Switch To A Mac Guides tag:switchtoamac.com,2008:/guides//2 2008-07-13T03:23:30Z Learn How To Use A Mac Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 Upgrading from .Mac to MobileMe tag:switchtoamac.com,2008:/guides//2.528 2008-07-13T01:58:05Z 2008-07-13T03:23:30Z switchtoamac If you are a current .Mac (dot Mac) or future user of Apple's MobileMe service you'll need to upgrade your Mac to MobileMe.  MobileMe is the next generation subscription-based service from Apple.  Learn more about MobileMe at our What is MobileMe? guide.
]]> Requirements
You need to be running Mac OS X Leopard to use MobileMe on your Mac.


A brief overview - How do I install the update?

1. You download the MobileMe installer with Software Update
2. Install
3. Verify Installation


Step by Step Instructions
The following screens provide a step-by-step overview of the upgrade.  Note that as of this guide's posting, the way to get your Mac to initiate the upgrade process is by using System Preferences.
  • Launch System Preferences
  • Click on .Mac under Internet & Network



  • Wait a moment or two for the following MobileMe notification to show up:



  • Then continue with the upgrade steps outlined below


Click on Software Update to have Software Update locate the MobileMe updater



Click on "Install"

The updater wil be downloaded and then installed


Verify the Installation

  • If the install was a success, Software Update will reappear with a green checkbox next to the MobileMe updater and will show that it was Installed on the bottom



  • Within System Preferences you'll see that the .Mac icon has been replaced with the MobileMe icon:



  • Click on the MobileMe icon
  • Then click on the Various tabs such as "Account", "Sync", "iDisk", and "Back to My Mac"



  • You can also test by sending yourself an email within Mac OS X Mail to both your @me.com and @mac.com email addresses

You can save on a new MobileMe subscription when you purchase a new Mac as outlined below:

]]> What is MobileMe? tag:switchtoamac.com,2008:/guides//2.527 2008-07-13T00:27:43Z 2008-07-13T03:01:56Z MobileMe is the next generation subscription-based service that replaces .Mac.... switchtoamac ]]> Courtesy of AppleWhat does MobileMe provide?
MobileMe is a suite of features that works with Mac OS X Mail, iCal, and Address Book.  It also works with Mail, Calendar, and Contacts on the iPhone or iPod touch.  MobileMe also works with Microsoft Outlook on Windows based PCs.

Push Push Push
MobileMe comes with push features built right in for email, contacts, and calendar.  MobileMe will "push" updates to the "cloud" and then push updates to your Mac, iPhone, iPod touch, and/or PC.

What can I do with MobileMe?
MobileMe enables you to synchronize data on multiple devices such as Macs, iPhones, iPod touch, and PCs.

Easy Access and Easy to Use
Easily access your email, calendar, contacts, and photos.  You can also access files you store at me.com. The MobileMe applications appear and behave similar to desktop applications as they are loaded with features.

Courtesy of Apple
]]> Updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Guides (Feb 2008) tag:switchtoamac.com,2008:/guides//2.494 2008-02-27T17:00:57Z 2008-02-28T02:19:28Z switchtoamac Updated MacBook Pro and MacBook guides are now available.  Each guide has been updated with relevant information about the latest specs, capabilities, and features associated with the new models Apple released on February 26, 2008.
]]> It doesn't stop there.  Each guide provides a detailed description of the model, key features, how it can be used, and wraps up with a conclusion and buying advice section.

We urge you to give them a read.  Please reach out to us for any items that need corrections or clarifications.  Perhaps you may want to provide additional input that can be included in these guides.

You can reach us at contact [at] switchtoamac [dot] com.]]> Apple Store - Black Friday tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.450 2007-11-22T05:00:01Z 2007-11-22T14:11:18Z switchtoamac The day after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday" in the United States.  It is one of the busiest shopping days of the year as it officially kicks off the holiday shopping season.  Over the past few years Apple has reduced the prices of several products on Black Friday during a special one-day sales event at both Apple retail stores and the online Apple Store.  If you're looking for a discount on Apple products it's a great time to save because it is the only day of the year that Apple conducts a sale.  Apple will discount Apple and many third-party products.  We've listed the 2006 sale details for historical purposes.
]]> 2006 Sale - Apple Products and SoftwareMacs
  • MacBook - Starting at $1,099, save $101
  • iMac - Starting at $999, save $101
iPods
  • iPod nano - Save up to $21 plus free laser engraving
  • iPod - Starting at $24, save up to $31 plus free laser engraving
Software
  • .Mac - $68, save $31.95
Networking
  • AirPort Express Base Station - $88, save $41.00
Mice
  • Apple wireless Mighty Mouse - $58, save $11.00
Headphones - Audio - Speakers
  • Apple iPod Earphones - $24, save $5.00
  • iPod Radio Remote - $38, save $11.00
  • iPod Hi-Fi - $298, save $51.00
Cases
  • Apple iPod nano Armband - $24, save $5.00

