What are the first things you do when you get a new Mac?

[sjshaw]

Some of you may remember my post here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=113351) where I discuss my new purchase.

Well, it turns out I could get a new 12" PB through an educator friend for $1499. I figured it was a better deal, what with the extra CPU power, bigger and faster HD, better SuperDrive, drop protection, etc. In the interim, I've decided to switch back to my beloved Mac platform permanently. The PC will only be for online poker, text sims, and Quicken (unless I think the upgrade would go smoothly for my 6+ years of data).

Soooo... now my question is, what do you guys do upon buying a new Mac? I saw the often-referenced threads here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=58101) and here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=95742), but my question is a bit different. Not just what programs do you install, but what do you do?

Partition the HD? Install Gentoo? Migrate files from your PC/older Mac? Install scripts in User/Library? Of course, any special programs/customizations?

My hope is this thread could become useful to upgraders/switchers in addition to the myriad "Just got a new Mac, what do I do?" threads. Instead of asking the forum what I should do, I'm interested in what you do.

Perhaps this doesn't make sense or is overly duplicative. If that is the case, I apologize. I just like accumulating information about the Mac experience, now that I am fully back in the fold.

[h0e0h]

first thing i did was move all my photos and tunes from my PC to their now desitnations on my mac.

[primalman]

I open the box!

[Blue Velvet]

I erase the drive and do a clean reinstall from the supplied disks.

Next priority is to get online and download & install any updaters, security patches etc. This usually involves installing modem software and setting up network preferences and the like...

Then I sort out my email accounts to make sure I can send & receive mail.

After that, the clean installing of all major work-related applications and their respective updaters and patches. Usually some tweaking here in applications' preferences particularly Photoshop.

Only after that, do I move stuff over from the old machine...

[kettle]

I usually give it a name, I've usually spent a while thinking of what it should be but the actual first moments of unpacking and boot up are when the name becomes clear. :)

I love that new born Mac Smell, although I helped my mrs with her new mac and that one didn't smell the same as the others. hmm.

anyway, I give the wee beastie a name that will be with it forever. :)

[eXan]

I install all my software... takes a while though... :rolleyes:

[Platform]

I erase the drive and do a clean reinstall from the supplied disks.

Next priority is to get online and download & install any updaters, security patches etc. This usually involves installing modem software and setting up network preferences and the like...

Then I sort out my email accounts to make sure I can send & receive mail.

After that, the clean installing of all major work-related applications and their respective updaters and patches. Usually some tweaking here in applications' preferences particularly Photoshop.

Only after that, do I move stuff over from the old machine...

Why do you erase and then install all the same programs again :confused:

[Palad1]

When I got my first PowerBook, after neraly 15 years of using a PC, the first thing I did were;

opening up the finder
clicking on 'Applications'
clicking on 'Internet Explorer'
dragging it to the Trash,
emptying the Trash.


God, that felt just right :)

[celaurie]

...stare at the the unpacked beast and decide on a name for her!

[Italiano]

I smoke a "fat boy" :D

[mim]

Why do you erase and then install all the same programs again :confused:

Factory installs are notoriously bad - corruption, errors, etc. Mind you - I haven't seen this with my powerbook, but I see it all the time at work (Dell's, go figure).

It's good practice for trouble-free computing.

[Platform]

Factory installs are notoriously bad - corruption, errors, etc. Mind you - I haven't seen this with my powerbook, but I see it all the time at work (Dell's, go figure).

It's good practice for trouble-free computing.

So doing an erase and the install everything is a good idea :confused:

Also when you do it you just go to Disk utillity and select erase, and then boot with the gives disk in the drive and by that you get all the bundled software that came with it and a better and more reliable system :confused:

[Rod Rod]

The first thing I like to do is install more RAM. Your 512MB will be sufficient though, at least for starting out, unless you get into some really intense work or like to have lots of apps and processes running at once.

There's no need to partition in OS X. That's a PC habit, and you may as well break that habit now. Get an external HDD (FireWire, preferably) for backups and a/v capture scratch.

[Mechcozmo]

Give it a hug. :rolleyes:

[miloblithe]

Run XBench, 'cause I'm a dork.

