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Just bought Macbook Black !!!

T

texmacs

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Finally...the day has come...I just received by Macbook Black (2.4 Ghz, 2GB)...I am first time Mac user...So I would like to know what are the usual rituals first time starting with Mac?....What needs to be downloaded...etc....

Thanks for the help!!
 
texmacs said:
Finally...the day has come...I just received by Macbook Black (2.4 Ghz, 2GB)...I am first time Mac user...So I would like to know what are the usual rituals first time starting with Mac?....What needs to be downloaded...etc....

Thanks for the help!!
Click to expand...

You don't NEED to download anything -- it's not like Windows where you have to download plugins to play stuff, install anti-virus, stop pop-ups, etc, etc. Your new Mac will work wonderfully right out of the box.

I would suggest running Software Update though and installing any updates.

Other than that, all there is to do for the first few days is just admire its beauty!
 
I'd recommend getting a program (free) called monolingual, it strips down the fat that you'll never use off of programs, gives you more room and makes things run faster...
 
My rituals include reinstalling the OS and while doing it, paring it down (deselecting languages and apps I don't want etc.).

Secondly, I run software update.

Third, I install my audio apps etc. – download them if necessary - and update those (Soundbooth, Waveburner, Wave Agent, Wave Editor, Soundsoap, Bias Peak, Bias Deck, MS Office).

Then, I set up Mail.app, to work with my different accounts.

And while mail downloads the mails from my accounts, I download VLC player, Mplayer, Cog, Omniweb (pay-for browser), Opera, Firefox, Bean (awesome, simple text editor based on text edit), UnrarX.

When that's done, I copy many of my settings over. Many, not all. This last step is irrelevant to you, of course.
 
gwmac said:
Nice one!
I reckon firefox with adblock plus and flip4mac are very worthwhile.
Click to expand...

Adblock plus?! On a Mac? According to above Macs don't get pop up, even if it is a function of the browser.
Can't OSX stand on its own two feet or does it need the crutch of negative talk of Windows to seem good?
For the record, I don't run AV software on my Windows machines or download plug ins (only for web browsers, and again that is the browser's issue) - so let's not blame Windows for the fact it is used by a multitude of morons who I guarantee would ruin OSX in the same way if enough used it.
 
I would run through all the options in system preferences. Track pad, Display power settings ect... Flip4Mac is a good plug in get that.If your new to macs I would suggest buying a few copies or even subscribe to a mac magazine, here in the Uk I read iCreate and Mac Format very good tool to pick up those handy little tips. But just have fun!
 
PresentACat said:
Adblock plus?! On a Mac? According to above Macs don't get pop up, even if it is a function of the browser.
Can't OSX stand on its own two feet or does it need the crutch of negative talk of Windows to seem good?
For the record, I don't run AV software on my Windows machines or download plug ins (only for web browsers, and again that is the browser's issue) - so let's not blame Windows for the fact it is used by a multitude of morons who I guarantee would ruin OSX in the same way if enough used it.
Click to expand...

You have to remember a lot of people don't use adblock plus to block pop-ups. Firefox already has that built in. Most people use it to get rid of all the ads and banners that appear throughout websites. I installed adblock plus for this reason on my mac.
 
PresentACat said:
Adblock plus?! On a Mac? According to above Macs don't get pop up, even if it is a function of the browser.
Can't OSX stand on its own two feet or does it need the crutch of negative talk of Windows to seem good?
For the record, I don't run AV software on my Windows machines or download plug ins (only for web browsers, and again that is the browser's issue) - so let's not blame Windows for the fact it is used by a multitude of morons who I guarantee would ruin OSX in the same way if enough used it.
Click to expand...

But I don't like seeing unsolicited advertising when I am browsing, what's the big deal in that?
And if you're not running anti virus on Windows machines, I hope you don't look after anything of importance!
 
PresentACat said:
Adblock plus?! On a Mac? According to above Macs don't get pop up, even if it is a function of the browser.
Can't OSX stand on its own two feet or does it need the crutch of negative talk of Windows to seem good?
For the record, I don't run AV software on my Windows machines or download plug ins (only for web browsers, and again that is the browser's issue) - so let's not blame Windows for the fact it is used by a multitude of morons who I guarantee would ruin OSX in the same way if enough used it.
Click to expand...