2006 Sale -Third-Party Products

Software
  • Office 2004 for Mac Standard Edition - $358, save $41.95
  • Parallels Desktop for Mac - $68, save $11.95
  • Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 - $68, save $21.95
  • The Sims 2 - $38, save $11.95
  • Call of Duty 2 - $38, save $11.95
  • Sid Meier's Civilization IV  - $38, save $11.95
Extras
  • Nike + iPod Sport Kit  - $24, save $5.00
  • Canon PIXMA mini260 Photo Printer - $128, save $21.95
  • Sonic Impact VIDEO-55 - $238, save $61.95
  • Belkin TuneTalk Stereo - $48, save $21.95
Headphones
  • Shure E500PTH Sound Isolating Earphone - $398, save $101.95
  • Shure E5C Sound Isolating Earphones - $398, save $101.95
  • Shure E4C Sound Isolating Earphones - $238, save $61.95
  • Shure E3C Sound Isolating Earphones - $138, save $41.95
  • Shure E2C Sound Isolating Earphones - $78, save $21.95
  • Sennheiser PX100 Headphones - $48, save $11.95
Speakers
  • JBL Creature II Speakers - $58, save $21.95
  • Logitech AudioStation Express - $98, save $31.95
Audio
  • Sony Personal Speakers SRS-P11Q - $18, save $6.95
  • M-Audio Keystation 49e USB Midi Keyboard - $78, save $21.95
Vehicle Audio
  • Kensington Digital FM Transmitter/Auto Charger - $58, save $21.95
  • Kensington RDS FM Transmitter/Car Charger for iPod - $58, save $21.95
  • Sony CPA-9C Car Cassette Adapter - $14, save $5.95
Bags
  • Incase Ripstop Backpack - $58, save $41.95
  • Brenthaven Metro Bag - $48, save $21.95
  • STM Alley 13" Shoulder Bag - $28, save $11.95
  • Incase Neoprene Sleeve - $24, save $5.95
Cases
  • iSkin eVo3 Case for 30GB iPod - $24, save $10.95
  • iSkin eVo3 Case for 60GB & 80GB iPod - $24, save $10.95
  • Nike + Sport Armband - $18, save $11.00
  • Incase Sports Case with Armband for iPod nano - $18, save $11.95
  • XtremeMac SportWrap for iPod - $18, save $11.95
  • Agent 18 VideoShield for 30GB iPod - $18, save $6.95
  • Agent 18 VideoShield for 60GB & 80GB iPod - $18, save $6.95
]]> What is iWork? tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.449 2007-11-21T20:03:17Z 2007-11-21T20:07:23Z switchtoamac iWork is a collection of office productivity applications available for purchase from Apple.  The current version is iWork '08 and includes the following three applications:]]>
  • Pages '08 is a word processor that provides an intuitive way to create documents.  It offers several writing and layout modes, formatting options, graphics tools, change tracking, and numerous templates.  You can even import and export Microsoft Word documents.
  • Keynote '08 is a powerful presentation application that includes text effects and transitions, animations, voice-over recording, smart builds, numerous built-in themes, and multimedia integration.  Keynote support several delivery options such as Microsoft Powerpoint, YouTube, iTunes, iWeb, and Quicktime.
  • Numbers '08 is a spreadsheet application that is designed for ease of use.  Key features include intellegent tables, interactive print view, flexible canvases, customizable templates, charts, images and labels.  Numbers can import and export to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
You can try iWork free for 30 days or buy it from the Apple Store.]]> What is iLife? tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.448 2007-11-21T17:35:20Z 2007-11-21T20:10:20Z switchtoamac iLife is a collection of digital lifestyle applications (software) created by Apple for use on Macintosh computers.  It is pre-installed on every new Macintosh or can be purchased directly from Apple.  iLife '08, released in August 2007, is the most recent version and includes the following applications:
]]>
  • iPhoto is an image and photo application that allows users to import photographs from direcly from digital cameras or other sources.  iPhoto automatically organizes your photos into a library.  Users can easily edit photographs with the built-in editing tools or share their photos as albums, slide shows, cards, books, and calenders.  Photos can be published on the web, saved to a file, or sent via e-mail.
  • iMovie is a movie editing application that allows users create movies from a number of different sources such as digital video cameras, DV-encoded files, and pictures.  The edited movie can then be saved to DVD, CD, DV camera, the Internet, or to a file.  iMovie automatically organizes your videos.  You can even save them in formats that can be used on an iPod, iPhone, and Apple TV.
  • iDVD is a DVD creation application that allows users can create a DVD from movies (such as those created in iMovie) and photographs from iPhoto. iDVD comes with a number of built-in themes and menus that simplifies the creation process.  iDVD even allows you to add music from an iTunes library.
  • GarageBand is a music creation application that allows users to create and edit multi-track songs.  Choose from a collection of built-in or purchased music loops to create your song.  You can even attach musical instruments to your Mac.
  • iWeb is a website publication application that easily creates web pages using content from iMovie, iPhoto, and iTunes.  iWeb comes with several built-in Apple themes that can be used out of the box or customized with your own personal touch.
iTunes, previously included in older versions of iLife, comes pre-installed on all new Macs and can be downloaded for free from Apple.  Updates to iTunes can be obtained from Software Update.]]> Standalone Installers: Delta and Combo tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.444 2007-11-08T17:41:09Z 2007-11-08T20:39:14Z switchtoamac Apple provides two types of Standalone installers, Delta and Combo.  Standalone installers are an alternative to using Software Update.
]]> Delta Updates
These updates also called individual updates, upgrade Mac OS X to a higher version within the same base version. For example, the Mac OS X 10.4.10 update will upgrade Mac OS X 10.4.9 to version 10.4.10.