[xsedrinam]

If it's a new PB:
1-Calibrate the battery
2-Install extra RAM
3-After set up with all files moved
4-CCC to external HD for backup
X

[Black&Tan]

There's no need to partition in OS X. That's a PC habit, and you may as well break that habit now. Get an external HDD (FireWire, preferably) for backups and a/v capture scratch.

Actually, partitioning is not a bad idea. I find it very useful to have all my programs and software on one partition and all my work files on a second partition. I find it easier to organise and navigate to files within various applications's save menus.

[bbarnhart]

I always smell everything new that I buy. When I buy a new CD, I open the shrink wrap, take off the sticker, open the jewel case and inhale deeply. I'm probably getting all kinds of chemicals in my lungs. Maybe I should stop.

New electronics always have a nice smell.

When buying something like a new computer, or iPod or other electronics, I try to set it up so that it is easy for my wife or kids to use. Create accounts for my kids and my wife, move all of their documents over, set up the networking, install apps. Then I give a demonstration on how to integrate their Handspring or iPod, how I want things organized, where they can find their games, how to attach to other machines...

[bbarnhart]

Inconceivable!

It needs a little lisp ala "Princess Bride"

[iGary]

I whiff in the Apple goodness smell that comes with a new computer...:D

I'm sure they spray something in there.

[chv400]

Ever since OS X ive always had hte urge to see how many windows i can smoothly minimize or expose in slow mo.

[paco taco mike]

i take pictures of it, first of the box closed and every step up until i have it up and running.

before turning it on for the first time i look at it and smell the good new apple computer smell and just look at the beauty before my eyes.

i then turn it on and start the madness.

-mike

[Jovian9]

First I turn it on to make sure it works.
Then I partition my hard drive and reinstall the OS on the first partition.
Then i move my iTunes library to the 2nd partition.
I then install all necessary apps that were not installed during the OS install.
Then I run DeLocalizer to remove all other language files than English.

[Rod Rod]

Actually, partitioning is not a bad idea. I find it very useful to have all my programs and software on one partition and all my work files on a second partition. I find it easier to organise and navigate to files within various applications's save menus.

That's cool if it works for you. However, you could accomplish the same thing with a folder and/or an alias that you keep on your desktop and drag into your Finder sidebar. Then you'll never have to worry about either running out of space on the OS / software partition, or leaving unused empty space there.

[CaptainCaveMann]

Some of you may remember my post here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=113351) where I discuss my new purchase.

Well, it turns out I could get a new 12" PB through an educator friend for $1499. I figured it was a better deal, what with the extra CPU power, bigger and faster HD, better SuperDrive, drop protection, etc. In the interim, I've decided to switch back to my beloved Mac platform permanently. The PC will only be for online poker, text sims, and Quicken (unless I think the upgrade would go smoothly for my 6+ years of data).

Soooo... now my question is, what do you guys do upon buying a new Mac? I saw the often-referenced threads here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=58101) and here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=95742), but my question is a bit different. Not just what programs do you install, but what do you do?

Partition the HD? Install Gentoo? Migrate files from your PC/older Mac? Install scripts in User/Library? Of course, any special programs/customizations?

My hope is this thread could become useful to upgraders/switchers in addition to the myriad "Just got a new Mac, what do I do?" threads. Instead of asking the forum what I should do, I'm interested in what you do.

Perhaps this doesn't make sense or is overly duplicative. If that is the case, I apologize. I just like accumulating information about the Mac experience, now that I am fully back in the fold.Step 1: Unplug all cords connected to your current pc. Step 2: Walk over to the nearest window and open it as wide as it will go. Step 3: Walk back over to the pc and pick it up, gripping firmly with both hands. Step 4: While holding the pc, walk back over to the open window. Step 5 is the most important: Raise the pc above your head and with great effort, throw it as far out of the window as possible. Step 6: Be happy. :D ;)

[Lacero]

First night, I cuddle it in my arms, give it loving gazes and then I wipe the hard drive clean, and re-install from scratch with the programs and apps that I want. Which means I throw out OS9 compatibility, throw away all the shareware crap and de-localize.

