iMac questions for a Windows convert
 

OK, I've done it. The cash situation got an unexpected boost so I went out and purchased my first Mac. So here I am in front of my iMac G5, and mightily impressed with what I have seen so far. Most Windows equivlents are fairly easy to find and the process so far has been relatively painless, BUT I cannot enlarge my browser window to full screen view. Searching for full screen or full page brought nothing of use, so at the moment I am stuck with a window taking up approx 60% of the page. Where is the full screen option? :confused:

I'm sure I'll be back here relatively frequently in the short term. hence the generalised thread title, but this one will do me for now. :ok:

Oh, should have mentioned that I've tried the maximise button of course; it toggles between small and slightly larger.

Binoculars; Welcome to Macintosh!

You need to drag out the window from the bottom right corner to fill the full screen. If you haven't already done so, you can hide the Dock using System Preferences>Dock to give you more screen space. Safari will remember this window size setting. If you're still having problems, or resizing windows a lot, you can add a script to your bookmarks bar to do it from here (it's the one at the bottom).

You can minimize the window to the Dock by clicking the yellow button. Double-clicking on the title bar of the window will also minimize the window to the Dock (if enabled in System Preferences>Appearance).

Don't forget to switch on Tabbed Browsing in the Safari preferences, to take full advantage of the browser.

AppleMacster.

Thanks Macster; one problem solved! When the cursor didn't change to an arrow I didn't think there was a function there!

Next up, while I'll be gettiing a copy of Office over the weekend and using the email program on there, whose name escapes me, at the moment I'm just using Mac Mail. In OE I was subscribed to several newsgroups; do they exist in the Mac program?

I confess I miss the right click function from XP, and having to go to File - Move to Trash for a folder instead of just clicking Delete. Any other hints feel free to throw them this way.

Bino': glad to help.

Entourage, which comes with Office has newsgroups, and you will be able to subscribe to them as before.

You can "right-click" on a Mac by holding down the ctrl button as you click with the mouse.

However, if you got a new "Mighty Mouse" with your iMac G5 (it has a trackball on it), you will be able to "right-click" with that. It appears to have no buttons, but actually has four. To use the "right-click", use the area right of the trackball, without a finger on the left of the trackball at the same time.

You can set up the Mighty Mouse using System Preferences>Keyboard & Mouse. Right-clicking is referred to as "Secondary Button". You could set the other buttons to various things, for example Dashboard activation and Exposé are amongst the most popular.

AppleMacster

Hehehe, this is like having 24/7 online support from someone who speaks English! Thanks again, Macster, another problem solved, mighty mouse it is, and right click now established in preferences. :ok:

I'll know where to come for future problems; oooh, hang on, my End button and Home button don't appear to work; I'm sure they do, I just need another tip.

Could provoke laziness I know, but Binoette 4 thinks this is probably the smoothest thing her old man has ever done!

Bino': You have to program the Home button to work. Safari>Preferences>General

End button? Not sure what you mean?

AppleMacster

Ahh, I see. Not Home as in home page, rather the "home" and "end" buttons on the keyboard which take the cursor to either the beginning or the end of the current line (when composing a post or generally editing text).

You are aware that we are charging your internet connection for tech support at standard industry rates blah blah

I reckon you owe $300 so far :p


Binos did you get the iMac with the built in iSight camera?

Yessir, surely did. It is waaaaaaay too efficient I'm afraid. I like cheap webcams that hide the horrible truth, not magnify it to the point of scaring babies. :{

Macster, I take your point about doing all this via PM, and if the mods decide that's how it should be done, I'm happy to go along, but I really think I won't be the only one learning things as it progresses; plenty of others in the same conversion boat.

Readers are warned that the following questions may be considered offensive by some. :ooh:

I didn't get the expected number of software installation discs with the package. What happens if the hard drive should (gasp!) fail? How do I reinstall software? Is there such a thing as formatting a hard drive on the Mac? No DOS prompt of course, but hey, come on, somebody in the history of Apple must have destroyed a HDD?

