The Hervey Bay Mac User Group / Apple Computer User Group

 

*The Hervey Bay Mac Users Group is not financially affiliated or associated with any sponsors or commercial computer business.*

Useful Resources and Links for new Mac users and switchers from Windows

If you are new to Apple Mac or a Windows user who would like to switch to a Mac,  and want to find out how, you’ve come to the right place.

Changing platforms can feel like an intimidating process, we aim to make it easy for you!

Whether you want to learn how to get around and access everything on your Mac; find out how to move your PC files to the Mac OS environment; figure out how to connect your printer, iPod, digital camera, or other device; learn how to do those tasks you did on a PC on a Mac; learn how to use the software that came with your Mac; or even find out what to do when things don’t go as planned; we have the answers.

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Why switch to a Mac?

It does everything  a PC does, only more simply, intuitively and reliably

A Mac is designed and built for the way people use computers today, both at home and at work.

Yes. You can get on the Internet via wireless networks everywhere. Yes. You can connect to networks (both Mac and PC). Yes. You can run Microsoft Office. Yes. You can run Windows.

 

Designed with security in mind, Mac OS X isn’t affected anywhere near the same extent by attacks from viruses and malware. In fact attacks are extremely rare. Likewise, it isn’t inundated by never-ending security dialogs. So you can safely go about your work — or play — without interruption. And easy-to-use parental controls let you manage what your kids can do on the computer and when they can do it.

http://www.apple.com/getamac/whymac/

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Which Mac is right for you?

http://www.apple.com/getamac/whichmac/

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Where do I buy my new Mac?

The newest local Apple Reseller has floor models of all Macs, and stock on the premises for immediate delivery  is Axiom Computers, Maryborough.  They recently had a grand opening sale when an Official from Apple Australia was in store all day.  They also carry a wide selection of Apple  and Mac Accessories. Most prices quoted include  AppleCare Extended warranty. ** They now sell the iPad.

http://axiomcomputers.com.au

There is also a very well known and reliable on line store in Melbourne, called  They are Mac specialists. Their prices are very competitive and they often have specials. However you have to pay for delivery.                                                                                                                                                                                                http://www.streetwise.com.au

You can also buy from the Apple Store direct by phone 133 622 or online. Most products are received within a few days and are shipped free of charge. If you intend to perform processor intensive activities like playing games, photo or video editing, consider ordering more RAM, and don’t forget to consider the Apple Extended Warranty  http://www.apple.com/au/support/products/. There is a large choice of products and upgrades to choose from. If you modify your choice from the standard models, they may take longer to deliver.

http://store.apple.com/au

There are manyApple Resellers on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane,  new Apple Stores in Robina, Gold Coast   and Chermside, Brisbane    http://www.apple.com/au/buy/

You can also buy Macs in JB Hi Fi, city stores of Dick Smith, Harvey Norman , Myer and David Jones

The Apple Store also have a refurbished Mac and iPods section, see:

http://store.apple.com/au/browse/home/specialdeals/mac?mco=MTE3NjY

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What to do when you get your new Mac

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/

http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/

Also, look at the Help Menu in the Finder and all the Applications you use. Mac help is extremely comprehensive, easy to find and use. The Apple website also has many tutorials

How do I transfer my Windows stuff?…… Easy!…Lion, the latest Mac OS can now transfer all your stuff from your old Windows PC including email and contacts. It does require a small piece of software to be installed on the PC first.  http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1415

How to get Mac peripherals Most Computer shops in Hervey Bay and Maryborough stock mostly Windows formatted hardware. Online Stores like The Apple Store, Streetwise and MacFixit Australia specialise in Mac ready merchandise.

http://www.macfixit.com.au/shop/http://www.macfixit.com.au/shop/

If and when you get your Mac, come and join the Hervey Bay Mac User Group

and meet lots of other Mac enthusiasts who are ready and willing to welcome you and help you learn all about your new Mac.

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Have a look at these links, they should be useful

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Really Useful Mac Help Sites