what/how to use with new MBP ?

Discussion in 'MacBook Pro' started by AMSOS, Nov 22, 2010.

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  1. AMSOS, Nov 22, 2010

    AMSOS macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    #1
    hi all !
    thanks to the very useful suggestions given so patiently on this forum i not only bought the MBP 13 inch basic, but also managed to get a very nice deal on it !
    since this is my first time with mac OS, you can guess that the queries are now going to shift.
    so quickly -
    -should i format the HDD into 2 or 3 partitions like i used to with windows? as you know well we normally make these partitions to make sure that data is protected in case there is a HDD crash.
    -should i go for openoffice.org or does neo-office work better?
    -any special caution that i need to exercise with macs?

    thanks!
     
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  2. spinnerlys, Nov 22, 2010

    spinnerlys Guest

    spinnerlys

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2008
    Location:
    forlod bygningen
    #2
    1. No need, as even partitions don't survive an HDD crash. I think you meant System Crash, but even if that occurs, your data is still there.
    I once had that partition scheme used, but it caused more problems than it would if I just recover from a System Crash.


    2. I don't know, but as both are free, why don't you try them both?

    Two threads found via MRoogle:
    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=387030
    http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=720853


    3. Don't worry that much and if something goes wrong, remember it is not a virus.

    Also have a look at the following links to learn more about Mac OS X:

    Mac OS X Basics

    Helpful Information for Any Mac User by GGJstudios

    "How to maximise your MacRumors troubleshooting experience" created by mad jew in 2006

    MRoogle is a good tool to search these fora for already existing threads about questions you have. It might be able to answer you quicker than waiting for an answer.

    ​
     
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  3. AMSOS, Nov 23, 2010

    AMSOS thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    #3
    windows vs. mac

    thanks,
    see the basic idea in the windows systems is to sort of follow the "dont put all your eggs in one basket" maxim. since its the C drive that crashes in the event of a virus induced or other problem, the idea is simply to have important data on the D or E drive where the OS is not installed.
    so i was wondering if something similar happnes with macs ...
    of course not the viruses, but generally is it a good idea to partition the HDD ? without formatting it since of course its brand new now ...
    thanks!
     
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  4. GGJstudios, Nov 23, 2010

    GGJstudios macrumors Westmere

    GGJstudios

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
    #4
    There's no need to partition the HD. Just make sure you have a backup drive and backup often. Regardless of the OS in use, hard drives can and do fail, although very infrequently. It's always a good idea to backup to an external drive. Carbon Copy Cloner is a good tool for making a bootable backup of your HD.
     
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  5. AMSOS, Nov 23, 2010

    AMSOS thread starter macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2010
    #5
    how about copy-pasting and using FAT 32 ?

    thanks,
    how about if i use Time Machine ?
    havent tried it out yet, but it sounds useful.

    and if that is the case then i might even simply copy-paste all the stuff every now and then!

    or maybe it might be even simpler to format my current external HDD that uses NTFS to FAT 32.
    that way it will open on both mac, ubuntu and windows.

    what say ?
     
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  6. GGJstudios, Nov 23, 2010
    Last edited: Dec 9, 2010

    GGJstudios macrumors Westmere

    GGJstudios

    Joined:
    May 16, 2008
    #6
    You can use Time Machine, if you prefer. No need to copy/paste stuff.

    If you're backing up the Mac internal HD, you'll want HFS format (Mac OS Extended (Journaled)). Use NTFS only if you're sharing the drive between Mac and Windows. Don't use FAT32.

    FAT32 (File Allocation Table)
    • Read/Write FAT32 from both native Windows and native Mac OS X.
    • Maximum file size: 4GB.
    • Maximum volume size: 2TB
    NTFS (Windows NT File System)
    • Read/Write NTFS from native Windows.
    • Read only NTFS from native Mac OS X
    • To Read/Write/Format NTFS from Mac OS X: Install NTFS-3G for Mac OS X (free)
    • Some have reported problems using Tuxera (approx 33USD).
    • Native NTFS support can be enabled in Snow Leopard, but is not advisable, due to instability.
    • Maximum file size: 16 TB
    • Maximum volume size: 256TB
    HFS+ (Hierarchical File System, a.k.a. Mac OS Extended)
    • Read/Write HFS+ from native Mac OS X
    • Required for Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner backups of Mac internal hard drive.
    • To Read/Write HFS+ from Windows, Install MacDrive
    • To Read HFS+ (but not Write) from Windows, Install HFSExplorer
    • Maximum file size: 8EiB
    • Maximum volume size: 8EiB
     
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