You should have found a couple of disks in the box. One of them will be a reinstall disk: it's a DVD-ROM if I recall correctly, which means you don't need lots of CDs . If the hard disk crashes (unlikely), you can reboot from the disk by holding down the "c" key on restart.

Bino

My I offer my hearty congratulations to you for taking the plunge. Pretty soon, you'll wonder why on earth anybody would EVER buy a PC. Macs are what PCs can only dream of being. I've used Macs for 12 years and am currently running three. The best way of explaining is that you have to learn how to use a PC, but with Mac, it takes that pain away! Everything you ever wanted is there, just in more logical speak. To be fair, a lot of this has to do with Monsieur Gates, but hey, that's their problem.

If you find that you miss certain software that was only available on PC, don't worry, you can still run it with a package called Virtual PC (Microsoft - he had to get something right).

You can now wander around with that knowing "PC? Oh, you poor dear" smile that comes free with every Mac. ;)

Ejnoy, and please feel free to ask any time, via thread or PM

Welcome to the family

Trips

Cheers, I've got the external iSight for use with my powerbook + wifes iBook we're thinking of a iMAC in the new year so if the built in camera is good then I can take the other to work and video conf home to my daughter. At the moment we use it for iChat with granny!

Bino
The keyboard shortcut I use when using Mac mail instead of the end key which doesnt work is Apple key and right arrow key will take you to the end of the line. Same as Apple key and the up arrow take you to the home position of what ever it is your writing. It took me ages to get around the end key not working like it did on a windows machine but it's worth it.
From memory once you get Office and you start using Entourage for your email the end key will work in the Microsoft application. Also you can subscribe easily to newsgroups with Entourage. For heaps of other support be sure to check the Support Forums at apple.com and also www.appletalk.com.au is very worthwhile.
I'm sure you will enjoy your iMac. Welcome to the club :ok:

I was hoping I'd seen the last of WMP, but I suppose whenever somebody sends me a .wmv file I'm going to have to have it, right? It is on my Office CD, so not a real problem.

But what is a problem on my Office CD is that the file which is obviously the exe file for installation doesn't seem to want to open. It's MS Office 2004 OSX .sit The response is; There is no default aplication specified to open the document MS Office 2004 OSX .sit Choose application. :confused: :confused: I wondered if there should be a space between OSX and .sit, tried to rename it but that option doesn't appear to be available.

Binos,

That's very strange. Sounds like you need Stuffit Expander, although in my experience, just double-clicking on the install application should be enough. If I recall correctly, you need to remove the Office "Test Drive" that was pre-installed on your iMac with the "Remove Test Drive" application on your Hard Disk. Put the Office CD in and click on the "Microsoft Office 2004" icon. It should then be a question of following the straightforward onscreen prompts.

Hmmm. Some interesting results after that download. Suffice to say I think I'll take my copy of Office back to Honest Abdul's Genuine Software (Same address for two mind-boggling weeks!~). Until then, I'll take the Fifth. :uhoh:

Bino

You can download the latest Windows Media Player for Mac OSX here:

Windows Media Player (free)

Go down the page until you get the "Windows Media Player 9 for Mac OS X" (it's a .sitx file so you'll need Stuffit Expander - see below).

With some software installations, as opposed to trying to open the installer from the disc, all you have to do is drag the icon into the applications folder and it will do it all for you.

Whilst I think about it, there is another little glitch in the system that you may or may not come across. For some it never rears it's ugly head - depends if you're using Panther or Tiger, but just in case it does.......

For some reason the Times RO font will prevent you from downloading/installing/updating. Your Mac doesn't need it and unless you do particularly, you can safely disable/remove it. First, double click your hard disc icon and under 'Applications', double click 'Font Book'. In the left hand column, click 'All Fonts' and then use the slider of the right hand column to go down until you get to 'Times' (note: don't look in the Times CY or Times New Roman fonts). Click the little arrow to the left to expand the file and then click on one of the fonts i.e. 'Regular'. Then, under 'Preview' (on the top bar) click 'Show font info'. Move the cursor back down over the Times fonts (Regular/Italic/Bold etc.) and after a second or so a yellow box should appear giving you the font details. Look for the ones that have 'Times RO' at the end of the Path line. All the ones that have, you can either disable (under 'Edit') or remove entirely (under 'File'). Once done, quit out and restart your Mac. Should be trouble free updating and installing.

