MacKarl's MacHelp
Karl Bastian's Mac Tips and Tricks. See his main blog at www.kidologist.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Answers to Questions in Comments
In this post I will put answers to questions that are placed in comments, as I am able (or interested) :)
Q: Can the MAC be on the same router that several other PCs use?
Karl's Answer: Yes. One of the nice things about a Mac, is that there is no setting up Internet - plug in - and it works. period. (WARNING: if you want to secure a wireless network, that will require running AirPort Setup Assistant from Applications/Utilities folder and will cost you 45 more seconds.)
Q: What did you do with all your old PC files?
K's A: They are all on my Mac, and all open. Except for PrintShop, but I was devoted to PrintShop3 because it was the last PrintShop that didn't require a CD to run, and I had hundreds of PS3 files from years of ministry. But they didn't open on any later versions of PrintShop for PC either, so that was why I stuck with PS3. Incidently, PrintShop for MAC is AWESOME!!!! When I need my old PS3 files, I open them in Virtual PC for Mac (which is also incredible) and make a PDF, and then I can still use them, though not edit them)
Q: Can the MAC software import Word, Excel, ect.?
K's A: Yes. Few people seem to know that there is NO LONGER any 'translation' between Microsoft products on PC vs. Mac. There is no more 'Mac Opener' programs, the file is the exact same file and will open on a Mac or a PC. Once in awhile, however, if a document has a LOT of tight spacing and graphics, some stuff might move around a little and need tweaking on the other (Mac to PC, or visa versa) but that can happen between PCs too. When I make a complicated file on my Mac and need to send to PC secretary for printing, I just make her a PDF, which is built into operating system.
Q: Can files be shared between MACs and PCs - say for web development.
K's A: Most files can be used between, with the rare exception noted above. Not sure what you mean for 'web development' - Kidology is a web company with nearly half on Mac (thanks in part to me) and half on PC and we all get along fine technically, though we do argue about our preferred platform in fun. (the PC people have a hard time accepting they are wrong)
Q: Does the MAC come with something simular to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
K's A: No. You have to buy Microsoft Office for Mac
Q: It sounded like you implied that the MAC dosn't need to run anti-virus or popup blocker software, is this the case? Do they make anti-virus or firewall software for the MAC?
K's A: There is much debate on whether a Mac is vulnerable to viruses. This is my personal answer, and I assume no responsibility if I'm wrong - but with that disclaimer, I've been on a Mac for nearly a year and a half without ANY virus protection and without ANY problems. Period. They DO sell Mac Anto-Virus, I asked at Apple store last week actually whether I was being a dope and should buy some 'just to be safe' - he gave me a similar disclaimer (no one wants to be blamed if you get hit) but then told me it was a waste of my money. He then said that the .Mac Membership ($99 annually) provides free virus protection, so I plan to download and install that - but haven't yet - there just isn't any urgency. Most PC people say that there aren't virus for Mac simply because programmers don't bother because of how small the Mac Market is. That is ballooney. There are enough Mac haters out there, they'd write them if they could, and they have tried. The reason they don't, is that Macs simply aren't as vulnerable as PCs. I'm not the guy for the technical reason, but I've had it explained to me, and made a lot of sense, at the core, Macs are enginered differently and their 'seal' is much tighter. Lack of viruses is a HUGE reason to shift. I listen to Kim Kommado Computer radio show sometimes and it seems like over half the show is people calling about virus/spam/skyware - I want to call and say 'GET MACS and GET ON WITH LIFE' - one guy last Saturday was explaining how he does all these 'sweeps' of his system daily. What a waste of life. I'd rather make an iMovie.
POP-UPS? Built in blocker with Firefox and I think Safari, rarely see them.
SPAM? Junk filter built in.
Q: Do MACs need MAC specific printers, scanners, etc. or are these devices all operating system independent now?
