mac newbie guide

[xiaosinsinful]

just ordered my mac. since im a first time mac user i have a few questions.

1) upon receiving my new mac i plan to do a reformat (to get rid of pre installed software).

2)if i do reinstall my mac, will i be able to keep the software that come with my mac so i can use it in the future.

3) im completely a first time user in mac os , any good guides(and apps) around to get me started?

4) i have seen a few "issues" such is the image retention ,keyboard,mousepad issues with the rmbp any test i can do to make sure that i do not receive a "bad" apple

Thanks for your advice!!!

 

[PetPet]

1. There is no pre-installed software.
2. Get it from the App Store.
3. Apple - Support - Mac Basics
4. It's a norm. Screen burn-in - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

and since you're coming from windows... to answer your future questions.

5. Do I need anti virus?
A : No, there is already one built in.

6. Do I need a firewall?
A : There is already one built in and you most likely wouldn't need it.

7. Does sleep actually work?
A : Yes. I have not shut down my Mac since the last update.

 

[B772ER]

just ordered my mac. since im a first time mac user i have a few questions.

1) upon receiving my new mac i plan to do a reformat (to get rid of pre installed software).

2)if i do reinstall my mac, will i be able to keep the software that come with my mac so i can use it in the future.

3) im completely a first time user in mac os , any good guides(and apps) around to get me started?

4) i have seen a few "issues" such is the image retention ,keyboard,mousepad issues with the rmbp any test i can do to make sure that i do not receive a "bad" apple

Thanks for your advice!!!

1. Why do you want to get rid of the pre-installed software? iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband come with the Mac, and there will be no other software installed.

2. Before you reformat, make sure you accept the iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband apps in the App Store otherwise you will have difficulty reinstalling it later on.

3. Apple - Find Out How - Mac OS X

 

[xiaosinsinful]

1. Why do you want to get rid of the pre-installed software? iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband come with the Mac, and there will be no other software installed.

2. Before you reformat, make sure you accept the iPhoto, iMovie and Garageband apps in the App Store otherwise you will have difficulty reinstalling it later on.

3. Apple - Find Out How - Mac OS X

so theres essentially no "junk" apps preinstalled.
for part 2. isit like installing the app on an iphone and the app will be under your account and can be use in the future?

 

[PetPet]

so theres essentially no "junk" apps preinstalled.
for part 2. isit like installing the app on an iphone and the app will be under your account and can be use in the future?

Yes. It's a similar experience on the iPhone.
Just like the iPhone. It doesn't come with any junk software.

 

[xiaosinsinful]

so any advice as to what to do when i first get my brand new mac? any "must have" software , or programs to check if i got a problem free mac etc...

 

[PetPet]

so any advice as to what to do when i first get my brand new mac? any "must have" software , or programs to check if i got a problem free mac etc...

I'll check the external for scuffs since cosmetic damages are not covered by AppleCare. Being a first time Mac user I'll urge you to purchase AppleCare.

Some Apps I'll recommend on the Mac.

Mac App Store (MAS)

• iWork Suite
• Fantastical - A great calendar App replacement. Natural language support there's also an iOS app as well
• Day One - Journalling App has an iOS companion app as well
• Dragon Drop - Nice drop + drop utility
• 1Password 4 - Password wallet with iOS Support
• Tweetbot - Probably the best twitter client. Ever. Has a iOS counterpart as well
• Skitch - Simple note/screenshot editor

Apps not available from MAS

• Transmission - Bittorrent Client
• Flu.x - Screen color changer
• Dropbox - Your 1-stop cloud storage
• jDownloader - Download Accelerator
• VLC - Movie Player
• Handbrake - Movie converter to make your videos run on iDevices

Hope this list helps.

Pro-Tip : The Apps I recommend might be a little costly, but they are worth it. Wait for discounts, they should be round the corner Black Friday and Christmas are days where apps get discount. Use Appshopper to keep track of your wish list and be alerted to discounts!

 

[faithsilence]

Mac dun come with all those junkbloatware that comes with other PC makers, there is nothing to reformat.