MAC users
 

Anyone out there.

My puter died.

I had to buy a new one.

I made the switch to a MAC Book Pro 17" Laptop.

It is a difficult transition after so many years, greater than 10, on a windows based platform.

My biggest problem right now is figuring out how to visualize my Word and Excel files in a format similar to the windows view. Right now all I have figured out is viewing them in some type of rudimentary tree list that looks like DOS from the 1980's.

I have this Microsoft Document Connection, but I don't know what it does yet or how it may help me.

I need to be able to view all my files in a format similar to Windows Explorer mode in an organized manner.

And in iPhoto, how can I organize my "events" into sub folders so every time I open the program you can't see all the pics, like the ones I don't want someone to see who happens to be looking over your shoulder at the time, see? I need to hide some folders within folders and it does not seem like there is a way to do that. All the picture folders are seen all the time.

Any MAC heads out there that can help it would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

First don't try to force the Mac to work like windows. It does the same stuff but it has a different underlying metaphor.

If I understand what you're asking for, you want to get comfortable with the finder. Switch to the finder and press command-comma to get to the finder's preferences. You might find what you're looking for there. If you can be more descriptive about what you want finder to do or how you want it to look, I might be able to help.

I also highly recommend you read through Mac OS X Snow Leopard: The Missing Manual. It's the best book for getting started on the Mac.

Thanks for the help.

I guess my problem is that I have all these really important word and excel files organized on my old puter where I can view them in really organized files like you see in windows explorer. I want to be able to view the saved files on my mac in an organized manner. It seems that the finder window has the files there but they are haphazard and abreviated so it is hard for me to see what I am actually looking at when I view a file. And they are all mixed up on the MAC, like the organization is just gone..

I have to deal with 3 states worth of Refs and the finances and it is so far not an easy transition.

And another thing.

How do I change my homepage away from Apple?

God I can't believe I have assimilated. Steve Jobs is trying to control my mind and bank account.

Damm You Al Gore!

Maybe if you do a screen shot (Contrl+Apple+3) we could see what you have, as compared with a screen shot in Explorer to see what you want.

The Finder (Desktop view) shows folders (directories), but if you double click the icon for "Macintosh HD" you may start seeing the similarities with MS. For each folder you can set it to a MS-like format by clicking on the middle icon above "View".

HTH

Ok, that helped a bunch. In the finder window I just changed it to a file view and it looked a lot more organized. In the list view it was completely disorganized and haphazard.

Now how do I change my home page away from apple to google?

In the second to leftmost menu (just right of the apple), presumably 'Safari' or some other browser, hit 'Preferences.' Under the 'general' tab, should be a setting for homepage.

I think what you are asking for is dependent on the application you are using to access the internet (Firefox, Safari, etc.) Try going into the Preferences of the application to see if there is a menu to set the "Home Page", and then a place to enter your link to Google. This is my setting in Firefox via Comcast.net

Use a business platform to do business.

Flint is absolutely right. And there's nothing more businessy than the BSD unix in the Mac.

Don't panic Merc. You should expect that it'll take you a couple of days to learn your way around. Do get a copy of that book. It'll speed up the process.

Always remember...drop the program icon in the applications tab.

That was my biggest realization when I switched to Mac. I downloaded handbrake video converter and thought I installed it correctly. The next time I restarted, it was gone...! I was pissed off and confused.

Then I actually watched a 3 minute demo and learned a thing or two.

When a program downloads, its placed in the finder under 'downloads'. Open the file and look for the programs icon. Click on the icon and drag and drop it into the applications tab. Baam!

I have never looked back.

BTW Honey... I know you are a PC and all... but Macs out sell PCs these day... want to see me be less of a computer retard ( totally not pc... forgive me, but it totally applies to me based on literal definition)... buy me a MAC...

No.

Gawd you're such a hard ass Papa

(stomps feet on floor and wines like a 3 year old).

Oh God--don't do that.

Folks, she doesn't really do that.



I'd slap the sass out of her mouth.



Edit: New Apple Friend Bar Gives Customers Someone To Talk At About Mac Products