New Mac Owner - Need your sage advice

[Mac MD]

Hi everyone, i just bought a new low end macbook pro (2.4ghz). I'm a first time poster but long time reader of these excellent forums. I finally decided to buy a macbook pro after months of debating whether or not to wait for the newest and greatest. I decided that I would prefer a computer that was stable and reliable rather than a new revision A which could be quite buggy.

I also got a free ipod touch with the deal - studying therapeutics and gazillions of drugs and their doses was never so stylish.

I am wondering what I steps I should take to make sure that my Macbook Pro has no defects.

Also, I am curious if there are some applications that are must haves for any basic apple user. Also, are there any sites to go to for a basic "things you should do to take care of your mac?"

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[WPB2]

Dont know about you but I had to put Office 08 for MAC on mine, needed it everyday so far.

 

[MacDawg]

For Office apps you can try Open Office or NeoOffice (both free alternatives)
I wish I had stayed with Office 2004, even though it is not Intel native

For graphics, you can use the Gimp for free (alternative to Photoshop)
You might want to check out the shareware GraphicConverter too

Many find the iStat Pro widget helpful
As well as smcFanControl

Use MRoogle and search this site for more answers

And check out the Forum Rules and FAQ on the menu bar above
Might want to peek at the Guides too

Good luck and ask questions!

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[Mac MD]

thanks for the advice!

the idea of using open office sounds good. SMC fan control sounds like a great idea also.

 

[Sun Baked]

Sorry, no sage only oregano this week.

 

[MacDawg]

Sorry, no sage only oregano this week.

You SAY it is oregano... but how do we really know?

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[UltraNEO*]

Sorry, no sage only oregano this week.

You SAY it is oregano... but how do we really know?

LOL....