Rating:  Summary: I need basic info, not cute tricks Review: I attribute the wide acceptance of these Mac books to the fact that thoroughgoing software manuals are apparently not provided by manufacturers anymore. I bought the 5th edition of this series when I acquired an iBook a couple of years ago. I hoped to learn more about deploying the basic capabilities of my OS 9.1 software than the little help screens provide. In the two years I've had the book, I've found almost nothing I needed to know to solve a real problem. The book seems to try to deal with several versions of Mac software and is actually a grab bag of "look at this cute trick" features, which may not even be achievable by my particular version of the OS. It may be that I bought the wrong book, but it seemed the most likely one on the shelf.A case in point occurred when I recently began to suspect that the MACRO function could be combined with an IF function in a spreadsheet to do some format or color changes on the fly. However, this book offers precious little about macros, let alone other spreadsheet functions or the technique for combining them, if indeed that is possible, as it is in other spreadsheeting software. Perhaps this sort of information is not considered a "secret" and thus not appropriate for this book. Unhappily, I know of no other resource for it, so it remains a secret to me.
Rating:  Summary: I need basic info, not cute tricks Review: I attribute the wide acceptance of these Mac books to the fact that thoroughgoing software manuals are apparently not provided by manufacturers anymore. I bought the 5th edition of this series when I acquired an iBook a couple of years ago. I hoped to learn more about deploying the basic capabilities of my OS 9.1 software than the little help screens provide. In the two years I've had the book, I've found almost nothing I needed to know to solve a real problem. The book seems to try to deal with several versions of Mac software and is actually a grab bag of "look at this cute trick" features, which may not even be achievable by my particular version of the OS. It may be that I bought the wrong book, but it seemed the most likely one on the shelf. A case in point occurred when I recently began to suspect that the MACRO function could be combined with an IF function in a spreadsheet to do some format or color changes on the fly. However, this book offers precious little about macros, let alone other spreadsheet functions or the technique for combining them, if indeed that is possible, as it is in other spreadsheeting software. Perhaps this sort of information is not considered a "secret" and thus not appropriate for this book. Unhappily, I know of no other resource for it, so it remains a secret to me.
Rating:  Summary: MacWorld Mac Secrets (5th Ed). Review: I belive it's excelent this edition, but i seek spanihs book over Mac's computers, do you can help me? please write to my e-mail with this information.
Rating:  Summary: Five Crowns *plus* One Review: I have been MacKing on my PowerBook 1400 (with Vpower PB1400 G3 card) for about 9 months now, and I possess just about every 'big' and 'heavy' book dealing with the subject (ah, those long winter nights...). "Mac secrets 5" is THE book to have. If you can afford to buy one book only, my advice is to buy this one. Apart from being extremely enlightening (no shortage of information here on 1,300 pages), it is also great fun too. I just cannot stress enough the latter aspect. Find yourself with half an hour to spare before you leave home to meet your date for only the second time, what better way to overcome your anxiety but to just dip into its pages. Open the book anywhere, and I defy you, not to be entertained, educated, and put into a positive frame of mind. Find yourself with, say, a couple of hours to spare before bedtime, and most likely the clock in the Menu Bar, when you look at it the next time, will tell you that you have just 'wasted' (in my ex-girl friend's opinion anyway) five hours. Yes, the book IS that good. "M. s. 5" is difficult to put down, because there is so much knowledge being passed on to the reader in an easily understood - although it is assumed that the reader knows the basics about the Mac - and stimulating fashion. As a bonus, the CD that comes with the book, is, for once, *very* useful too, having the whole of, not just "Mac secrets 5" but also of "Mac secrets 4" on it, plus many very handy programs. Who would not want to be able to download the early 'Chimes of Death' and 'Startup Chimes', in that order, of course? What more could one possibly want? Good index, too. Sorry, but I have got to stop writing now, as I want to have another quick browse before bedtime. Sorry, Poppy (Z. Brite), you'll just have to wait. Thank you David, thank you Joseph.
Rating:  Summary: Lots of good tips. Review: I have been using a mac since 1984. And I found lots of tips I could use. It is writen like, "The Macintosh Bible" clear and to the point. The ResEdit, Network sections are quite good. The CD-ROM has some good programs on it. I would say if you like Mac books, you should pick this one up
Rating:  Summary: The ultimate in computer books. Two thumbs up! Review: I have been working in the graphic arts field for 6 years, Macintosh is my life. This book took me to a level higher than my co-workers overnight. If you want to be a guru, buy this book. Very easy to read and understand.
Rating:  Summary: A Good Mac Book Review: I like this book because of history- every Mac made, every Mac OS made, etc. I also like the comprehensive lists about every system folder, etc. I also like the Unlimited Edition online content. This book is worth your or someone else's money. (Use AOL? Hate pop-up ads? There's a secret on how to trash the pop-up ads.) (Like easter eggs? This book's got a ton of em')
Rating:  Summary: Another great from... you guessed it, David Pogue Review: I live this book! Thanks David and Joe! You guys are the best! As always, another great update. It's hard to believe how far we moved in these 2 years. An innovative idea is the six free chapters online! I LOVE the contest, but I may be biased about that... I won this year! Wow! Jason
Rating:  Summary: From Mac Novices to Apple Experts Review: I own the 3rd, 4th, and 5th editions of Mac Secrets, and in my opinion, if you're an Apple Macintosh lover, or if you're learning the ropes, this book is for you! This book will tell you things about the Macintosh that Apple wouldn't dare reveal, including speed tips and tricks that you wouldv'e never thought possible. Detailed displays and advanced guides, and well as some comedy to lighten the mood. Networking, Internet, Setups, Programs, Applications, and Utilities, it's got it all, and it's the BEST Macintosh book I have ever seen. It's definately worth the buy!
Rating:  Summary: From Mac Novices to Apple Experts Review: I own the 3rd, 4th, and 5th editions of Mac Secrets, and in my opinion, if you're an Apple Macintosh lover, or if you're learning the ropes, this book is for you! This book will tell you things about the Macintosh that Apple wouldn't dare reveal, including speed tips and tricks that you wouldv'e never thought possible. Detailed displays and advanced guides, and well as some comedy to lighten the mood. Networking, Internet, Setups, Programs, Applications, and Utilities, it's got it all, and it's the BEST Macintosh book I have ever seen. It's definately worth the buy!
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