New to MacBook Pro

[KDuniverse]

My gf needed a new laptop, and decided to switch over to mbp from an xp machine. Needless to say, she's just as new as I am to this, so me trying to help....is pretty much useless. She's scheduled to go back to the apple store and sit in on a class. What can I do to familiarize myself with this laptop? Does anyone recommend reading material? Turorials? Any helps is appreciated.

Also, what are must have programs, utilities, etc?

Thanks in advance,

 

[squeeks]

For Software: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/226403/

As far as learning how to use it, just play with it, thats the best way really.

apple has a nice guide check here

 

[KDuniverse]

good start!

Thanks,

 

[Neil321]

The Missing Manual, best book out there for switchers ( can be bought in the states )

 

[squeeks]

The Missing Manual, best book out there for switchers ( can be bought in the states )

heres the american version

 

[KDuniverse]

Thanks guys,

 

[Neil321]

Here's a list of popular Mac apps & prog's that'll keep you busy for awhile, a guide to installing them can be found at the top of the Mac basics & help forum

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Welcome to the world of Mac; I'm a fairly recent switcher, too, and I copied a handy little document called "MacSwitcherTips" onto my desktop. Other than that, play with it, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Re programs, etc. I'm not sure what you want and/or need. For me, Word was vital, as everyone in my various work worlds use it, thus Office for Mac was a must have; others swear by iWork.

Cheers and good luck

 

[KDuniverse]

Thanks guys!

Office was a must have, already got it.

I was reading about calibrating the battery once a month. What's the reason for that? Anything else that need to be done such as this monthly, or frequently?

I also ready about the coconut battery program.

 

[squeeks]

Thanks guys!

Office was a must have, already got it.

I was reading about calibrating the battery once a month. What's the reason for that? Anything else that need to be done such as this monthly, or frequently?

I also ready about the coconut battery program.

apple recomends it, but i never have, and my battery is still at 75% health

Here's a list of popular Mac apps & prog's that'll keep you busy for awhile

thats a great page btw im finding neat stuff on there myself

 

[blurfonz]

Play around with it! And in time you will be use to the new interface! Its lovely aint it?

 

[KDuniverse]

Since I don't really know much about MBP or its programs, I'm confused at what programs to use for what services.

Email, how is the mail program that came with it? Should I use Entourage that came with Office?

My gf uses MSN...and it came with Office. Is there a way to use the iChat with that? Or is AIM the only program that works with it?

The dashboard. What exactly is that used for? How do most people have it set up? I'm used to having that kind of info right there on the desktop.

Questions like these are what's confusing me. I have lots more, and i'm sure will have many more to come. Where would I find answers to things like that?

thanks again, this is a great site.

 

[squeeks]

for MSN chats you can use adiumx

its a good allround chat client for pretty much every service

 

[alphaod]

for MSN chats you can use adiumx

its a good allround chat client for pretty much every service

Just a heads up: Adium does not support video chat.

 

[KDuniverse]

my gf will still probably use MSN chat because she can use the video to talk to her brother in Venezuela. Will iChat work with that? Or do you open video chat in MSN?

Again, is the Mail program that comes with the mbp the best for normal everyday use, and managing multiple email address? Or should she try out Entourage?

Any help or pointing in the right direction would be great.

Thanks again,

 

[squeeks]

mail should be fine..

and thank alphaod i forgot about that