I thought adblock also stripped the ads out of websites? That sounds useful to me.
 
I would download the software updates.

I would get Flip4mac and the new version of Flash.

Download Firefox so you have a backup if you run into a unfriendly Safari site.

Maybe Stuffit expander too.


When your done run Repair Permissions.
 
I have pretty much the same questions. I always get firefox, that's a given, I don't know what Flip4mac does.

I've never used an antivirus for my Mac, but I'm now wondering if it might be a good idea just to avoid passing on some bug to someone else?

What about fire walls and maybe a file shredder? What apps in that area would you recommend?
 
perian plugin for quicktime. Runs most unsupported videos directly in quicktime for you, save having to have loads of third party video players.

Other than that, i would only recommend widgets.

iStat (or I prefer 'iStat Pro')
application update
coconut battery (only useful for macbooks)
 
Chaos123x said:
I would download the software updates.

I would get Flip4mac and the new version of Flash.

Download Firefox so you have a backup if you run into a unfriendly Safari site.

Maybe Stuffit expander too.


When your done run Repair Permissions.
Click to expand...

Why do you need to run Repair Permissions. I've had my Macbook Pro for over 2 years and I've only done this once.

Here are some free and helpful downloads:

  • Perian - a QuickTime component that adds native support for many popular video formats
  • Solitaire XL - the best Solitaire game for Macs
  • Handbrake - allows you to rip DVD's for your Mac or iPod

Chaos123x said:
flip4mac plays windows media player videos.
Click to expand...

This does allow you to play Windows Media Player files, but to use other features, you have to purchase it.
 
gwmac said:
Yes it is the basic player is free

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/wmcomponents.mspx
Click to expand...

Sorry, I don't normally look for Mac software on Microsoft's website. I went to flip4mac's website:

http://www.flip4mac.com/wmv_download.htm

Trial download limitations:
In trial mode you can export ½ the duration of your source file up to 30 seconds. In addition, a watermark will be placed on any files that you import until you upgrade to Player Pro.

Features included in this single trial download:

  • Playback (Player)
  • Import (Player Pro)
  • Export with built-in encoding profiles (Studio)
  • Export with custom 1-pass, SD profiles (Studio Pro)
  • Export with custom 2-pass, HD profiles (Studio Pro HD)
Once you install the software, you can purchase more features directly within the application.
Click to expand...
 
Congrats!

You dont really need to download anything!

Only thing i would recommend is Onyx

Its a program that just keeps the mac running smooth, registry clean up ext.

Has a scanner built in just incase there is any threats which i doubt very much



But its a very small program and i know many that use and they said its the best in its field.

************
Got a bit of info for you

OnyX is a multifunction utility for Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard).
It allows you to verify the Startup Disk and the structure of its System files, to run misc tasks of system maintenance, to configure some hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Dashboard, Exposé, Safari, Login window and of some of Apple's own applications, to delete caches, to remove a certain number of files and folders that may become cumbersome and more.
http://www.titanium.free.fr/pgs/english.html

Cheers

ML
 
killianb said:
You don't NEED to download anything -- it's not like Windows where you have to download plugins to play stuff, install anti-virus, stop pop-ups, etc, etc. Your new Mac will work wonderfully right out of the box.

I would suggest running Software Update though and installing any updates.

Other than that, all there is to do for the first few days is just admire its beauty!
Click to expand...

HAHA!

"You don't NEED to download anything ... [but run] Software Update ... and [install] any updates."

That's like saying I don't need to buy gas, but go ahead and fill up my car anyway.

Yes. You need to constantly be up-to-date on Software Update. It's very valuable to the life of your computer.
 
Just got the same MB you did.

Installed Adium so far and did my software updates.

I have a System Restore disc for my HP Vista laptop...can I use that with Bootcamp to load up Vista?
 
Perian, Flip4Mac, and Firefox. That's about all you need to download. And get yourself a copy of MS Office if you're a student.
 
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