Flaps

Depends on whether or not the image was 'placed' on the webpage. If it's one that was, you can place the pointer over the image (using the trackpad), click and hold (using your thumb, and then drag the image to your desktop (using your finger). Then release your thumb and bobs your uncle.

Editing requires an image manipulation application (i.e. Adobe Photoshop).

Trips

Edited to add: AM, we need to get a life!

Image changes are saved 'automatically' in iPhoto. If you don't like something you've done, you MUST undo it, if you want to save changes, press 'Done.' It's neither intuitive nor satisfactory, I know - I've fallen foul of this unfortunate 'feature' a few times myself. I hope it gets fixed in future versions. Overall however, iPhoto is still a lovely app for basic image manupulation requirements.

Oddly enough Falps, the 'Delete' key on iBooks (and Powerbooks too I think) is actually a backspace. To modify this to the 'forward delete' I think you're after, try 'Fn+Del'.
Here are some more OS X keyboard shortcuts you may find useful ;)

Jx

PS Paparazzi is a great little free utility for making captures of web pages. It can capture any non-visible parts of a page in addition to that which you can see! :ok:

Flaps,

You should have got Graphic Converter bundled with your iBook. You can do a fair amount of editing with it. The latest version is 5.7.3 and you can download it here. It's a lot cheaper than Photoshop and has a lot of the same features.

Trip: Yes, I know. Mrs AM has taken the car to London, so I'm stuck in The Shire. That's my excuse anyway...:\

Thanks, AM. Now have my bookmarks transferred, using "export to" in IE rather than "import from" in Safari. Would have thought it was the same thing, but never mind, it's the result that counts. :ok:

The wireless thing? Still way over my head. I have some days off coming up and will devote time to investigating seriously. I thought the whole idea of Wireless was to do away with T5 cable? :confused:

Flappy, glad to hear you're getting something of value out of this. Any other converts with problems are more than welcome to post here; it's a community noticeboard!

Binos,

Glad you got the Bookmarks sorted.

What do you want to connect wirelessly? Usually people just want to connect their Mac to their broadband connection and printer(s). Firstly, you have to find out how your broadband is provided - there are different approaches if you have satellite, adsl or cable. Each one requires a "router" of some sort, but the specific equipment required can be different. Let us know what you want to connect, and we can advise!

AppleMacster

Flaps

Sorry hun, maybe I didn't explain quite well enough.

You have a track pad and a clicker underneath it (that's how you move your pointer). Your desktop is the screen you have when all applications, folders etc are closed down (either standard Apple screen or another you may have selected). This may sound a bit basic, but let's go through it anyway.

Dragging:

With your right hand, move your pointer over the "Hard Disc" image on your desktop. When it's there, with your left hand, press and hold down the clicker. Now, with your right hand, move your finger across the trackpad as if you were moving the pointer. You'll notice the icon moves with the pointer (that's called 'dragging'). If you release the clicker, the image will 'drop' into the place you released it.

Dragging to desktop:

Essentially you are doing exactly the same thing, as above, but 'dragging' an image (or rather a copy of it) off the web page. Make sure your Safari window doesn't cover the whole screen ('Drag' the bottom right corner until the window fits the shape/size you want). Put the pointer over a picture on the web page and do exactly as you did above with icon, except dont release the clicker until the pointer is somewhere on the desktop. If it's an image that was 'placed', you should then see an icon of the file (image) on your desktop for the image that you have just dragged and dropped. You can then place in whatever folder you choose by opening your hard disc or user window and dragging it and releasing it when the chosen folder is highlighted. You can also import it into iPhoto by opening iPhoto and selecting File then Import (don't use the Import button under the piccies) and then selecting the file.

Sorry if I've covered too much stuff you already knew - but that's what "Drag to Desktop" means.

Trips

Still a long way from having everything sorted, thanks largely to Microsoft's insistence on using an impenetrable fortress to guard my old emails, and the complete ignorance of their precious .dbx files by everything I try to use. But I'll try to accomplish something in that regard tomorrow with a clear head.

In the meantime, what are your general thoughts on firewalls/antivirus for the Mac? I have the Mac as my direct line to the internet with my Windows computer connecting through an Ethernet switch.

I'm still running Zone Alarm on the Windows poota, though it's a pain the ass as far as networking goes, plus my anti-virus (Computer Associates My e-Trust Anti virus), but no firewall on the Mac.

