PowerBook Adder ... Software help

[eVolcre]

Hi All,

I'll save the official intro for another thread but this is my first Mac ever. I'm adding a Powerbook 12" to my IBM T23.

A few basic questions about software:

1. Is Keynote included on my new laptop or do I by it seperately?
2. ... ILife ........................... ?
3. ....OSX ..............................?
4.What can I expect, software wise, when I power on?
5. What should I do when I power on for the first time besides stare at the screen in confusion?

6. How do I transfer my mp3's and .avi (yes , porn ... hehe ) over to the PowerBook?

7. How do I use AOL IM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger ?

8. Is there a browser included?

9. How do I get online with this Powerbook. I have a Wfi Network at home connected to a cable modem. I bought an airport card , so do I just power it up?

Sorry for all the questions. I have lurked for 4 months and these are my questions AFTER research and I'm going through prepurchase stomach butterflies ....

eVolcre

 

[eVolcre]

Edited

Edited to add the following software titles I have purchased ...

1. Photoshop elements
2. Age of Empires
3. Keynote (unless you tell me it's free)
4. Links 2000
5. MS Office X
6. Virtual PC 6.0
7. Sony Ericsson Clicker


a) Anything else to ease my transition?
b)Anything else you recomend, cool apps etc.
c) What's a LOUD , action, shooting game that I can buy? Like Doom or Quake etc.

Thanks again fellas. Cheers EV

 

[vniow]

Re: PowerBook Adder ... Software help

Originally posted by eVolcre
Hi All,

I'll save the official intro for another thread but this is my first Mac ever. I'm adding a Powerbook 12" to my IBM T23.

Welcome to Macintosh.

A few basic questions about software:

1. Is Keynote included on my new laptop or do I by it seperately?

You have to buy it seperately, it costs $99.

I don't think they'll include things like Keynote with hardware purchaces anytime soon.

2. ... ILife ........................... ?

Should come with iPhoto2, iMovie3 and iDVD3 (if you have a Superdrive.)
It may not have the very latest version of iMovie3 though, but a simple Software Update will solve that problem.

3. ....OSX ..............................?

Yep, 10.2.4 I would think, if not then prepare to run Software Update.

4.What can I expect, software wise, when I power on?

I don't think it's set up to open certain apps when you first start it up, most apps are in the Applications folder while the Dock includes shortcuts to some of the more used ones.

5. What should I do when I power on for the first time besides stare at the screen in confusion?

Just be patient. OSX takes awhile to start up, not a long time, but definately slower than Windows.

You may have some configuring to to (time/date, location, etc...) just follow the instructions and you should be fine.

6. How do I transfer my mp3's and .avi (yes , porn ... hehe ) over to the PowerBook?

There are several ways to do this, if your other notebook has a CD-RW drive, then you can burn the files you need onto a disc and transfer them over to the PB that way, a much faster way is to get a crosssover cable (they're like $10) and create a small network.
It's simple actually, depending on your version of Windows, but I don't want to make this post too long by going into detail.

7. How do I use AOL IM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger ?

OSX comes with an AOL chat client called iChat.
When you first start it up it'll ask you for your screenname and password and when you do that, it'll just load your buddylist and stuffs.

Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger are seperate downloads however.
There are some apps that will handle all three, check www.versiontracker.com for more.

8. Is there a browser included?

Internet Explorer is included but most people here prefer Safari or Camino

Enjoy your new Mac!

 

[RBMaraman]

Re: PowerBook Adder ... Software help

Originally posted by eVolcre

1. Is Keynote included on my new laptop or do I by it seperately?
2. ... ILife ........................... ?
3. ....OSX ..............................?
4.What can I expect, software wise, when I power on?
5. What should I do when I power on for the first time besides stare at the screen in confusion?
6. How do I transfer my mp3's and .avi (yes , porn ... hehe ) over to the PowerBook?
7. How do I use AOL IM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger ?
8. Is there a browser included?
9. How do I get online with this Powerbook. I have a Wfi Network at home connected to a cable modem. I bought an airport card , so do I just power it up?

1. Keynote is not included, and it is not free. If must be purchased.
2. I believe iLife is included. iDVD3 is the only iLife app you have to pay for, but it should be included. Not sure though.
3. OS X.2 "Jaguar" is included.
4. When you first power-up, you will be guided through a step-by-step process to setup the machine.
5. Play around! I'll give you some more advice in a few lines...
6. You can use an ethernet crossover cable and filesharing to move data. I don't know too much about this. Maybe someone else could shed some light...
7. For AIM, i use iChat which is included in OS X. I'm not sure about the others, as I don't use them.
8. Yes, Internet Explorer. It Sucks! Download Safari from Apple's site or Camino from http://www.mozilla.org
9. Use the AirPort setup utility to setup your wi-fi network.

