Macs for Dummies (nothing personal)

The Dummies range of books have been available for quite a while now, but I felt it appropriate to bring you this mini-review of 'Macs for Dummies' just before Christmas is upon us. The reason, well hopefully many many people will be receiving or treating themselves to an Apple Macintosh as a self-indulgent gift. Those who have experienced the Mac already know that it is one of the easiest computers to use and learn, but for some, who may not have had ANY experience of a computer, a bit of help is often welcome.

Where the Dummies books excel is that they explain things in plain English, and the Mac version does just that, with no techno-speak to be found. The books starts by explaining types of Mac, what different connections look like and your first experience with the Finder (the user interface). It continues by covering all aspects of your new Mac, from setting things up just the way you want it, printing, the internet and email. It also takes you through each of the iApps, by this I mean iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie etc. Then if you want to delve a little deeper, the no nonsense networking and troubleshooting sections will see you right.

I would not recommend this book to any experienced users, as it will seem a bit basic. For anyone new to the Mac, or perhaps 4-6 months down the line of owning one, then 'Macs for Dummies' is a must buy. It will point you in the right direction and make sure that you have the knowledge to really enjoy using and experiencing the new found freedom of a computer (Mac) and operating system (OS X) brings.

Macs for Dummies
Supplied by Wiley Publishing
Price: £14.99
ISBN: 0470048492
Pages: 408

iCon - Steve Jobs - A Good Read

Well, how can one make a review about a book exciting? Nowadays we all read our LCD screens and if it is not online we are not interested.
Maybe you should take some time out, as the title of this book contains the immortal words 'Steve' and 'Jobs'. Yes, I know it will mean you breaking away from your Mac for a while, but this engaging read takes a look at his Steveness and how he achieved his first great success, was subsequently sacked and then had his second coming ! (ahem). This provides a real insight into just what goes on in Wayne's World (sorry I mean Steve's world) and is a must read for anyone who claims to be a Mac Geek. The book is bang up-to-date, covering Disney's acquisition of Pixar and is a steal at just £9.99.

Supplied by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Published by John Wiley & Sons Inc.
ISBN 0-471-78784-1
Price £9.99
Link to product.

How to Get Rich by Felix Dennis

I wanted to bring something a little different to my readers, because I felt it would be the right thing to try and entice you away from your screens for a little while. Spending hours in front of your Mac is a fine way to spend your day, but can induce back ache and eye strain if you overdo it. So, why not pick up a copy of 'How to Get Rich - by Felix Dennis'.

Now, I am not a massive reader, but two things drew me to this book, firstly the title, as I wouldn't mind a bit (or a lot) of extra money, but secondly the man behind the book. We have all heard of the publication 'Mac User' and some of us may have seen 'Personal Computer World' on the shelf, well these are just a few titles by Dennis Publishing, founded in 1973 by Dennis Felix. He sold the two magazines and made millions and continues to do so in various ways.

The book is not one of those awful 'bible' type books, that lists what you must and mustn't do, complete with diagrams, rather it is written in a light hearted and frank manner by the man himself. He really drills home why you must not let opportunities pass you by and I found myself engrossed in reading for the first time in years.

"Making money is a knack, a knack that can be acquired. And if someone like me can become rich, then so can you - no matter what your present circumstances. Here is how I did it and what I learned along the way," writes Felix.

The Fallacy of the Great Idea, strikes home with "Good ideas are like Nike Sports shoes. They may facilitate an athlete who possesses them, but on their own they are nothing but an over-priced pair of plimsolls. Specially adapted plimsolls may be a good idea. But the goal is still to win, and sports shoes don't win. Athletes do. And yet I have lost count of the number of men and women who have approached me with their 'great idea', as if this, in and of itself, was some passport to instant wealth. The idea is not a passport. At most, it is the means of obtaining one."

I could keep quoting and quoting all day long, this book is just such a great read. Even if you do not want to 'get rich' (and believe me, there are those who don't), the writing is upbeat and it is interesting to learn about the man behind Dennis Publishing, so I highly recommend you give it a try.

Product supplied by Ebury
Retail price: £16.99 ($32.33)
ISBN: 0091912652
Pages: 304
Contact: www.eburypublishing.co.uk