Mac OS X Books - Page 4

The Cult of Mac (Paperback edition)

Leander Kahney

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: No Starch Press Amazon Marketplace: 38 new & used starting at $7.91

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Music -> iPods
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Music -> iTunes

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Insight into the Apple Faithful 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Do you think that you love Apple and are passionate about their products? This book is all about the passion and the ways in which people show their devotion. You might dye your hair one week a year, or have a logo cut into it, but those efforts quickly return to "normal." This book details arguably the largest subculture in computing: The Mac Faithful. Where an Apple logo tattoo is not unusual.

Contents:
Part 1: Macintosh Madness. Techno Fetishism, Macs and the Counterculture, Worshipping the Two Steves, Mac Tattoos and Haircuts, Macspotting, Mac Evangelism, The Mac Web.
Part 2: Gatherings of the Clan. Tales of MacWorld, Macs in Japan.
Part 3: Incessant Tinkerers. Macquariums, Fantasy Macs, Hardware Mods, Paper Macs.
Part 4: Hoarders and Recyclers. Mac Collectors and Collectibles, Antique Macs.
Part 5: New Frontier. iPod, What Makes Mac Fans So Loyal?
Index

The Cult of Mac, by Leander Kahney, is an amazing book on an interesting part of the computer world. While you may be put off by the use of the word "cult" in the title, make no mistake, Leander means this is in a loving way. His chapters focus on one aspect concerning "Macheads," from the simple Apple logo sticker, to tattoos, to collecting boxes, to the prevalence of the iPod, and beyond. Each chapter is well written and includes many colorful pictures of the subject matter. As you can tell from the contents, Kahney spends time on many topics, allowing the principals to share their story. Some of the subjects may be hard to rationalize (which is the point, I think), but Kahney allows them to their needed time which only adds to the colorful Mac culture.

I picked this book up specifically to see the extremes of the Mac faithful. Yes, it does deliver those examples but without any editorial comments. Kahney presents these people as they are, and allows the reader to make their own judgements. However, somewhere along the way, I was struck by what this book delivers to the casual Mac user as well as people outside of the Mac culture. Kahney shows how many of these Mac faithful give up their time to sell, without any compensation, Apple products in big box stores, like CompUSA (you can see that some of the information is a little dated). But think about that - would anyone do the same for a Windows machine? Or any other personal computer? The chapter on Hardware Mods is one of my favorite. Kahney presents people that turn their Macs into gorgeous works of art. Or creating a Mac product where none exists (like a Mac-based Web pad fashioned out of a touch screen iBook). I could continue to expound on this book, as there are many reasons that I like it. Suffice it to say that this is an excellent book.

If you have one of the Mac faithful in your midst, this would make an excellent gift. If you don't use a Mac or if you can't understand why people fuss over the Apple brand, this book will provide you with many of the answers. You will not get a history of Apple from this book, but you will get a fascinating look into the Apple faithful.

Editorial Review:

No product on the planet enjoys the devotion of a Macintosh computer. Famously dedicated to their machines, many Mac fans eat, sleep and breathe Macintosh. In The Cult of Mac, Wired News managing editor Leander Kahney takes an in-depth look at Mac users and their unique, creative, and often very funny culture. From people who get Mac tattoos and haircuts, to those who furnish their apartments out of empty Mac boxes, the book details Mac fandom in all of its forms. This paperback edition includes an all-new chapter about the iPod, updates throughout, and new photos that reflect current Apple technology.

Mac OS X Bible, Tiger Edition

Samuel A. Litt, Thomas, Jr. Clancy, Warren G. Gottlieb, Douglas B. Heyman, Alejandro Prado, Craig Zimmerman

Amazon Price: $26.99 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Visual Amazon Marketplace: 71 new & used starting at $1.58

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Hardware -> Macs
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A necessary 1st step for new Mac users. 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Why doesn't Apple make a book like this? even on a CD included with the computer? These are powerful machines, yet it takes a 3rd party to explain how to use that power.

I was going to give this book a 4, until I remembered this is for 1st time users of Macs (which I am) and that it covers such a breadth of subjects (including network connections and the Automator) that I figured it deserves a 5.