Advice:
1. Play around, and have fun!
2. Open each program you will use, click on the programs name in the menu bar, click on preferences and study them!
3. Search the Apple Knowledge Database on Apple's site.

Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to the Mac community!

 

[patrick0brien]

Re: Re: PowerBook Adder ... Software help

Originally posted by RBMaraman
6. You can use an ethernet crossover cable and filesharing to move data. I don't know too much about this. Maybe someone else could shed some light...

-Trying to shed light...

The 12PB dosen't realy need a crossover cable as the port should switch for you (I could be talking out my arse - I haven't done this myself) though I prefer to have a hub around as, I'm sure like me, you'll connect your machines regularly. With a hub, you don't have to worry about crossovers.

 

[eVolcre]

woah

we might have to slow it down a bit people. some of these terms have me reeling.

ok. a quick recap.

1, 2, 3, 4, 7,8 are answered and understood.

vniow and rbmaranam , thanks so much for the detailed responses and warm welcome. i hope to be able to help some newbie down the road.

Now, oustanding are 5, 6, and 9.

patrick ... you lost me completely ...

filesharing .... ethernet cross over cable

Why would I need this?

9. Use the AirPort setup utility to setup your wi-fi network.

If I follow number 9 above, I would be on a mini Lan with my T23, the PB and the wireless Linksys router, right?

Isn't there a way to fileshare between two computers ... different OS's, wirelessly? The wireless router takes the place of the hub/cross over cable .... or am I talking out of my arse here?

Thanks ... EV

 

[Totalshock]

Hi eVolcre...

Welcome to the Mac world. I just actually got my first "all my own" Mac myself, a 12" PB, so I have some pretty good insight into the first-run experience.

My apologies if it sound like I'm talking down to you... but from your post, it sounds like you're totally new to the Mac platform, so please stick with me if I explain things in too much detail.

You asked about what happens when you first power on -- you'll be taken through a basic setup process, which sets up an Administrator user, sets your time, registers your HW with Apple, and sets up your network connection.

After that... what you SHOULD do... well, I'd reccomend marvelling at the keyboard on the PB... that's the first thing I did.

After THAT... take a look at how the system is set up.. explore your Applications Folder and your home folder, which is roughly analgous to the My Documents folder in Windows. Play with some of the new software. Download updates. Enjoy.

If your setup is like mine, you'll have a few software updates to do through the Software Update system.... you'll have the opportunity to grab the Java update, the newest cut of iMovie, and 10.2.4 (Mine shipped with 10.2.3 aboard...)

You'll also wanna "condition" your batter pretty quickly... information is in the book that comes with your computer.

Check out the system settings and tweak them to your liking.. and just have fun, relax, and enjoy... it's a very friendly system to use.

Though I would reccomend getting an oven mitt... it gets a might warm under your left palm when you're typing for a long time.

The rest of your questions left unanswered (6 and 9) are best covered in the reverse order, because you need to set up the networking in order to share files.

Basically, if your AirPort card is properly installed, you'll be able to set it up during the setup process I mentioned before. Essentially, when it asks you how you want to connect to the Internet, you tell it Airport, and give it the password to your WLAN, if there is one. Then you pour yourself a cold one, because you're ready to go. As soon as its done, it'll send your registration to Apple over the Net, and prove that it's working. Right then and there, you'll be able to hop on the Web, assuming your access point is up and running properly.

Honestly, that was the most amazing part of setting up the PowerBook for me... just having the wireless LAN work almost automatically, and work right.

Once you get that done, you can easily get your files from your Windows machine. Simply set up a shared folder on your Windows machine as you would to share with any other Windows machine. Then, in the finder on your PowerBook, choose "connect to server" and navigate graphically through your network to find that machine, and that share. when you select it, it will mount on your hard drive, and appear as an icon there, just like the HD on your Mac, or any CDs on your drive. From there, you can open them in your Finder, navigate through them, and transfer your files. Worked like a charm for me, although I've yet to get up the guts to transfer several GB of MP3 through the WLAN... I'm probably going to wait and re-rip all of them when the much-vaunted new version of iTunes is released.