Sorry if this has been a bit long winded - trying to keep it in human speak!

Trips

Oh forgot to say, AppleMacster is spot on the money with Stuffit Expander. Download your free copy from the link he\'s given. Then, when you double click the .sit or .sitx file, Stuffit should automatically open and when you select it to expand it'll put a copy of the file on your Desktop. And no, ordinarily there shouldn't be a space between OSX and .sit. If you need to remove it, drag the .sit file onto your Desktop and then change it from there.

Trips

Sorry to say, NOT a good day for the convert. To those who hear that you can be up and running out of the box in fifteen minutes, just remember to add one small codicil; unless everything you want to transfer has been done on Windows machines for fourteen years.

Finder is driving me mad, even got to the stage where the whole system hung when Finder refused to go away; "Choose an application to start setup.exe" or words to that effect. I'm sick to death of seeing it. Office X won't read any .doc files I try to import, so I removed it ( I think) by dragging it to the trash. Tried to reinstall and when clicking the sitx file I get told "The destination folder "MS Office +" is on a locked volume. Please select another destination". A locked fcuking what????? Windows Explorer, I apologise profusely for my recent abuse.

Import Bookmarks scoffs and doesn't even bother un-greying the Import button when I present it my current list on a memory stick, I've been to the ends of the internet trying to find a Mac printer driver for my Canon bubblejet, finally got one, downloaded it now I can't find it, importing email folders....dbx files??? don't make me laugh; application please! rtf files? likewise ...etc etc... grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!! damn damn bugger fcuk! I've had enough. I'm back on my Dell taking strong drink to get over the disaster of the day.

Not happy Jan!!!!! grrrr, bah humbug, grumble grizzle grump. I feel like Mr Draper. Oh well, at least it's Tuesday tomorrow, err, make that today.....:uhoh:

Binos,

Sorry to hear you're having trouble. The finder is asking you to choose an application to open your .exe file because it can't open it. This is because it's a Windows file. One of the major joys of the Mac operating system is that it isn't Windows, ergo it can't open .exe files.

The kosher version of Microsoft Office is very simple to install, and doesn't contain any .sit files.

A locked destination is usually referring to a disk to which you cannot write, eg. a finalized CD-ROM.

Apple provide help and support on moving your stuff to the Mac:
Switch
Support
Discussion fora

You might find your Canon printer driver in the Documents folder (depending on how you've set-up Safari). You can also search for it using the swift "Spotlight" technology, accessed using the Blue magnifying glass in the top right hand of your screen, or by pressing Apple-Spacebar.

AppleMacster

Bino

Slowly, slowly, catchy the monkey!

As AM says, the Kosher version of Office X has no .sit files. To get rid of it, simply dragging it to the trash won't do. Part of the Office suite includes 'Remove Office' (Applications - Microsoft Office - Additional Tools)

This'll get rid of all the hidden files you can't see.

If you want a talk through for the rest of it, send a PM.

Trips

Bino's have you thought about trying Open Office instead of Microsoft Office

http://download.openoffice.org/2.0.0/index.html

I can't say how good it is on a Mac, maybe a Mac user can, but it's fine on the PC and it's free. I've just read the instructions on using it on Mac OS X, it seems complicated so maybe better to stick to trying to get MS Office to play the game.

Mind you did anyone imagine that Microsoft could get their office suite to work on a Mac. They have enough trouble with Windows.

I actually went out and bought the genuine Office today (jeez it pisses me off when a big fancy looking box contains a CD and a little instruction manual.)

Had to go out tonight so I'll attack the Office situation again tomorrow, but in the meantime, once in MSN Messenger, how on earth do I invite somebody to receive my webcam? This is one thing I really didn't expect to be asking, I mean how basic can it get? And a search on Mac Help throws up no results on webcam or iSight! :confused: :confused:

Bino

Back at home tomorrow night. Will go through it then, if someone hasn't posted before then.