I assume CA have a Macintosh version, but I haven't done anything about installing it yet, perhaps lulled into a false sense of security by all the stories about nobody bothering to write viruses for Macs. But hey, there's gotta be tens of millions of Macs in the world, surely enough to write viruses for?

Ideas please, wise and otherwise?

Binos

Your mac comes with a built in firewall within the operating system. Go to the 'apple' (top left) - System Preferences - under 'Interenet and Network', click 'Sharing'. You can set your preferences about firewall and file sharing etc. from there.

As far as antivirus software is concerned, personally I'd keep away from Norton/Symantec. Having loaded it on originally, I found that so many onther settings had been changed (mainly due to the firewall part of it) that it became a real pain in the @rse when setting up things like iSight. It was removed. If you feel that you want the security of an antivirus, look at Intego

Intego

They seem to be the programme of choice, although you will find plenty of others out there. Personally, I use VirusBarrier. I also know a lot of mac users who don't bother with any, and none to my knowledge have ever been infected (as you say, viruses for mac are few and far between, although not unknown. Probably because it's too hard to write them!)

Trips

If my Mac has a built in firewall and the Windoze poota connects to it through a switch, does that mean I can disable Zone Alarm from the PC and it's protected by the Mac firewall? :confused:

Binos,

You do not need any anti-virus software as there are no viruses for the mac. It's just not an issue. You will only start to use up resources on your machine from which you could benefit solely. I've been using macs for nineteen years and *never* had a virus. For the last ten years, I've been more-or-less permanently online. I don't even turn on the software firewall. Don't be dragged into the virus paranoia which affecs Windows machines so much. Mac OS X is a far superior operating system in so many ways, but especially in terms of security.

As far as I know, if the Mac software firewall is on and your PC is connected to the internet through it, the PC should be protected by it. You can specify which ports to open if necessary on the software firewall. However, once you get the broadband sorted, your router should have a hardware firewall built-in.

AppleMacster

(apologies if a little over-zealous above)

AM

Not that I disagree, but I understood that would only be the case if you were running OSX Server. The ethernet switch acts as a bypass to the mac and therefore it's firewall on that port. I accept that I maybe wrong - it's not something I've ever had to try.

Binos

See Networking with a Windows PC for more info on Windows file sharing. Also see Setting up Windows File Sharing. It's in human speak. I believe all routers and indeed Airport also have firewall protection so it becomes a bit of a non-issue when you go down that route.

Trips

Trip,

I'm pretty sure the software firewall in Tiger protects anything using it. You can opt out of using the firewall on various services/clients in System Preferences>Sharing>Firewall. :8

AppleMacster

Binos

I'll go with AM on this as it's not a situation I've faced (all mac, all the time :ok: ). By disabling your PC firewall, networking should be a cinch.

Binos A little late in the piece, but well done getting a Mac.

With short gaps to replace or repair my PC, I've had both platforms in my office for years for software reasons (which are becoming less relevant now).

The best thing about Macs is the lack of threat from viruses and spyware, and for the newer Macs, the Unix based OS. And who wants to use a computer where you have to hit 'start' to shut down :rolleyes:

On top of that, you get a superb physical design (the phrase 'form factor' sucks, IMO): elegance in both appearance and function.

I enjoy using my Mac - I even enjoy looking at it.

Don't worry about teething problems - the Mac will soon fit you like an old wellington boot, as they say.

You'll have many happy hours together. They're intuitive enough that you simply produce the work - you can almost forget the intermediary of the computer!

I suspect you're right, RJM, but it's an uneasy standoff between the PC and the Mac at the moment, rather like the old rooster glaring suspiciously at the new rival in the henhouse.

One thing at a time. I can't get the PC to print through the network. It's a Samsung ML1510 laser printer; I downloaded the Mac software for the Mac, which is printing fine, and the original PC software is still on the PC, which shows the Samsung as being the default printer, but it won't print. Nothing happens. The Print screen shows ther correct printer selected, and 1 document waiting, but silence is the stern reply. Suggestions?

WxJx; thanks for the PM, tend to agree out of sheer conditioning. :ok:

Binos

Just a quick check.....