Editorial Review:

* The definitive, 100% complete handbook and reference for the more than 12 million Mac OS X users has been improved and expanded to include essential expert guidance and advice on all of Tiger's new features
* Tiger boasts more than 150 new features including Spotlight, the new system-wide search tool; Dashboard, which provides instant access to accessory programs; and iChatAV, which allows users to videoconference with up to three additional people
* Packed with useful tips and secrets on installation, taking advantage of hot new features, setting up OS X on a network, running older apps in emulation mode, using Sherlock "X," AirPort, iChat, iCal, Address Book, Mail, QuickTime "X", and other Tiger features
* Includes updates to iLife and the latest built-in Tiger apps

Automator for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: Visual QuickStart Guide

Ben Waldie

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 53 new & used starting at $7.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Automator for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard: Visual QuickStart Guide uses a combination of task-based instruction and strong visuals to teach Macintosh users how to automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks with the Automator application that is included with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard. Automator comes with many useful actions for lots of popular Apple applications. Each action performs a single specific task, such as removing an empty playlist from iTunes, or adding attachments to a Mail message. The real power of Automator lies in mixing and matching these actions to perform exactly the job you need them to, in a string of actions known as a workflow.

Author Ben Waldie introduces readers to how Automator works, and then helps them assemble and use Automator workflows. This book covers the major updates to Automator that are part of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), including a variety of highly anticipated features, such as recording, looping, and the use of variables within workflows. These features make Automator more flexible and powerful than before, greatly increasing its appeal and interest to any Mac user looking to become more efficient.

Both beginning users who want a thorough introduction to Automator and more advanced users looking for a convenient reference will find what they need here in straightforward language, clear steps, and practical tips.

Mac OS X Leopard Para Dummies (Para Dummies/for Dummies (Computer/Tech)(Spanish))

Bob LeVitus

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $21.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $9.23

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> General AAS

Editorial Review:

Simplifique las copias de seguridad con Time Machine (Máquina del tiempo) y proteja sus datos

La forma divertida y fácil para desatar el poder de las emocionantes funciones de Leopard

¿Quiere ir al fondo de Leopard? Ya sea que usted es un nuevo usuario de Mac o un antiguo usuario entusiasta, esta amigable guía le pone al tanto del último sistema operativo de Apple. Desde navegar en el Finder (Buscador) y agregar símbolos del tablero a la red, utilizando reconocimiento de voz y funciones de accesibilidad y solución de problemas, usted encontrará todo lo que necesita para sacar el máximo de este sistema operativo.

Descubra cómo:

• Personalizar su acoplador y su escritorio

• Hacer búsquedas más inteligentes con Spotlight

• Sincronizar contactos y calendarios con facilidad

• Iniciar charlas con video al instante

• Navegar en la Web de forma segura

• Organizar con Spaces

Mac OS X Tiger Killer Tips

Scott Kelby

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: New Riders Press Amazon Marketplace: 31 new & used starting at $4.48

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Tips rule!

Have you ever noticed that in just about every Mac book, the author will include a couple of tips in each chapter (you'll usually find them in the sidebar, or at the bottom of the page in a tinted box). Sometimes it's a shortcut, a faster way to do something, or a clever workaround that just makes your life easier. People really love those tips, but there's only one problem--there's never enough of them.

That's why Scott Kelby, bestselling author and Editor-in-Chief of Mac Design magazine came up with the idea to create a book that's nothing but "sidebar" tips. That's right--this entire book, cover-to-cover is packed with nothing but those cool inside secrets, slick workarounds, undocumented shortcuts, and sneaky little tricks that will make you faster, better, and have more fun using Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger).

Nothing but the tips!

You're not going to find complicated descriptions on how to configure a network, how to partition a hard drive, or lines and lines of scary-looking UNIX code--instead this book is nothing but cool tips--and it's all written in Scott's casual, plain English style so you can start using these tips today. Plus, this book does the standard "sidebar tip" one better by including a clear screen capture with nearly every tip, so you can see exactly how it's all done.

Not just tips. Killer tips!