[h0e0h]

i guess you could call me an iSniffer as well. When my mom got her G4 14" Powerbook I did sniff it. Then I opened up iSync and synced her address book with my .mac address book beacuse we basically have the same people that we keep in contact with. Then i showed her how to import into iPhoto and changed all her icons for both her cameras so when she plugs them in there is actually her fuji camera, rather than just the generic desktop/finder pic. Then i set up a folder on her desktop labeled "folders" to drag extra things like work files, school files, home files and other things so they'd be at her fingertips, rather than having to look through the HD. After that we set up Office and got her Entourage setup for her pop3 address and that was about it. Rarely does she have any questions, and this is her second computer, 1st mac, and w/ XP she ALWAYS had questions. Now everything just works... enjoy your mac... you'll love it...

[goodtimes5]

I get the impression all of you do crack cocaine or something.

[zen.state]

Run XBench, 'cause I'm a dork.

same here..

[Pismo]

I just bought a new 15" PowerBook (1.67 GHz with 128 MB VRAM) tonight through the online Apple Store. The first thing that I'm going to do is erase the hard drive and do a custom reinstall of OS X. I'm going to do this to get rid of all of the languages, printer drivers, and some programs that I'll never use. This saves several gigs of storage space.

After the install, I'll hook up my old PowerBook and use Apple's transfer tool to move my home directory to the new PowerBook. After that, I'll install all of my apps from their CD's.

[blackpeter]

Speaking of installing software, here's something I do to make setting up a new system super easy.

- find a cheap HD (I got a Western Digital 120GB for $50 @ Best Buy)
- put a decent Firewire enclosue around it (also $50 @ CompUSA)
- create disk images of all your install CD/DVD's and put them on the drive
- as you download software updates and patches, put them on the drive
- of course, your data could also go on this drive

I rebuild my Mac every 6 months or so, and having this drive saves me a lot of time swapping CD/DVD's and downloading updates. Also, the software installs much faster than it does from a CD. Not to mention that it's just as important to have a backup of your software CD/DVD's as it is your data.

[vieoray]

first thing is usually to install more ram. the way apple ships, i usually have my extra memory ready to go a full two weeks before the computer arrives :) after the memory, crank it up and transfer files. i transfer files in a different room because of space issues...so while the files transfer i give my desk a good cleaning in prep for the new mac. once the files are transfered i give the new member of the family a good name and take it to its home and enjoy.

[OwenMan]

In 12 days time I shall be ordering my 15.1" w/128 vram. The first thing Im going to do is clean my room to make my new mac feel at home.

Also going to be buying an iskin to protect my precious little keys.

[dsharits]

Thi first thing I do is partition the hard drive, because I like to have a second partition that I can use to run things like the Tiger Beta, or an older version of OS X, in case i need to use it for anything. Then i restore everything that I want from the restore disks, and start putting all of my stuff on it.

[puckhead193]

I changed the desktop to something pro mac :cool:

[dsharits]

I changed the desktop to something pro mac :cool:
You mean like the same category as your avatar? :D

[Fredstar]

The kinda things i like to do is immediately customize my Mac.
1)Search for applications folder and drag it into the dock
2)install some apps and customize my dock
3)Change the view options/sort by/snap to grid kinda stuff
4) Turn on firewall e.t.c

and just enjoy, there is nothing like getting a brand new Mac, can't wait to order my new 12" Powerbook in August before Uni.

[keysersoze]

I pound the living hell out of it. Figuratively speaking of course. If it's gonna be a lemon I want it to show it's face REAL quick. I don't install any other hardware in it until I am happy that it is a fully-functional machine. Because if it doesn't work, you have to take out all the parts you have just put in. Call me a cynic, but I had an iBook that crapped the bed as soon as I got it. Logic board, Memory and Hard drive all dead one at a time.

So I'd say run it as hard as you can. Try everything. Try to make it bleed. and then smile when it comes through like a champ.

:)

[andiwm2003]

I erase the drive and do a clean reinstall from the supplied disks.

Next priority is to get online and download & install any updaters, security patches etc. This usually involves installing modem software and setting up network preferences and the like...

Then I sort out my email accounts to make sure I can send & receive mail.