Trips

Binos,

Microsoft have decided not to support Video or Audio on the Mac version of MSN Messenger, so you can't do it. However, people can get a free "screenname" from AOL Instant Messenger which can be used with iChat, as the backbone network for iChat is AIM. This way, it is possible to use video and audio chat with PC users using your iSight and iChat. One doesn't always have to be forced into submission by Microsoft, and the AOL/iChat solution works fine.

The Mac development of OpenOffice has stalled. When I last tried it out (around a year ago), it was nowhere near as developed as the other versions, which is a shame, as it is a good application on other platforms.

AppleMacster

Good old Microsoft, eh? Does that mean everybody I talk to has to get AIM as well?

Signed,

Pissed off, of Mackay..

Binos,

They would have to get AIM, but it's hardly a major trauma: just register a screenname and download the free software. They don't have to subscribe to AOL. Why should they be short-changed by Microsoft and only be able to chat in video and audio to other PC users? :E

AppleMacster

Will first of all join the in the congrats in moving over to Mac from Windows. Remember making the move, with a fair amount of nervousness, a few years ago. In retrospect, most of the problems in the move were because I was trying too hard after years of conditioning with Windows. When I relaxed and trusted the Mac to do the job right a lot of the problems went away. Maybe this is a bit of a trite observation, but I will say once over the teething problems I will be very surprised if you look back.:ok:

As for your email program, why use Entourage? Started with Mail and quite frankly does the job beautifully. Think that is the good thing about most Mac programs, just focused on one task and do it well.

Good point about Finder turning its nose up at .exe files is that this automatically removes one major source of virus etc type nasties getting onto your computer.:hmm:

Trip Switch,

I just downloaded Mercury, and it appears to work with the iSight. None of my MSN friends are online, so I can't check it 100%.:rolleyes: However, if I can monitor the feed from the iSight, but the frame rate appears a lot slower than with iChat.

AppleMacster

AM

Yeah, sorry, just deleted post. Will re post the link in a sec. Just checking out the Mercury site - see what it comes up with. There are another couple of message apps on the apple download page - Adium X and aMSN, but not sure if they support cam and mic.

Bino, link to Mercury....

Mercury

But it'll NEVER be as good as iChat!:p

Trips

*************************

AM

For your info

Mercury info

Trips

Trip Switch,

Neither aMSN nor Adium do audio or video. I'll be interested to see how Mercury fares when one of my MSN buddies is online.

Binos: Trip is right - it'll never be as good as iChat, tailor-made by Apple for the iSight. Why make life hard for oneself?

AppleMacster

Binos

As AM says, if you can get the person you want to video chat with to register a screen name etc with AOL (all free), it'll make your life soooooo much easier. It really is a simple process to follow - all of a couple of minutes.

And that way, you'll be getting the most out of iSight and your Mac.

Trips

So all my current Messenger contacts have to download not only an identity from AOL, but a program to use to talk to me? I don't think I'll be sending all my contacts a note to that effect; I'm not confident enough ANY of them will bother. :{

Thing that's really bugging me at the moment is being unable to import favourites/bookmarks. My network (Mac to modem, Dell as no 2 computer through switch) works in as much as both computers get the internet without problems, but neither can apparetnly see the other computer, so file/printer sharing is out of the question. I put my favourites folder on a memory stick and plugged it into the mac. I try to import favourites from there and it sees the file but everythiing in it remains resolutely greyed out.

If anybody has any ideas here I'd appreciate it, because I'm really not looking forward to typing out 200 odd urlss and adding them individually to bookmarks on the Mac.

I will be going wireless shortly as soon as i find out which hardware is best suited to the Mac, but it seems to me that if the two computers can't see each other with an ADSL modem/router, wireless isn't ging to make any difference, so it's a problem I need to sort out first.