No, they are NOT all system independent BUT most good printers/scanners/etc/ are. And better yet, nearly all peripherials that are Mac compatible are just plug and play with the drivers already installed. Printer drivers can be a little trickier, but work fine. You run the install software first, THEN go to add a printer in Control Panel, THEN choose the printer in the drop down either under it's manufacter name, or often it appears under "USB" and it will be added. The only problem I had is that I had three of the same printer (home, office, kids church room) and did that so that it wouldn't matter where I was, but I still have to 'select' the right printer. I was able (under Tiger) to name them with location, but I do wish I could just have one printer that worked in three locations. THE BEST is that with an Apple Airport Express you can have your printer be wireless from anywhere in the house AND with the included "AirTunes" you can plug the AirPort into a speakers system and play your iTunes music from your laptop wirelessly through the house through those speakers!
By the way - all Apple stores are free wifi and I am at the mall working in Apple store - had a lunch meeting at mall, and can work here, online, without interuptions from office or phone. Go Apple Store!
Q: Did you say that Adobe Acrobat is available on Apple computers? If so, how do I launch the application?
K's A: No acrobat, just the ability to make PDF's is built in. From any page/application, simply go to File/Print and look at the bottom of the print menu, you will see "PDF" - choose that and a save-dialogue will open, name the file, and choose where to save it. NOTE: If it defaults to a .doc.pdf remove the applications extention, it is no longer needed, and some spam filters will remove it as a virus, don't have any periods other than .pdf at the end!
Q: Is there a cheat sheet on keyboard commands, and how in the world do I right click with the Apple mouse?
K's A: Until Windows, Apple's Help Menu, actually IS helpful! Just go to Help menu at the top of your screen, and choose Mac Help and type in 'keyboard shortcuts' - you will find a TON of choices for keyboard short cuts. My favorite is: ctrl-alt-apple and then 8! (hahaha)
NOTE: Make sure the "Finder" menu is at the top of your screen (not a current application - or you will open that programs help) quick tip: just click anywhere on desktop and then choose Help!
Q: Is there a list of must have Mac software, that doesn’t come bundled with the computer?
K's A: Great Idea! Will get to that eventually! Will make a whole post on that!
MORE LATER!
10 Comments so far
Q: Can the MAC be on the same router that several other PCs use?
Karl's Answer: Yes. One of the nice things about a Mac, is that there is no setting up Internet - plug in - and it works. period. (WARNING: if you want to secure a wireless network, that will require running AirPort Setup Assistant from Applications/Utilities folder and will cost you 45 more seconds.)
Q: What did you do with all your old PC files?
K's A: They are all on my Mac, and all open. Except for PrintShop, but I was devoted to PrintShop3 because it was the last PrintShop that didn't require a CD to run, and I had hundreds of PS3 files from years of ministry. But they didn't open on any later versions of PrintShop for PC either, so that was why I stuck with PS3. Incidently, PrintShop for MAC is AWESOME!!!! When I need my old PS3 files, I open them in Virtual PC for Mac (which is also incredible) and make a PDF, and then I can still use them, though not edit them)
Q: Can the MAC software import Word, Excel, ect.?
K's A: Yes. Few people seem to know that there is NO LONGER any 'translation' between Microsoft products on PC vs. Mac. There is no more 'Mac Opener' programs, the file is the exact same file and will open on a Mac or a PC. Once in awhile, however, if a document has a LOT of tight spacing and graphics, some stuff might move around a little and need tweaking on the other (Mac to PC, or visa versa) but that can happen between PCs too. When I make a complicated file on my Mac and need to send to PC secretary for printing, I just make her a PDF, which is built into operating system.
Q: Can files be shared between MACs and PCs - say for web development.