To be in this book, every tip has got to be a "Killer Tip" (the kind of tip that makes you nod and smile, then call all your Mac buddies to tune them up with your new-found power). Scott's a total "hip hound" (in fact, it was Scott who created the entire smash-bestselling "Killer Tips" book series), and he doesn't hold anything back--it's all here from the man who literally "wrote the book" on cool productivity tips.If you like doing things the easy way, if you like getting twice the work done in half the time, and if you get a kick out of knowing all the "inside secrets and undocumented shortcuts" that will wow your friends and coworkers, you're absolutely going to love this book.

Mac OS X for Dummies, Second Edition

Bob LeVitus

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $21.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 55 new & used starting at $0.45

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

So you're finally making the leap from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X. Good for you! Or maybe you've just switched from Windows and bought a brand-spanking-new iMac. Bravo! Or perhaps you've never used a computer before and have bought a new Mac because you heard how easy they are to use. Bonus points!

Whatever your reason for diving into the Aqua-filled world of Mac OS X, rest assured that you made the right choice. Thing is, Apple has made Mac OS X quite different from earlier Mac operating systems, and it's way different than Windows, so you may need a little help finding your way through that big, complicated operating system – not to mention all that great software that comes bundled with it.

That's why veteran Mac-scribe Bob LeVitus has written a not-so-big, not-so-complicated Dummies book about Mac OS X. Recently revised for version 10.2 (a.k.a. Jaguar), Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition, shows you what Mac OS X is all about, without boring you silly, confusing you to the point of frustration, or poking you with sharp objects. You'll discover the information and advice you need in a language that you can understand (unlike those other computer books that shall remain nameless).

  Inside Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition, you'll find the following topics and more:

• Setting up and turning on your new Mac
• Getting around on the Desktop and in the Dock
• Finding stuff with the Finder
• Working with Mac OS X applications and files
• Surfing the Internet – Mac OS X style
• Sharing and printing files and documents
• Making your Mac your own: Setting System Preferences
• Troubleshooting – Yes, even Mac OS X crashes every once in a while
• Top Ten lists on how to speed up your Mac experience, accessories you should consider, Web sites all Mac freaks should know about, and valuable third-party software

No matter what you use your Mac for – whether it's to surf the Internet, watch DVDs, listen to online music, or any number of other reasons – Mac OS X For Dummies, 2nd Edition, will get you well on your way to becoming a bona fide Mac guru.

Smart Home Hacks: Tips & Tools for Automating Your House (Hacks)

Gordon Meyer

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: O'Reilly Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 35 new & used starting at $12.38

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac Administration
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Business & Culture -> Hacking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

So much of what is commonplace today was once considered impossible, or at least wishful thinking. Laser beams in the operating room, cars with built-in guidance systems, cell phones with email access. There's just no getting around the fact that technology always has, and always will be, very cool. But technology isn't only cool; it's also very smart. That's why one of the hottest technological trends nowadays is the creation of smart homes. At an increasing rate, people are turning their homes into state-of-the-art machines, complete with more switches, sensors, and actuators than you can shake a stick at. Whether you want to equip your home with motion detectors for added security, install computer-controlled lights for optimum convenience, or even mount an in-home web cam or two purely for entertainment, the world is now your oyster. Ah, but like anything highly technical, creating a smart home is typically easier said than done. Thankfully, Smart Home Hacks takes the guesswork out of the process. Through a seemingly unending array of valuable tips, tools, and techniques, Smart Home Hacks explains in clear detail how to use Mac, Windows, or Linux to achieve the automated home of your dreams. In no time, you'll learn how to turn a loose collection of sensors and switches into a well-automated and well-functioning home no matter what your technical level may be. Smart Home Hacks covers a litany of stand-alone and integrated smart home solutions designed to enhance safety, comfort, and convenience in new and existing homes. Kitchens, bedrooms, home offices, living rooms, and even bathrooms are all candidates for smart automation and therefore are all addressed in Smart Home Hacks. Intelligently written by engineering guru and George Jetson wannabe, Gordon Meyer, Smart Home Hacks leaves no stone unturned. From what to purchase to how to use your remote control, it's the ultimate guide to understanding and implementing complete or partial home automation.

