[.ca] Mac OS "X" All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (ISBN 0764517961)

Nice book for those just starting with a new Mac.:
My wife's Win 98 PC finally pissed her off so much she wanted something new and we decided on an eMac. She had never used an Apple computer and I hadn't since about 1990 so it wasn't something we approached lightly. I did the reseach and made sure that both an Apple and the eMac were the right choice for her. This book was part of the research. It was a solid resource for beginners but not the best book ever written. Some things were not covered as well as I would have hoped (I fit into the power user category), but it was fine enough for my wife. All in all I'd say it's a nice starter but not your only option. Regardless, definately get a Mac and if you're switching from a PC definately consider getting a good reference to hold your hand for the first few days (you'll likely never touch it after a week of use, Macs really are as good as they say). Only word of warning against this book is that it was written for Mac OS 10.2 which has been replaced by 10.3. Most of the data and how to's are the same but it isn't always as accurate as you would like when you are needing it.

Marginal at best:
I have read many of the for Dummies books and for the most part I have found them to be well organized with relevant information at your fingertips. Alas, this book is not one of those. The author attempts to keep things cute and lively with all sorts of little catch phrases and other humorless items (can you say bob saggett) but it really just confuses and annoys. Several times I have turned to this book searching for a quick explanation on how to do something and found it nearly impossible to find. The index and appendix are not particularly helpful and many of the descriptions give you just enough information to get into trouble. While most of the "for Dummies" series are extremely helpful, this one is not one of them.

Gotta have this one:
This book is perfect for every Mac owner who wants guidance with the Mac's Jaguar OS. The authors keep things light, even entertaining and there's nothing missing. Check out the index pages and you'll see what I mean. Make sure you try out the tips, they're the best part of the book!

Good and fun to read:
As usual with Dummies books, this one is a good foundation for using the subject matter, and fun to read. However, too much time is spent on the differences between MAC OS whatever and OS X. Some of us didn't have a MAC before OS X and we don't care about the differences. We are coming from Windows and we want to know all we can about the MAC OS X and the UNIX underpinnings. That is what makes OS X exciting. I like this book, and found it very useful for specific questions that were not too complex, but there is too much about programs out there that cost too much that you can buy as add ons. I want to know how to use the OS and the features it came with more than what to spend even more money purchasing. Still, this book is very good and easier for many people than some of the other books out there.

Best Jaguar book I've read:
I think this book will answer the questions and dole out the tips that anyone needs when they first run Jaguar. Read it from end to end like I did and the gurus might even learn a thing or 2. At last I am enjoying the iLife programs that I got with my system and things are running just like I like them in preferences. Invest the time to read it all and you'll appreciate this book like I do.