K's A: Most files can be used between, with the rare exception noted above. Not sure what you mean for 'web development' - Kidology is a web company with nearly half on Mac (thanks in part to me) and half on PC and we all get along fine technically, though we do argue about our preferred platform in fun. (the PC people have a hard time accepting they are wrong)
Q: Does the MAC come with something simular to Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
K's A: No. You have to buy Microsoft Office for Mac
Q: It sounded like you implied that the MAC dosn't need to run anti-virus or popup blocker software, is this the case? Do they make anti-virus or firewall software for the MAC?
K's A: There is much debate on whether a Mac is vulnerable to viruses. This is my personal answer, and I assume no responsibility if I'm wrong - but with that disclaimer, I've been on a Mac for nearly a year and a half without ANY virus protection and without ANY problems. Period. They DO sell Mac Anto-Virus, I asked at Apple store last week actually whether I was being a dope and should buy some 'just to be safe' - he gave me a similar disclaimer (no one wants to be blamed if you get hit) but then told me it was a waste of my money. He then said that the .Mac Membership ($99 annually) provides free virus protection, so I plan to download and install that - but haven't yet - there just isn't any urgency. Most PC people say that there aren't virus for Mac simply because programmers don't bother because of how small the Mac Market is. That is ballooney. There are enough Mac haters out there, they'd write them if they could, and they have tried. The reason they don't, is that Macs simply aren't as vulnerable as PCs. I'm not the guy for the technical reason, but I've had it explained to me, and made a lot of sense, at the core, Macs are enginered differently and their 'seal' is much tighter. Lack of viruses is a HUGE reason to shift. I listen to Kim Kommado Computer radio show sometimes and it seems like over half the show is people calling about virus/spam/skyware - I want to call and say 'GET MACS and GET ON WITH LIFE' - one guy last Saturday was explaining how he does all these 'sweeps' of his system daily. What a waste of life. I'd rather make an iMovie.
POP-UPS? Built in blocker with Firefox and I think Safari, rarely see them.
SPAM? Junk filter built in.
Q: Do MACs need MAC specific printers, scanners, etc. or are these devices all operating system independent now?
No, they are NOT all system independent BUT most good printers/scanners/etc/ are. And better yet, nearly all peripherials that are Mac compatible are just plug and play with the drivers already installed. Printer drivers can be a little trickier, but work fine. You run the install software first, THEN go to add a printer in Control Panel, THEN choose the printer in the drop down either under it's manufacter name, or often it appears under "USB" and it will be added. The only problem I had is that I had three of the same printer (home, office, kids church room) and did that so that it wouldn't matter where I was, but I still have to 'select' the right printer. I was able (under Tiger) to name them with location, but I do wish I could just have one printer that worked in three locations. THE BEST is that with an Apple Airport Express you can have your printer be wireless from anywhere in the house AND with the included "AirTunes" you can plug the AirPort into a speakers system and play your iTunes music from your laptop wirelessly through the house through those speakers!
By the way - all Apple stores are free wifi and I am at the mall working in Apple store - had a lunch meeting at mall, and can work here, online, without interuptions from office or phone. Go Apple Store!
Q: Did you say that Adobe Acrobat is available on Apple computers? If so, how do I launch the application?
K's A: No acrobat, just the ability to make PDF's is built in. From any page/application, simply go to File/Print and look at the bottom of the print menu, you will see "PDF" - choose that and a save-dialogue will open, name the file, and choose where to save it. NOTE: If it defaults to a .doc.pdf remove the applications extention, it is no longer needed, and some spam filters will remove it as a virus, don't have any periods other than .pdf at the end!
Q: Is there a cheat sheet on keyboard commands, and how in the world do I right click with the Apple mouse?
K's A: Until Windows, Apple's Help Menu, actually IS helpful! Just go to Help menu at the top of your screen, and choose Mac Help and type in 'keyboard shortcuts' - you will find a TON of choices for keyboard short cuts. My favorite is: ctrl-alt-apple and then 8! (hahaha)
NOTE: Make sure the "Finder" menu is at the top of your screen (not a current application - or you will open that programs help) quick tip: just click anywhere on desktop and then choose Help!