Forgive all the typos in this, it's most unlike me; I haven't got used to the Mac keyboard yet eitther. :(

Edited to add that somehow, I have no idea how, both computers now appear to be grudgingly admitting the other's existence. If you tick enough boxes something happens. Still won't import favourites, but one piece of progress a day is all I can expect I suppose.

No, only *you* have to download Mercury, your PC friends can live in ignorance. They will see you as just a regular MSN contact, and you them, through Mercury. Your MSN contact list is kept on MSN servers, not on your computer.

This link might help you with your Bookmark importing. The file needs to be a .html file from your Windows version of Explorer in order to successfully import the bookmarks.

AppleMacster

[Edited for additional handy hints]

Thanks, Macster. I was actually talking about using iChat, which seems to be the program of choice. I'll investigate Mercury tomorrow. (So many things to investigate, just as well I don't have a life. :( )

Re bookmarks, following the link as far as Preferences sadly doesn't bring up Explorer as the next option.

(I hope somebody else will learn something out of all of this.)

While on wireless, I haven't delved as far as Airport or Bluetooth or anything that arcane as yet, but in the meantime should any wireless modem/router handle all my wireless requirements in the home, or does there need to be something with a Mac flavour?

Err, thanks again, all, Keep the advice coming, it's most appreciated.

:ok:

Binos, as you know I took the plunge a few weeks ago and I am learning from this thread. So thanks for starting it mate, and to all the friendly Trauma Counsilors (sp?) a great big THANK you as well.

Bins, I managed to install Airport. The home PC got a plug in stick in a USB port and now both iBooks in the family plus the PC are all wireless. Great good fun for me to pprune infront of the fireplace and kids very happy to go online from their own rooms.
Airport really IS easy.

Binos,

I think you need to invoke the Import/Export Wizard on your Internet Explorer on your PC to transfer your Favourites. It's on the File menu. Export the Bookmarks as a .htm file. Safari should be able to import these Favourites as an html file straight onto the Bookmarks menu.

Wireless: it depends on your internet connection. You've probably noticed that your new iMac doesn't have a dial-up modem, so I assume you're on broadband? Apple don't make a broadband modem, only routers which connect to a broadband connection. Macs generally work more reliably with Ethernet modems.

AppleMacster

Binos

All you need to buy to go wireless is something like an Airport Extreme base station (with modem) and an Ethernet cable.

Airport Extreme base station

The set-up will be something like this:

Firstly, your iMac has got an Airport Extreme card built-in (ie WiFi ready). Using the broadband router that you are obviously using already, use an Ethernet cable to connect this to an Airport Extreme base station. That'll give you your broadband. You can also connect a standard phone dial-up between the base station and the normal phone socket (use a splitter if you're running a phone from the same socket). Should your broadband go down, you've then got dial-up as an alternative. Also, to the back of the base station, you can connect your printer etc using the USB or Ethernet socket so that you can print wirelessly (this makes the printer a wireless network printer). That way, all the hardware can be kept in another room out of sight. However, as far as I know, it's not yet possible to scan wirelessly.

Having set up a wireless network, your PC can simply join it as it would do any other WiFi network (provided it is WiFi capable) and can use all the same connections (broadband/printer/dial-up etc).

If you want to go one further, you can also get one of these:

Airport Extreme with Air Tunes

.... but that's just getting flash!

Bluetooth is great for things like a wireless mouse or keyboard and for connecting to a bluetooth enabled mobile phone. You can then download music, piccies etc to your phone. Depending on your phone, some will interface with iCal etc as well. You can also use the bluetooth phone as a wireless modem (using GPRS) when away from home in the boonies to give you internet access etc.

Hope this helps and gives you an idea of how simple it all really is.

Trips

Rather than an Airport I would go for a simple netgear Wireless Router like the DG834.

Cheaper, simpler.

It wont do wireless printing but at the moment I cant get my Airport Extreeme to do that anyway.:rolleyes:

Flaps,

Hold down the ctrl key and click on the picture/movie in question. This brings up the "contextual menu", or "right-click menu" as they say at Microsoft. You will have a number of saving choices presented to you. ;)

You can edit it in iPhoto or Graphic Convertor.

AppleMacster