Under 'System Preferences', in the Hardware section click 'Print & Fax'. Click the 'Sharing' tab and make sure you've ticked both the 'Share these pinters with other computers' and the 'Samsung ML1510' boxes.

Also, check the PC Printer settings and make sure it knows where the printer is located.

Trips

It would appear not. Samsung printer properties on the PC shows nothing in the Location box. So what is the location? :confused:

Binos

What exactly is your setup? What connects to what, using which port/cable? Have you run the 'Add Printer' wizard on your PC?

The easiest solution is to use an ethernet hub and these problems will disappear into the ether (pun intended). In fact, better still, get yourself that little miracle in a box that is an Airport Extreme Basestation (provided your PC is WiFi capable). No point making your life difficult. Plug 'n' play.

I'm sorry I can't offer you any easy one liner, but I'm working blind here and just trying to offer you an easy, known solution.

Trips

Progress report, and nothing much has changed. Still can't get my Windows computer to print via the network, and neither could the "expert" I got around to solve the problem.

Anyway, minor grumbles aside, I enjoy the Mac. Whether it's worth the price compared to what you can get with Windows I'm not sure, and that problem will resurface in six weeks or so when it's time to get my yearly laptop. Can I justify the cost differential?

Well, I certainly won't be getting one of the Intel powered ones, which look as though they start at $3200. Given what's available for way under $2000 with Dell laptops, I'm not convinced that the iBook is not mainly a fashion item. Anyway, the question I dropped in here to ask concerns Office for Mac. I bought the genuine article for the iMac, but will I also be allowed to put it on an iBook?

If the answer is no, it makes the decision easy. I'll probably buy a top of the range intel powered Mac lappy with my salary sacrifice scheme, sell it brand new on ebay for a reasonable discount and use the proceeds to buy a souped up Dell.

Anybody know the conditions attached to Office?

Binos,

Glad you're enjoying the iMac. As far as I know, the Standard Edition of Microsoft Office allows you to install it on both laptop and desktop. However, it doesn't allow you to run both at a time. If you have purchased the Student/Teacher Edition, there are three licences with it. However, it isn't upgradeable. Office works fine on an iBook, and is almost standard-issue for most consumers and students. If you don't need a spreadsheet, iWork offers better value and is far easier to use, of course.

Apple have yet to release details about any new "consumer level" laptop, currently occupied by the iBook G4. The MacBookPro is aimed at a professionals, and has a higher-end specification, hence the price.

AppleMacster

Thanks Macster. That helps; the OS-X certainly provides all the grunt this humble user needs for his basic tasks, so perhaps it might be worth holding off till the iBook G4 replacement is announced so I can pick up an iBook at a discount. Who knows?

For what it's worth, if anybody is reading this still pondering if, when or why they should change to a Mac, these are my initial thoughts after a couple of months.

I don't just like the Mac, I love it, BUT.... a lot of the buts concern compatibility with Windows. What a shame Mac wasn't adopted as the standard all those years ago. Don't assume that sharing a network with a PC will be the piece of cake some will tell you it is.

It's difficult to describe what sets it apart and makes it so likeable, but general useability would be the generic phrase. I love the Dock, love the clarity of the display, love how things just seem to work with a minimum of fuss.

I'm not so keen, as mentioned earlier in the thread, about brilliant pieces of kit like the iSight and iChat being unusable with Windows users (everybody on my list) without their or my having to download some crappy piece of software to make it work. I'm also appalled that after paying a massive premium over PC prices, you are then asked to pay an annual subscription to join something called .Mac which promises you all sorts of things which I could have sworn the original software promised to provide. I don't know what it does provide, because I refused to even consider it. I should also apparently pay yet another few hundred bucks for a BaseStation or something similar which will finally make all my networking problems go away. And finally, though I suspect this may be a local thing, I'm well short of being impressed with the after sales service.

I haven't put to use the applications people rave about; iDVD, iMovie, Garage band etc, so I suppose it could be said that I'm one of those who should have stuck with an el cheapo PC and kept installing forever my trusty Office 97 copy.

But whatever it is, there's something about the Mac I really don't want to lose. One thing I do like is the resale value on ebay if I do decide to cancel the whole experiment!

Did you try using Mercury Messenger? I'd be interested to see how it works with the built-in iSight. Surely it should be MSN at whom you need to vent your frustration as they are the ones not supporting MSN with video and audio on the Mac?