After that, the clean installing of all major work-related applications and their respective updaters and patches. Usually some tweaking here in applications' preferences particularly Photoshop.

Only after that, do I move stuff over from the old machine...

i would add, before I move my stuff over I create a CCC image of my disk (basically the system and all programs) on an external HD. then I move my data over and think about a backup strategy.

it's important to take your time, think about the name of you mac, how you structure your data, update all installed programs.

i also create an account with the password visible in the user icon. if my PB gets lost, the finder can log into that account and get my adress but nothing else.


andi

oh, yes and i put the wrapped and sealed manuals in a bookshelf and never look at them again :D . it's a mac after all.

[Daveway]

I get the impression all of you do crack cocaine or something.

Dude, have you ever smelt a new mac? It's addicting. In fact when I got my imac I put some of the packaging in ziplocks so I can preserve it.

Besides getting the new mac high I usually install office and transfer my files than I will have the ceremonial watching of a good dvd to crisen my new computer.

Anyone notice that is you leave your new mac running in a small room that the room will smell like a new mac in a few hours?

:take off nerd glasses:

[chelseasian]

I planned and organized an afternoon of martinis and other cocktails for my friends- it's like having a new born baby while they ooo and ahhh over my new G5 and 23" display. :)

[risc]

I have usually have a fight with my partner, because I usually forget to tell her that I've bought something, and while she's stormed off I set it up and start installing apps.

An interesting side note when I bought her a Mac there were no arguments about purchasing computer hardware.

[whocares]

When I got my first PowerBook, after neraly 15 years of using a PC, the first thing I did were;

opening up the finder
clicking on 'Applications'
clicking on 'Internet Explorer'
dragging it to the Trash,
emptying the Trash.


God, that felt just right :)

You don't *secure* empty trash? :eek: :eek: :eek: :p

[whocares]

Step 1: Unplug all cords connected to your current pc. Step 2: Walk over to the nearest window and open it as wide as it will go. Step 3: Walk back over to the pc and pick it up, gripping firmly with both hands. Step 4: While holding the pc, walk back over to the open window. Step 5 is the most important: Raise the pc above your head and with great effort, throw it as far out of the window as possible. Step 6: Be happy. :D ;)

'cause we all know that the best way to accelerate a PC is at 9.81 m/s^2 :D :D

[sjshaw]

Thanks for the responses!

About the "smell" thing... very strange, but it did have a distinctive odor... kind of like "new car" smell.

As for me, I:

1. Did a clean reinstall
2. Downloaded all the programs from the 2 main software threads that I thought would be useful and put them in a separate folder inside Applications called "test" so I could trash or "promote" them to permanent status if warranted
3. Ran Delocalizer
4. Moved my music and other files over from my PC on a FAT-formatted external drive
5. Marveled at how fun using a Mac is compared to Windows

[Mechcozmo]

Step 1: Unplug all cords connected to your current pc. Step 2: Walk over to the nearest window and open it as wide as it will go. Step 3: Walk back over to the pc and pick it up, gripping firmly with both hands. Step 4: While holding the pc, walk back over to the open window. Step 5 is the most important: Raise the pc above your head and with great effort, throw it as far out of the window as possible. Step 6: Be happy. :D ;)

I'd follow the advice in this linkety (http://www.lowendmac.com/lite/01/1022.html) , chucking it out the window just isn't original enough but I DO like the pun on Windows...

[Mechcozmo]

I get the impression all of you do crack cocaine or something.

Nah. We use Macs. Same feeling, but you live longer and it isn't illegal (so long as Bill Gates isn't president)

You don't *secure* empty trash? :eek: :eek: :eek: :p
You couldn't in Jaguar....

[Jovian9]

Dude, have you ever smelt a new mac? It's addicting. In fact when I got my imac I put some of the packaging in ziplocks so I can preserve it.


I was talking to my wife about this......they need a car-air freshener that smells like this:)

[The Black Rock]

I'm going to be geting an iMac whenever they update them, what's the best way to transfer my files from my PC to my iMac?

I'd prefer to hook up firewire cables between the two of them, can this be done? Or do I need that move2mac program from detto?