Apple Training Series: Mac OS X Support Essentials (Apple Training)

Owen Linzmayer

Amazon Price: $34.64 List Price: $54.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Peachpit Press Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $20.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The definitive book on certification, and a good overall reference. 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

If it is Apple certification you want, you can choose to use the web based Applecare technician training or this book. To do a great job on your cert tests, I recommend both. The book allows you to learn and study when you are not in front of a screen. Completely web-based programs require me to print out a lot, and I found I did not have to with the book in hand.

Editorial Review:

The only Apple-certified book on Mac OS X, this updated best-seller will take you deep inside the latest big-cat operating system, covering everything from networking technologies to system administration, customizing the operating system, command-line programming, and more. Whether you're a support technician or simply an ardent Mac user, you'll quickly learn and master the 150+ features new to Mac OS X Tiger, including the innovative Spotlight search system, a Dashboard filled with customizable Widget mini-apps, the Automator application for building customized workflows, and more. Following the learning objectives of the Apple Certified Technical Coordinator certification exam, this self-paced book is a perfect supplement to Apple’s own training class and a first-rate primer for computer support personnel who need to troubleshoot and optimize Mac OS X as part of their jobs. Chapter review sections and quizzes summarize and reinforce gained knowledge.

Mac OS X All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies

Mark L. Chambers, Erick Tejkowski, Michael L. Williams

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 53 new & used starting at $0.91

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Hardware -> Macs
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Microsoft -> Operating Systems -> Windows - General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Marginal at best 2 out of 5 stars.
13 of 17 people found this review helpful.

I have read many of the for Dummies books and for the most part I have found them to be well organized with relevant information at your fingertips. Alas, this book is not one of those. The author attempts to keep things cute and lively with all sorts of little catch phrases and other humorless items (can you say bob saggett) but it really just confuses and annoys. Several times I have turned to this book searching for a quick explanation on how to do something and found it nearly impossible to find. The index and appendix are not particularly helpful and many of the descriptions give you just enough information to get into trouble. While most of the "for Dummies" series are extremely helpful, this one is not one of them.

Editorial Review:

* The perfect companion to help cut through the clutter and get started with Apple's powerful new operating system, Mac OS X
* Helps users quickly get up to speed with Mac OS X and the many powerful software applications included with the operating system
* Covers key features such as using classic mode, personalizing the desktop, getting on the
* Internet, using Apple Mail, and going digital with iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and Apple DVD
* Combines the following eight minibooks into one reference: Introducing Mac OS X, Customizing OS X, The Digital Hub, The Internet, Networking, Expanding Your System, AppleWorks, and Advanced Mac OS X

Maran Illustrated Mac OS X v.10.4 Tiger (Maran Illustrated)

Ruth Maran

Amazon Price: $18.24 List Price: $24.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Course Technology PTR Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $1.77

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Home Computing -> Internet -> General AAS
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Apple -> Mac OS X
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Operating Systems -> MacOS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Pretty Pictures, Piddling Information 2 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for full price ($24.95) at a Waldenbooks store when I was pressed for time. Not a good idea; and in this case, an expensive mistake. I do agree with the gentleman from Winnemucca, NV, who said that the book has high quality graphics and looks very good. (That's why I bought it without doing any research -- or even looking through it very carefully!)

However, virtually all of the information in the book can be found faster and more completely documented by using the Mac Help menu on your Tiger equipped Mac. And the book doesn't even tell you how to install new software or make a copy of a CD or DVD.

In summary, this book might be helpful to a person who has never used a computer--any computer--before, but it is of no value at all to anyone else. If you feel you must have it despite what I've said, definitely buy it here rather than pay full retail for it as I did. At least that way you won't waste as much money.

Editorial Review:

Produced by the award-winning maranGraphics Group, "Maran Illustrated™ OS X Tiger" is a valuable resource for all readers, regardless of experience. Clear, step-by-step instructions walk the reader through each operation from beginning to end. Helpful topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and advice to enhance the readers’ OS X Tiger experience and help meet their individual needs. "Maran IllustratedTM OS X Tiger" is packed with information useful to readers who have purchased their first computer and are learning OS X Tiger for the first time. Those who have experience with older versions of OS X will find this book an excellent guide to help them take command of their OS X experience, by way of the easy-to-use maranGraphics format. Readers have the option of reading the book from cover to cover, or simply reading the individual topics they are interested in.