You could try out a .mac account for 60 days for free. It's enormously useful for a lot of people. I use mine all the time. It can backup your Address Book, Calendar, Bookmarks automatically, and using "Backup", any other files that you choose to backup regularly. It integrates seamlessly with iWeb and Garageband allowing you to make high-quality webpages in minutes, and even edit and post podcasts (video and audio) directly. For some, the subscription is invaluable, for others, it's not so important. Not to forget the .mac email address and learning centre complete with training videos. You may or may not find it useful, but you have nothing to lose by trying it out free for 60 days.

AppleMacster

Hi Mac. I remember downloading Mercury when you first suggested it but at the time I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole conversion process and it was all a bit too hard. I've just gone back to it now, I'm talking to my daughter upstairs ok, and she gets my iSight, albeit at a very slow frame rate. I just have to wait for another MSN contact to come online to see if it works with everyone on my MSN list or whether I have to add them separately or whatever.

You are dead right about the object of my frustration; I wasn't assigning blame, just commenting on having a piece of kit which looks to be so useful and not being able to use it to its full capacity for whatever reason.

While I'm here, I'm a little behind Mme Flappy insofar as I haven't mastered tabbed browsing as I used to use in Firefox. The options in tabbed browsing may as well be written in Swahili. I've tried a few alternatives and I can now right clink a link and get the options box up including open in a new window. What I'm after is to be able to do that in my bookmarks list, but whatever I do, right click, control click, apple click (or whatever it's called) the new site just comes straight up over the last one. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I've definitely decided my next lappy will be an iBook. One of these days I'll get around to using more than 10% of its capabiliities. :8

Binos,

To open a link from a menu in Safari in a new tab, hold down the Apple key whilst selecting it from the menu. I have to admit that I didn't know this was possible, until I just tried it! Magic!

It's interesting to know that the built-in iSight works with Mercury Messenger. I'm sure it's just a matter of time before the frame rate improves.

AppleMacster.

Hi folks,

I too am pondering whether or not to take the plunge and get me a Mac. My old Compaq Presario 2100 has recently died, and to be honest it’s been nothing but trouble since I purchased it about 4 years ago - and it cost me £1900!

I was looking at the iBook G4 12-inch; however I've been told that this model will soon be updated to feature a dual core processor. Is this correct? If so, then I’ll wait for the upgraded version iBook. Plus, as I work at a uni, I get the academic discount:)

From the thread I see there are a few converts here, can some of you folks tell me how you've found the switch from PC to Mac? For now, if I do decide to go Mac, I'll start off with a portable computer as I need it for work, but if I like it, I'll get me one of those Power Mac G5's. This means transferring years of stuff from my Dell desktop. How easy is it to transfer stuff across?

Cheers lads (and lasses)

Steve.

Hi Steve,

As the most recent convert here I'll give it a bash. I think a lot really depends on what you mainly use your computer for, what programs you have that you consider essential etc. Bear in mind that anything with an exe.file no workee on the Mac, so for games etc you'll be up for replacement software. If on the other hand you mainly use it for internet and office applications etc, the process is fairly seamless. I found it was worth buying the Office for Mac, but that should be the only software you need on top of what comes with it. For music, graphics, photos/movies, etc, it would appear to be beautifully integrated and much more user-friendly than Windows.

As far as major differences are concerned, there aren't really any of significance. There's a lot of little things that are done differently, and a few that take some getting used to. I've had some problems (still am in fact) networking with the PC, but I'm 100% certain it's a PC problem not the Mac.

There is a great package of software that comes standard, including things I haven't even tried yet. As I mentioned elsewhere, some of them look superb but are somewhat restricted in their use with people using Windows.

In terms of the overall computing experience, they're a marvel. Very instinctive and with some delightful touches that make Windows look horribly confusing and clunky. I'll be buying a lappy in a couple of weeks, and after three months with the iMac there's no question I'll be staying with Apple.

In simple terms, if everybody had a Mac the computing world would be a much nicer place. But most don't, so if you elect to make the change, get used to the idea that there will be the odd irritation with non-compatibility with M$ products and the occasional lack of Mac versions of something you want (the Webshots desktop comes to mind).