Combo Updates
These updates upgrade the base version of Mac OS X to a specific version.  Combo updates include all updates up to and including the version of the update.  For example, the Mac OS X 10.4.10 Combo Update will update any version of Mac OS X 10.4 to version 10.4.10 in a single installation.  Users will not have to upgrade 10.4 to 10.4.1, 10.4.2, 10.4.3, and so on.
 

Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger Updates

Delta updates
10.4.10   (PowerPC or Intel) Will update Mac OS X 10.4.9 to Mac OS X 10.4.10
10.4.9     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update Mac OS X 10.4.8 to Mac OS X 10.4.9
10.4.8     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update Mac OS X 10.4.7 to Mac OS X 10.4.8
10.4.7     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update Mac OS X 10.4.6 to Mac OS X 10.4.7
10.4.6     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update Mac OS X 10.4.5 to Mac OS X 10.4.6
10.4.5     Will update Mac OS X 10.4.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.5
10.4.4     Will update Mac OS X 10.4.3 to Mac OS X 10.4.4
10.4.3     Will update Mac OS X 10.4.2 to Mac OS X 10.4.3
10.4.2     Will update Mac OS X 10.4.1 to Mac OS X 10.4.2
10.4.1     Will update Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.1

Combo updates
10.4.10   (PowerPC or Intel) Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.10
10.4.9     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.9
10.4.8     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.8
10.4.7     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.7
10.4.6     (PowerPC or Intel) Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.6
10.4.5     Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.5
10.4.4     Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.4
10.4.3     Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.3
10.4.2     Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.2
10.4.1     Will update prior versions of Mac OS X 10.4 to Mac OS X 10.4.1
]]> Updating your Mac with Standalone Installers tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.443 2007-11-08T17:11:38Z 2007-11-08T18:12:20Z switchtoamac Instead of using Software Update Apple provides many updates via a standalone installer.  Many Mac users prefer to use the standalone installer instead of Software Update.]]> Reasons for using itandalone installers vary but some common ones include:
  • To save the update ( to CD/DVD or disk)
  • Install it on multiple Macs (easily transported to different Macs)
  • To download and install it at a later time
  • The Mac that needs the update does not have an internet connection
Apple standalone updates can be obtained from the Apple Support download page .

How do I install a standalone update?
  1. You download the installer to your Mac
  2. Mount the associated disk image
  3. Launch the Installer package
Note that if you save a standalone update to a CD or DVD, you must copy the disk image to your Mac before it can be installed.  The following guide describes the two types of standalone installers, Delta and Combo.

