The Macintosh is perhaps the greatest home computer ever made. Sure, most people you know use Windows, but outside of those people who enjoy rebuilding toasters and the like, how many of them truly enjoy using Windows? My guess is none.
Enter the Mac. To love a Mac, is to love it. Ask the thousands of self-confessed "MacAddicts" or "Mac Evangelists."
Here's how to get started on your journey through the world of the Macintosh.
GENERAL MAC INFORMATION
First, for a general inrroduction to the Macintosh platform, visit the offical website at Apple.
Next, visit MacAddict, the place for true Mac fans. You'll find a web site geared for the next decade. Fun, games, and exciting information -- all can be found here.
ATTENTION PC USERS: Go to Yaromat to experience the Mac, and understand why I like it so much.
Sometimes you just can't help it. For whatever reason, you are forced to use a PC. For those trying times, some wonderful soul has developed a Macintosh theme. Make your PC look, sound and feel deceptively like a PC.
Here's a handy site that can help you learn new Mac tips and tricks -- The Practical Mac.
Between MacInTouch and The Ultimate Macintosh Page, there's nothing Mac related you can't find.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Your first step should be to visit the tremendously helpful archives at MacFixIt. They have reports of just about every issue that affects the Mac. I visit every day.
Mac users having trouble with their computers can visit MacPitStop to get a free diagnosis report! Very cool :-)
If you're having real problems with your Mac, I suggest you get a copy of Tech Tool Pro, probably the most comprehensive diagnostic tool available. You can get the free version, or the for-pay Pro version that I use.
SOFTWARE
Here are my programs of choice:
- Adobe Illustrator -- Drawing
- Adobe PageMaker 6.5 Plus -- Desktop publishing
- Adobe Photoshop -- Image editing
- AppleWorks -- Word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation
- Dreamweaver -- Web page design
- Eudora 4.3.1 -- E-mail
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 -- Browser (NOTE: This is the ONLY Microsoft product I endorse, and only the 5.0 version.)
- Quicken -- Financial management
- Typestyler -- Type effects
You can find tons of great programs at the wonderful Download.com site. This is a great place to visit. You may also want to keep tabs on VersionTracker .
Looking for some fun fonts? Try visiting The Free Font Fairy and see what you can find. Absolutely free.
Finding the right ISP is important. You should consult The List to find the perfect ISP for you.
INTERNET
I suggest Texas.net if you're in Texas. They're my former ISP, and they are wonderful with legendary technical support. I currently use Earthlink.net, and I love them! They are a nationwide ISP -- thich is why I switched -- and they give you great features to boot. If you decide to switch to Earthlink, please let me know before you sign up. Not only cna I get your setup fee waived, but I also get a small commission prize.
If you have a 56k modem, you'll find US Robotics' Line Test page to see if your phone line is allowing you to really achieve 56k speeds.
Tired of spam? Report those hateful spammers at SpamCop. Say goodbye to junk e-mail.
Last updated: Tuesday, March 28, 2000
