in pretty sturdily. Its not a weak little magnet.

[Mommy]

Her power cable pops out of the desktop Mac Pro? Sounds like she beats it up or something.

no laptop...and it doesnt really pop out... more ill accidentally get the cord wrapped on my leg as im sitting and it will pull out.

[Spectatrix]

no laptop...and it doesnt really pop out... more ill accidentally get the cord wrapped on my leg as im sitting and it will pull out.

Sounds like a personal problem.

[Hartmann]

no laptop...and it doesnt really pop out... more ill accidentally get the cord wrapped on my leg as im sitting and it will pull out.

That's kind of what it's supposed to do

[Mommy]

yeah, i know its supposed to do that, hence why i bitch. one movement and POP out it goes

[Spectatrix]

Better for it to pop out than for it to stick under hard tension and damage the cable and/or port. Busted up a good pair of headphones and the speakers they were attached to one time because I tripped over the cord... bad mojo. Same deal here.

[Mommy]

eh. to each their own. I would rather it stick in and stay in... never had a problem with minor pulling ruining the cable or port

[FORSAKENR320]

eh. to each their own. I would rather it stick in and stay in... never had a problem with minor pulling ruining the cable or port

heh heh heh this sounds so perverted