Be Careful
You should read the documentation from Apple before using a standalone installer.  You should only install them on compatible systems and in the correct order.
]]> Manually run Software Update tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.442 2007-11-08T16:11:46Z 2007-11-08T17:46:23Z If you want to manually check for Mac OS X and application updates you simply launch Software Update.... switchtoamac If you want to manually check for Mac OS X and application updates you simply launch Software Update.
]]> Steps
  1. Choose Software Update from the Apple Menu.  You see that a check for new software similar to the following begin:




    A list will be created that shows the updates that are available




  2. Select the items you want to install (uncheck the items you don't want to install)

    The example above and the one below show how Software Update displays information about a particular update.  Just click on an item to view its description.  Also note the left pointing arrow for updates that that will require your Mac to restart.




  3. Click Install

  4. Enter you Mac Admin user name and password




  5. You'll see a progress of the install occur one by one similar to the following:




  6. After the update is complete, you may need to restart depending on what was installed.


]]> How to get a free Leopard upgrade - the Mac OS X Leopard Up-to-Date Program tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.432 2007-10-18T15:29:52Z 2007-10-18T15:39:39Z switchtoamac Recent Mac purchasers who have purchased a qualifying new Mac or Apple Certified Refurbished Mac (see models below) on or after October 1, 2007 that has Mac OS X Tiger installed can upgrade to Leopard for free.  Apple is offering the upgrade as part of the Mac OS X Leopard Up-to-Date Program.  The qualifying Mac models are as follows:
]]> The first column is the Model Number.  The second is a description of the system.

MacBook        

  • MA699LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/512MB
  • MA700LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MA701LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MB061LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MB062LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MB063LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MB064LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MB065LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/1GB
  • MB157LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/2GB
  • MB158LL/A         MacBook 13.3" 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo/2GB


MacBook Pro        

  • MA895LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.2GHz/2GB
  • MA896LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.4GHz/2GB
  • MA897LL/A         MacBook Pro 17" 2.4GHz/2GB
  • MB074LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.2GHz/2GB
  • MB075LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.4GHz/2GB
  • MB076LL/A         MacBook Pro 17" 2.4GHz/2GB
  • MB077LL/A         MacBook Pro 17" 2.4GHz/2GB
  • MA609LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.16GHz/1GB
  • MA610LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.33GHz/2GB
  • MA611LL/A         MacBook Pro 17" 2.33GHz/2GB
  • MA867LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.16GHz/1GB
  • MA868LL/A         MacBook Pro 15" 2.33GHz/2GB
  • MA869LL/A         MacBook Pro 17" 2.33GHz/2GB


iMac        

  • MA710LL/A         iMac 17" 1.83GHz
  • MA590LL/A         iMac 17" 2.0GHz
  • MA758LL/A         iMac 17" 2.0GHz
  • MA589LL/A         iMac 20" 2.16GHz
  • MA759LL/A         iMac 20" 2.16GHz
  • MA456LL/A         iMac 24" 2.16GHz
  • MA772LL/A         iMac 24" 2.16GHz
  • MA876LL/A         iMac 20" 2.0GHz
  • MA877LL/A         iMac 20" 2.4GHz
  • MA878LL/A         iMac 24" 2.4GHz
  • MB199LL/A         iMac 20" 2.0GHz
  • MA200LL/A         iMac 20" 2.4GHz
  • MA201LL/A         iMac 24" 2.4GHz
  • MA322LL/A         iMac 24" 2.8GHz


Mac mini        

  • MA607LL/A         Mac mini 1.66GHz
  • MA608LL/A         Mac mini 1.83GHz
  • MA723LL/A         Mac mini 1.83GHz
  • MB138LL/A         Mac mini 1.83GHz
  • MB139LL/A         Mac mini 2.0GHz


Mac Pro        

  • MA356LL/A         Two 2.66GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon/1GB 667MHz
  • MB052LL/A         Two 3.0GHzDual-Core Intel Xeon/2GB 667MHz



Key Dates
The program ends on December 29, 2007.  Orders must be postmarked or faxed by January 4, 2008.  A $9.95 shipping and handling fee applies.  Be sure to read and follow the Terms and Conditions as detailed at the Up-to-Date Program web page.

If you purchased your Mac from the Online Apple Store, click the on the appropriate link to participate in the program.


If you purchased from an Apple retail store or Apple authorized reseller you'll want to click on one of the following links to participate in the program.


Apple is allowing those who purchased multiple qualifying systems at the same time (on a single invoice) the option to either purchase a Single-User Upgrade Kit for each qualifying product at $9.95 each or fewer Single-User Upgrade Kits and request the "Right to Copy" to the other systems.