All in all, it's a pretty easy and intuitive process... have fun, enjoy, and ask questions as they come to mind.

 

[eVolcre]

Order placed. Looks lke I have officially added a loaded PB 12" to my IBM T23

Loaded Powerbook, printer, scanner, iCurve, Logitech Elite Duo, Monsoon 2.1 speakers, assorted software (elements, keynote, links 2000., age of empires, ), surge protector, airport exptreme, cd-rw media packs, kensington reading lamp and Unibrain Firewire webcam.

Also added a Shaun Jackson datakeeper

Thanks for all the detaled response. Let me sleep on this order and I can ask questions again tomorrow.

It's actually a little anti climactic given that was the preperation and trainng for this mission

 

[patrick0brien]

Originally posted by eVolcre
...airport exptreme...

-eVolcre

Congrats!

Since you are getting it with Airport, I suugest you look for an app called iStumbler. It's a wardriving app that will help you identify hotspots. (note that I don't leach on other's networks )

It's actually a little anti climactic given that was the preperation and trainng for this mission

Just wait 'till you unwrap it.

Even the styrofoam is beveled.

 

[eVolcre]

My apologies if it sound like I'm talking down to you... but from your post, it sounds like you're totally new to the Mac platform, so please stick with me if I explain things in too much detail.

Absolutely no offense taken, and thanks for the wondefully detailed post.

I suugest you look for an app called iStumbler. It's a wardriving app that will help you identify hotspots

Patrick, I'm lost again. So you're saying that the powerbook, with an airport card and this application, can find any local WiFi spot, and access the internet automatically>? Don't you need a username or password for the network you're using.


Another way to phrase this is ... "I have a wireless network,modem and three laptops. The laptops talk to the wreless router. You can drive by and use my network and router to connect to the internet WITHOUT me giving you specific access? "

Wow!

Just wait 'till you unwrap it.

Would it be ok to use this thread as an excitement builder/sharer thread? Or is it in the wrong forum.

So far here's my equipment ship dates.

[I[Tuesday AM delivery[/I]: Powerbook, Surge protector, Icurve, Printer
Wednesday AM delivery from Amazon: Scanner, Logitech Elte Duo, Age of Empres, Links, Keynote, Photoshop elements.

I love suspense so I'mplanning on opening the computer first and only the computer. Play with it for a while, post my first post here from the network and generally get used to the Mac. (my first btw).

Next step will be to set up the Icurve and keyboard.

After I play some more I'll fix up the scanner and printer and begn playing with the new software I bought.

FINALLY, after I spend a few weeks wth the newness, I have a 20" screen, Ipod and fancy headphones being delivered.

Oh, I forgot speakers in this excitement period.Will open them up too.

Thanks again guys. Your help is much appreciated.

Here's a small funny titbt for helping me in this thread ...

I'm an IBM Executive of Sales in my day job and am still buying an Apple. When I said Apple wanted me to be in an ad, I was serious. They offered to profle me as a switcher. I prefer being anonymous, the money's too damn good to jeapordise for 5 mins of fame.

EV

 

[eVolcre]

Wohhooo

Apple page says my order is 'open'. Amazon has part of my order shipped.

Woohoo!

Oh, I forgot to mention a uniqire webcam up top. I'll be setting that up first, my girlfriend in London insists.

EV

 

[patrick0brien]

Patrick, I'm lost again. So you're saying that the powerbook, with an airport card and this application, can find any local WiFi spot, and access the internet automatically>?



Well, not as you say it.

You're Airport-equipped machine can do this all on its own.

What iStumbler gives you is better information on what is available - range, type, coordinates. wether WEP is enabled, etc. This info isn't displayed with the stock Airport menu.

Don't you need a username or password for the network you're using.

Only for WEP enabled hotspots. Read: if you have a base station enable security (WEP)!

Another way to phrase this is ... "I have a wireless network,modem and three laptops. The laptops talk to the wreless router. You can drive by and use my network and router to connect to the internet WITHOUT me giving you specific access? "

Again, only those without WEP (Security)

As for my losing you a few postings ago relating to a crossover cable. Well, I recommend you do some research on how to set up a hub-based Ethernet (Category 5, 5e) LAN.

Start with building your vocabulary of knowledge with:

-Straight-through cables (most common form of ethernet cable)

-Crossover cables (for connecting computers without a hub)

-What 10base-T is (speed of network 10 megabits/second)
-What makes 100base-T (Fast ethernet, 100 megabits/second) different.
-1000base-T (Gigabit Ethernet, 1000 megabits/second)

-What a hub is.

