Returning to the fold

[davidlevine]

To celebrate the completion of my novel, I am planning to buy myself a brand new iBook. This would be my first Macintosh since I emigrated to Windows in 1996, so I would appreciate some advice. Specifically, I would like recommendations for websites, newsletters, and books about "how to get the most out of your new Macintosh."

I'm a professional software engineer and user interface designer with a couple decades' experience using Windows and UNIX, so I'm not looking for "the gentle introduction to the Mac for newbies." But I will have some newbie questions, like "how do I add a printer?" and "how do I determine my adapter's MAC address?" and "what freeware is must-have?" I am particularly interested in information on integrating the Mac into a Windows-based Wi-Fi network.

What I'm really hoping to find is something like Woody's Office for Mere Mortals... a weekly e-newsletter full of information (and some opinions) that I could use to "trickle charge" my brain. I can't keep up with the volume on Slashdot or most email lists. But I also need a couple of good reference web sites... places to start when I have a question.

Thanks in the proverbial advance.

Comments

[mmcirvin.livejournal.com]

Macintouch (http://www.macintouch.com/) is still around and one of the best places to go for early trouble reports and workaround suggestions. It's particularly good reading around the time a major new system upgrade comes out.

Mac OS X Hints (http://www.macosxhints.com/) is what it says.

Most of the other Mac sites I visit are more rumor/news sites, not so practically useful.

[davidlevine]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[davidlevine]

Thanks! And they both have RSS feeds!

[beamjockey.livejournal.com]

Well, yeah, but first you have to figure out: what's a good RSS client for the Mac?

[bohemiancoast.livejournal.com]

Net News Wire. And Net News Wire Light is free.

I, however, have a ghastly confession; although I own NNW, the RSS client I actually use, multiple times a day, is my LJ friends list.

[davidgoldfarb.livejournal.com]

I'm hearing good things about the new version of Safari. Of course, that means switching to Tiger. Of course, if you're getting a new laptop, it may come with Tiger or be eligible for Apple's (almost-)free upgrade program.

[annafdd.livejournal.com]

Safari RSS. Which you're getting with Tiger anyway. Works wonderfully.