]]> Upgrading to Mac OS X Leopard tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.429 2007-10-18T05:00:00Z 2007-10-18T15:24:57Z switchtoamac This guide will describe the process of upgrading to Mac OS X Leopard.  As Leopard has not been released yet, we've compiled this information based on our expectations and experience with previous upgrades of Mac OS X.  This guide will get you to start thinking about the steps involved a Mac OS X upgrade.  If this will be your first ever Mac OS X upgrade, you'll want to pay close attention.  We describe the process in a few high-level steps.  Before we get started, we'd like to point out that you will want to verify the system requirements as outlined by Apple.  If you have a recent Mac, you'll shouldn't have any problems upgrading to Leopard.]]> Preliminary Step 1 - Backup
This is a no-brainer.  You'll want to backup everything just in case things go wrong.  Besides, an operating system upgrade is a great time to reinforce the need to make backups.  Ensure that you backup the contents of your hard drive such as your iTunes library, iTunes playlists, iPhoto library, documents, movies, and so on.  The method of backup is totally up to you but some options include dumping these items to an external hard drive or to discs.

Preliminary Step 2 - Repair Permissions (not needed if you choose Erase and Install option described later)
After you've made your backups Repair Permissions and Repair Disk options in the Mac OS X Disk Utility program.

Installation

Insert the Mac OS X Leopard installation DVD and double-click on the "Install Mac OS X" icon and then click on Restart.  The Mac OS X Installer will begin once your Mac restarts.  Another way to kick off the process is to insert the Leopard DVD in your Mac's drive DVD drive, restart your Mac, then hold down the "c" key as your Mac restarts.  Be patient as the installation program may take a moment to start.

Once the installer begins you will be shown several dialog boxes that will ask for things such as your operating language.  You will also have to agree to the user agreement before you can proceed.  You will also choose the hard disk where you want to install Mac OS X.

There are 3 basic options to upgrade to Leopard
  • Simple Upgrade: This is the easiest option.  It will upgrade all of the relevant components of your Mac OS X software and preserve your personal files and most settings.
  • Archive and Install: This option is a more safe option in case you want to revert back to your prior version.  The installer will save your existing Mac OS X system files into an "archive" (backup) and will then install Leopard into a new system folder.  Keep in mind that this option eats up a lot of disk space because you have essentially have two versions of Mac OS X installed.  One archived and one new.  You have the choice to automatically import your user details and settings into Leopard.  This is a easy way to avoid having to reconfigure application settings, Mail, and things such as printers.  
  • Erase and Install: This is the longest and most involved option because it involves two distinct steps.  Step one is a complete erase of your Macintosh HD.  Step two is the installation of the new Mac OS X version.  After Leopard is installed you will need to manually place all your files (that you backed up!), you'll have to re-enter all of your account settings, and re-install software such as iLife.  So before choosing this option, make sure you have all your settings and installation programs for your other software.
Note that more advanced and experienced Mac users often install Mac OS X upgrades on an external drive and then boot off of it at a later step.  This guide will not cover those steps.

One piece of advice: BE PATIENT! The upgrade process takes time and depending on your upgrade option and the performance of your Mac, the process can take somewhere between 30 minutes to upwards of an hour and a half.   A step common to all installs is a sanity or integrity check.  The installer will check the Leopard install DVD and the hard drive for any issues before the installation actually begins.  If there is a problem with the DVD or hard drive you will need to address it before you will be able to proceed.

Subsequent high-level steps will include things such as:
  • Preparing the Disk: Verifying Destination Volume - this checks that your Mac meets the system requirements for Leopard, has enough space on the hard drive, and so on
  • Installation - this will depend on the upgrade option
  • Optimizing System Performance - Mac OS X does some things in the background to get the software to work optimally and more efficiently.  Experienced Mac users know that a key action in this step is the prebinding of libraries
  • Restart
The installer will go through several steps depending on the chosen upgrade option.  If you're like me, you'll be watching the install process aws it takes place.  Don't be alarmed if at times the install appears as though it is running slowly or stalls.  A lot of things are happening under the covers that you can't see or observe.


Leopard is Installed
After reboot, you are almost done.  You may or may not see the user login screen, you may be asked for personal information, asked to create a .Mac account and so on.  Once again, this all depends on the type of upgrade that you just performed.


One Final Step - Software Update
You'll want to check if Apple has released any updates to Leopard since the installation DVD was created.  Simply run Software Update from the Apple Menu and click on "Software Update".  It's a good idea to install the updates that appear.

