First mac coming tomorrow...what to do first?

[awluter]

My 20" imac is being delivered tomorrow. What are the most important things to do? Should I reinstall the OS...what settings should be changed...etc. Basically, what are the first things you do/change when you get a new mac? There may already be a thread addressing this (if so, please accept my apologies and point me in that direction; I could not find it). Thanks. Can't wait to become a mac user.

 

[Aniej]

first thing to do is call in sick because you are going to have so much f'ing fun! enjoy.

 

[Blue Velvet]

I usually do a clean reinstall without installing all the languages and printer drivers I'm unlikely to use. Then the first thing I do is to get teh intraweb working for installing updates and then set up all email accounts.

Only then do I install apps, downloading and installing updaters for each one in turn.

 

[thewhitehart]

You won't have to reinstall the OS with a new mac. It doesn't come with all that crap that windows XP does.

Getting on the internet is a snap. Just plug in the ethernet before starting it the first time, and if you're on a wireless network, it'll most likely detect it easily. Sharing is not on by default, so you might have to turn on sharing in the Preferences pane if you plan to start moving files from a windows computer to the mac. Check out the macrumors networking guide under the 'Guides' tab.

EDIT: Oh yeah, of course if you're planning on being low on space, or if you only speak English, getting rid of extra languages and un-needed printer drivers will save you a good few gigs.

 

[apfhex]

Open one of the iLife apps and start having fun?

Seriously, unless you want to save some hard drive space, you don't need to reinstall or delete anything.

The first things I do when I get a new computer, or have just reinstalled the OS (rare), is customize it to my liking... change what's in the Dock, get some fresh wallpapers, cool icons, etc. Check out Iconfactory.com, Pixelgirlpresents.com, Interfacelift.com, dlanham.com for some good stuff.

 

[TumbleDryer]

StuffIt

 

[tjcampbell]

Simply enjoy yourself. A new mac is a stress-free, exciting experience. No need to reinstall the OS, she'll purr right out of the box. Internet will be a snap and it will walk you through the connection right away.

Cheers! Tom

 

[Cybergypsy]

Just enjoy it!

 

[iKwick7]

First mac coming tomorrow...what to do first?

First thing to do:

Take a shower to clean off all that windows use that you have been sobjected to.

Then, have fun! 🙂

 

[savanahrose]

first thing to do is call in sick because you are going to have so much f'ing fun! enjoy.

Yeah do that if you can. I didn't and I really do regret it. There is sooooo much that I still don't know about my mac, I just don't have the time. But now that the holidays are over, i just might get the time.

Have fun with your imac. That is what I have and so far I just love it. I have had it for about 5 weeks now. I just wished I would have done it years ago.

 

[Maxwell Smart]

I usually go to Apple Menu > Software Update to get all the latest software and get that out of the way. Then I download my favorite apps and install them (Firefox, Thunderbird, Adium, Toast 7 etc.) Mostly though, just enjoy!

 

[xsedrinam]

Remember to calibrate your battery.

 

[kalisphoenix]

Remember to calibrate your battery.

Yeah. I didn't calibrate the battery on my iMac, and it crashed three times in rapid succession. Let this be a warning to you.

 

[jsw]

Yeah. I didn't calibrate the battery on my iMac, and it crashed three times in rapid succession. Let this be a warning to you.

Probably a faulty magsafe adapter. ;)

Anyway, get a copy of Mac OS X Tiger Killer Tips. Well worth the money, and easy to read in small doses.

 

[savanahrose]

There's a batter on the imac? no can't be. Have I missed something?

 

[GimmeSlack12]

iMacs have no batteries.
Don't bother with a fresh install (unless you're super-nerd status which many of us are).
Calling in sick is a bit overkill.
Do System Updates (there will be quite a bit to download).
Start transferring media data.

Do a dance.

 

[savanahrose]

I didn't think so, I first took it as a joke. It should have just stayed that way in my mind. Sorry, had a brain fart. Old age will do that to ya,.

 

[Cybix]

plug something into it, and be amazed

 

[MrSmith]

Open the box first. 🙂

And you can use DeLocalizer to remove the languages you don't need. It still works in Tiger.

 

[Film Divine]

If you have purchased Apple Care, make sure that it is activated.

 

[Mac'Mo]

kiss it

 

[simontarr]

Yeah. I didn't calibrate the battery on my iMac, and it crashed three times in rapid succession. Let this be a warning to you.

I believe he was being sarcastic 😛

Someone said you need to calibrate your battery when the original OP clearly said he was getting an iMac.

 

[spork183]

just sit and stare.

Then go to the hack attack link and read up on the differences you'll find between mac and windows.

http://www.lifehacker.com/software/mac/hack-attack-a-guide-for-switching-to-a-mac-224674.php

 

[tominated]

go into the system preferences and setup the mouse to act like a two button mouse.