Q: Is there a list of must have Mac software, that doesn’t come bundled with the computer?
K's A: Great Idea! Will get to that eventually! Will make a whole post on that!
MORE LATER!
10 Comments so far
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Why I 'Switched' to Mac
The Day the MacHappiness Began
The I discovered just how integrated everything was on this machine, and how my creativity was unleased with photos, music, and video editing all being integrated seamlessly - I was making videos for ministry in a fraction of what it would take me on a PC, that is IF I could even do it on a PC without lots of extra software, drives, equipment, etc.
By February 2004 I was convinced and bought myself a PowerBook G4 and have been so glad I did!!
Reasons I Love my Mac:
1) More time for WORK (ministry) less time fixing my computer.
2) No viruses, adware, spyware, dangerous downloads or attachments EVER. Sure my PC friends tell me I am vulnerable, but how many PC users can say they have had NO problems with Internet content? And without spending a dime on all the software and programs to keep safe?
3) Everything is easier and faster and integrated.
4) More Expensive? Hardly after you consider everything included as part of the operating system - including the ability to make PDFs with on PC requires an expensive Adobe program.
5) Compatible? Every major program is available on Mac and runs better on Mac. I lost a few games, but I can still play on my PC when no one is looking.
6) It fun - expose, widgits, iPod, etc.
7) Better results in less time in everything I create on this thing.
8) I no longer have to fix everyone else's computer problems, I can claim ignorance, "Man, I'm on a Mac, I don't have those kind of problems any more, I'm forgetting how to fix them."
9) I can make movies, videos, CDs, and online galleries of pictures with speed and ease and they look a zillion times better than I could do on a PC... if I'd bothered with the hassle before.
10) I enjoy a special bond with the others who have discovered the Mac Way of Life, and enjoy the heart heart thanks I get from those who I have helped show the way to.
I'll stop there! I have since encouraged three people to switch to mac, and bought one for my assistant so I can pay her to work rather than fix stuff all the time. I am a very happy customer.
Is everything perfect? My PC Buddies don't believe this, but I'm not a die-hard "Mac is Perfect" fanatic. To me, a computer is a TOOL to produce RESULTS. If anyone wants to use a PC (and deal with viruses, driver problems, blue screens of death, etc.) and they can get work done, fine. There are little things (very little) that annoy me or I wish Apple would fix/change, and I will report them here as well, but I want this to be a place I can post the things I learn about my Mac.
I've been a Mac User for about a year and half, and as I said to my assistant the other day showing her a cool new feature, THE COOLNESS JUST DOESN'T STOP!
I keep learning new things that my Mac can do. On my PC I kept learning new things it couldn't do, or ever new ways it made me mad, wasted my time, or messed up my life.
I hope this blog will serve both as a place for tips and secrets and advice for newer Mac users, and a place those contemplating the "Switch" can get some balanced insight into this thing called MAC. I won't be giving a one-sided view, I will give the good, the better, the awesome, the amazing, the cool, and the minor-ly irritating here. (but never ugly)
If you love life, you'll just love it more with a Mac.
* PC = Personal Computer, running Windows, not necessarily 'Politically Correct'
13 Comments so far
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Welcome to Karl's Mac Blog!
This is where I post Mac advice, short cuts, hints, tips, software recommendations, answers to common questions and once in awhile my Macomplaints. I don't expect this blog to interest everyone, but it is mostly to serve as a resource for me to save important Mac info/links, but also for the my growing number of Mac Converts as they learn the Ways of the Mac.
7 Comments so far
For a lenghy and detailed Mac vs. PC discussion, you can visit the Kidology Mac/PC Discussion in the forums. (membership to Kidology.org required to post)
ARCHIVES ARE AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE PAGE, SCROLL DOWN.
ARCHIVES ARE AT THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE PAGE, SCROLL DOWN.
7 Comments so far
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