I won't unreservedly recommend them, because it depends on your own requirements, but I am an enthusiastic convert. You can keep the old PC for Windows apps that you simply must have; I did, but I find I never use it except when I can't get my daughter off the Mac.

As a final point, if by chance you get one and find you don't like it, a quick look at ebay will tell you that the resale value for Macs is terrific! This a great place to come for help if you need it too. :ok: Let us know what you decide.

easyPilot
Rumour has it that there will be another Apple 'event' to mark its 30th Anniversary at the end of this month/early April (actual anniversary is April 1st). It's strongly rumoured that an Intel-equipped iBook replacement will be announced at that time, so watch this space.

Hope you're right, WxJx; that would surely mean a sale on the remaining OS-X equipped iBooks, and April 1 is the earliest I'm allowed to buy a lappy! Serendipity! :}

Cheers guys,

I've heard this same rumour a few times now about the 30th anniversary and a possible new iBook. I hope its true!

Thanks again,

Steve.

MacBook Pro
 

http://www.apple.com/uk/macbookpro/

Any opinions on this machine? Looks good to me, but I'm not that up on computers, and which ever Mac I get, it will be my first. I dunno whether to start off with something a bit cheaper like the iBook. What do you guys think?

Cheers,

Steve.

easy

Keep your powder dry for a few days more.. I sense you have have a mild case of buyers fever, so cool it :}

The MacBook Pro is, according to one or two friends that have acquired one, a great machine. One drawback of early adoption of MacIntel machines however, is that any pro apps you run on a regular basis (i.e. heavy Photoshop work, Dreamweaver, Final Cut etc.) will be slightly slower than the older G5 equivalents, as they will be running in emulation mode (Rosetta) until Adobe et al produce 'Universal Binary' versions of their apps to take advantage of the Core Duo processors. This is unlikely to happen until the end of the year, although a good number of smaller vendors and shareware developers to have 'gone universal' now.

Due to my 6-month old G5 iMac dying on me last week :{(fried logic board anyone?), Apple have given me a spanking new Core Duo iMac as a replacement and I have to say, apart from the above, it really is a very zippy and quiet machine indeed. The Pro apps' performance is 'liveable' but yes, slightly slower and the rest is much quicker. The machine is heaps quieter too. So I'd say if you're going to be using an Intel machine for general or business use, using mainly, say, Office, Safari, Mail and the iLife apps, you won't be disappointed at all. The same will probably go for the iBook too, if an Intel version of that is announced next week.

Jx

Did I miss something? April 1 has been and gone, and I didn't hear any world-shaking news. Doesn't look like there's anything new on the website either; a bit of an anti-climax really. Looks like I might settle for the current iBook. :uhoh:

It appears the expected anniversary 'announcement' was a chimera, although there are still some persistent rumours around about imminent announcements. I guess it may also be a good idea to hold off any launches (esp. iPod related ones) while the Apple vs. Apple Corps proceedings are, er proceeding. Let's wait and see ;)

Not so. There is some pretty monumental news here:
http://www.apple.com/uk/pr/050406_bootcamp.html
Pure Genius.
AppleMacster

Yes... perhaps that was the real birthday surprise...potentially a huge tactical shift. The chimera I refer to was the much-vaunted hardware announcement (Intel iBook/video iPod/iPhone - delete as appropriate). No - this was a real curve ball ;)

OK, I suppose somebody must have a reason for wanting Windows on their Mac, although it escapes me: no doubt I will be further educated. Welcome back to the world of viruses?

The importance being attached to the initiative is because it would remove another barrier for switchers or potential switchers, thus having the potential to increase Apple's market share. However, like you Binos, I can't really see why anyone would need to do it.

FWIW, I was at the local Apple place today talking about buying an iBook. I was gently guided towards the latest rumours which suggest 2 months is the time frame for an Intel-powered laptop with a 13.3" screen. Discounts for superseded models? "They run their hardware on a very tight basis."

OK, I'll wait for a couple of months.

I'd be ecstatic if they brought out a 10" iBook or something even smaller.
Around the 1kg to 1.5kg would be spot on with a simple DVD player (oh ok, CD burner with DVD player), blue tooth and WiFi, microphone and speakers.
30Gb with a reasonable CPU and about 512Kb of RAM.

Just a simple but light tool for the road warriors (or airway warriors) that are seriously weight/size restricted.

I know Sony et al do them but I don't want one of them.