Mac OS X Illustrated

Rating:
Summary: Best Mac OS X Reference Book of the Year
Review: Even though I've been a Macintosh user since 1995, when I got my new iMac I knew from the first time I plugged it in that I was entering a totally different territory. The lustrous Aqua interface, the fact that it now supports different user profiles, the organization of the System in general, iTunes, iMovie, iCal... I knew at once there was much to be discovered. I started to look around for a guide that would tell me about the new Mac OS X without boundaries, and when I came across "Mac OS X Illustrated", by the people of Australian "Design Graphics" magazine, I knew I had found it.

This is an awesome book. With realistic, full color drawings, superb print quality and minimalistic text, it achieves its purpose: to provide a wholesome tour of Apple's new system in a way deep enough for one to be comfortable with it, but at the same time basic enough so that users interested in learning more about a particular subject, can use the resources and suggestions given to get further answers. The book uses color not only for illustrative purposes but to catalogue its subjects in ways that makes them easier to find when we need a quick reference. Everything here is explained: Apple's new iApps, the new finder, the new online resources (such as iDisk), how to customize each profile, etc. The second part of the book introduces us to the Unix language, which is at the core of the new Mac OS X system, and it is altogether a whole new animal. This is one of the areas where further research is required, but the book does instruct us on the basic commands (including what not to do in order not to mess your system up).

Something I really liked about this guide is that it's not only restricted to Apple's new system software, but it also recommends third parties that are essential in every possible area for a Mac user, such as graphics, creation of documents and presentations, utilities, etc. So even in this area, one gets the benefit of expert advice on the type of software that will run better on Apple's new computers. An excellent tool to keep beside your new iMac or G4 at all times and refer to again and again.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the most intuitive layout!
Review: Ideal for OS 9.x Converts & New Mac Users alike.
My deepest gratitude to the Design Graphics Guide Series authors at Wiley Publishing for an exceptional guide to Mac OS X (Jaguar 10.2). Mac OSX Illustrated has the most user-friendly an organized Layout, Glossary & Index I have ever encountered for a computer publication. I have introduced it to many students, colleagues, and clients who have found it to be an indispensable part of their libraries.

Key Features:
Colour Coded chapters: Visible when book is closed
Chapter Reference on all relevant pages: Graphic Key
OS 9.x to OS 10.x then & now comparisons: Reference for those familiar with OS 9.x & earlier
Very clean full colour graphics: Suitable for visual thinkers.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely the most intuitive layout!
Review: Ideal for OS 9.x Converts & New Mac Users alike.
My deepest gratitude to the Design Graphics Guide Series authors at Wiley Publishing for an exceptional guide to Mac OS X (Jaguar 10.2). Mac OSX Illustrated has the most user-friendly an organized Layout, Glossary & Index I have ever encountered for a computer publication. I have introduced it to many students, colleagues, and clients who have found it to be an indispensable part of their libraries.

Key Features:
Colour Coded chapters: Visible when book is closed
Chapter Reference on all relevant pages: Graphic Key
OS 9.x to OS 10.x then & now comparisons: Reference for those familiar with OS 9.x & earlier
Very clean full colour graphics: Suitable for visual thinkers.