That's it!  You're ready to enjoy and experience the greatest release of Mac OS X to date.  Congratulations on your decision to upgrade to Leopard.  Have fun and remember Apple's slogan you now have "a new Mac on your Mac".

P.S.: We'll be updating this guide with any corrections, updates, or other relevant information such as screen shots once Leopard is actually released.


Comments and Additional Information
If you would like to share comments or provide additional information on how to upgrade to Leopard, please do so here.

]]> What is Leopard? tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.425 2007-10-17T17:42:12Z 2007-10-18T03:09:17Z Glenn Leopard is Apple's latest version of the Mac OS X operating system.  Leopard has been designated a version number of 10.5.  Leopard is the 6th version that Apple has released since early 2001. Leopard contains more that 300 new features when compared to Tiger, the prior version of Mac OS X.
]]> Mac OS X Leopard Box - Courtesy of AppleSome of the new, noteworthy, and/or improved features of Leopard include:
  • Boot Camp - Run Windows XP and Windows Vista on your Mac at native speed with full compatibility.  Boot Camp was a beta (test) software in the prior Intel-based version of Mac OS X, specifically Tiger (version 10.4)
  • Spaces - Organize your activities into separate spaces and easily switch from one to another.
  • Time Machine - The automatic backup solution built into Mac OS X. Time Machine automatically makes copies of everything on your Mac including documents, digital photos, music, movies and TV shows, and documents.  Recovery of your files to a specific time is the past is now possible!
  • Quick Look - with a single click you can easily view the contents of files without ever opening them.  Look into text files, PDF documents, images, movies, Keynote presentations, Microsft Excel and Word documents, and Mail attachment.  Quick Look even works in Time Machine.
  • Downloads Stack - Find your downloads quickly in one dedicated stack that's easily located in the Mac OS X Dock.
  • Finder - a new and improved Finder makes browsing files on a Mac easier than ever.  You can flip through files using Cover Flow or using an iTunes-style sidebar.  Finder now allows you to participate in an interactive screen sharing session with other Macs on your network.
  • Synchronize with Yahoo! - Synchronize Address Book on your Mac with your Yahoo! address book
]]> What is Software Update? tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.430 2007-10-17T15:00:00Z 2007-11-08T18:10:19Z switchtoamac From time to time, Apple releases updates to the Mac OS X operating system and installed applications on your Mac.  Apple has provided a utility called Software Update to allow you to easily identify and install updates on your Mac.]]> In the preferences for Software Update you can set it to check for updates daily, weekly, or monthly.  You have the option to disable automatic checks if you prefer to check for updates manually.  Starting with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) you can set Software Update to automatically download updates and notify you when they are ready for installation.
 
When Software Update finds updates available for download, they will be displayed in a list.  An example is shown below:


Read the following guide on how to manually launch and download updates with Software Update.  Instead of updating your Mac with Software update, you can use a Standalone installer. 
]]> What is iCal? tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.424 2007-10-13T17:45:07Z 2007-10-17T17:57:37Z Mac OS X ships with a nice personal calendar application called iCal. iCal enables you to create events, make To-Do Lists and subscribe and publish to other calendars as well. It is integrated with .Mac so you would be able... Glenn Mac OS X ships with a nice personal calendar application called iCal. iCal enables you to create events, make To-Do Lists and subscribe and publish to other calendars as well. It is integrated with .Mac so you would be able to view your calendar where ever you have an internet connection.
]]> The image below shows the default screen of iCal.  As you can see it comes with two default calenders, Home and Work.  Additionally, you have a monthly view on the bottom left.


]]> DVD Player Regions tag:switchtoamac.com,2007:/guides//2.336 2007-03-18T01:45:41Z 2007-03-18T01:48:05Z switchtoamac DVD Player will support just about any DVD you purchase, given the appropriate region restrictions.  DVD producers use region encoding to restrict where a DVD can be played by storing information on a DVD disc.]]> For example, a DVD may be restricted to Asia and hence can't be played on DVD devices in North America.  Some DVD discs don't have a region restriction and can be played on any device around the world.

The Mac OS X DVD Player is limited to playing discs for only one particular region and is most often restricted to where your Mac was purchased.  Note however that DVD Player is capable of playing discs from any region and the change entails a process called a "switch".  DVD Player allows the region to be changed up to five times.  The region setting for the DVD player is stored in the Combo Drive or SuperDrive drive firmware.

If you like to make home movies, DVD Player will play the DVDs you create with Apple's iDVD and DVD Studio Pro applications.]]>