-What a router is.


All this sounds like a lot, but they're all base components of how to build a modern LAN, and it's very useful knowledge. If you wish, you can private message, or even email me for more specific information so that we don't bore the folks here.

 

[eVolcre]

Well, the excitement builds. This is like watching a stripper strip .. so much more exciting and tormenting than a straight up nude hoochie ...

I have in my posession in various levels of undress ... uhh ...unpack I mean

(1) Monsoon Planar Speakers
(1) Logitech Cordless Elite Duo
(1) Canon Scanner
(1) Keynote
(1) Photoshop Elements
(1) Links
(1) Age of Empires
(1) HP Photo Printer
(1) Icurve
(1) Unibrain Firewire Webcam.

AND , as of today, ....

PBG4 12.1/867/640/60G/SD/AP/BT/LL

Z07B01MHT

On or before
04/02/2003


12" G4/640megs/60gigs/airport extreme




Open _

Excitements builds!

EV

 

[steeleclipse]

Re: Re: PowerBook Adder ... Software help

Originally posted by vniow
. OSX takes awhile to start up, not a long time, but definately slower than Windows.

I don't know what hardware you have, but on a MDD 867 with a gig of RAM. OS X is WAY faster than windoze on a regular PC. WAY faster

 

[eVolcre]

Suspense ....

Man, this is killing me. Haha. I can track my machine minute by minute.

630292247054

Left FedEx Ramp/C.K.S. INTL AIRPORT TW
04/05/2003 19:20
_
Arrived at FedEx Ramp/TA YUAN HSIANG TW
04/05/2003 00:50
_
Left FedEx Origin Location/TAOYUAN CITY TW
04/04/2003 16:51
_
Pickup status/TAOYUAN CITY TW
04/04/2003 16:28
_Future pickup/delivery requested


There was a problem with my initial order and now, everything is here ... except my new machine.
What do you think? Monday ??

I'm re-reading this thread to build suspense up.

Excited in Indy! EV

 

[patrick0brien]

Re: Re: Re: PowerBook Adder ... Software help

Originally posted by steeleclipse
I don't know what hardware you have, but on a MDD 867 with a gig of RAM. OS X is WAY faster than windoze on a regular PC. WAY faster

-Gents

This is a debate that really shouldn't matter. OS X is UNIX, which is designed for 99% uptime. Meaning you should never have to turn it off. You pay for this fact with long startup times.

On my 12PB, this makes sense. So I simply logout and sleep the puppy.

Therefore, in the eyes of windows users, my startup time is 2 seconds.

Not turning one's machine off may sound like a bad idea, and in the past, this was true as defunct processes, memory leaks, and other little nasties would build up until a freeze. But with OS X, there is simply no need to turn off your machine.

 

[irmongoose]

I guess I should be telling you this when you actually get the PB, but...

When you set up a fileshare on your Windoze machine, to connect to it on the PB go to the Finder (just click on the desktop) go up to the Menubar on the top of the screen and click on 'Go', and under there there will be 'Connect to Server'. Then just follow the directions Totalshock gave.



irmongoose

 

[eVolcre]

Almost here. This is a 'front view' of my desk. You can see my software titles on the left, ADC pakage on the extreme right. Printer and scanner are on this 'front part' too. I'm actually using the side extenmsion as my main desk. next pic

 

[eVolcre]

Main view. Icurve waiting for a owner. Creatures .. I liked them better than the Monsoon Planars after all, Wireless keyboard, wireless mouse, cell phone charger.

 

[eVolcre]

Somewhat artisitc/lazy view of my setup.

 

[eVolcre]

Whoops....

I'm pumped. Just received a delivery fail notice from FedEx so I should have my new Powerbook tomorrow AM>

 

[patrick0brien]

-eVolcre

It's Wednesday...

Well?!?

 

[eVolcre]

Well, I am sitting by the open door of my house to catch the FedEx guy. The suspense is KILLing me.

More pics when it gets here ...

 

[bombensington]

Re: PowerBook Adder ... Software help

Originally posted by eVolcre
7. How do I use AOL IM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger ?

ichat is wonderful...

but if you're on multiple chat clients, might i suggest an all-in-one?

i've had great luck with proteus. easy to configure, easy to set up, easy peasy to use.

 

[eVolcre]

And as I typed that ...
ITS HERE


Truck just pulled up.I'm going ot wait to open it after lunch. i hope I haven't built it up so much that I am let down