Mac Resources

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

*The Hervey Bay Mac Users Group is not affiliated to or associated with any of it’s sponsors or any commercial computer business.*

If you’re 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.

Why switch to a Mac?

Say goodbye to this…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFx62_Iadjg&feature=related

It does what a PC does, only better

A Mac is 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 plagued by constant attacks from viruses and malware. 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/


Which Mac is right for you?

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

Where do I buy my new Mac?

Widebay Technology at 2/75 Main Street Pialba is now an  Apple Authorised Reseller

http://widebaytechnology.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. 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 several Apple Resellers on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and a new Apple Store in Robina, Gold Coast        http://www.apple.com/au/buy/

http://www.apple.com/au/retail/


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

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

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

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. There are many well known Apple suppliers in all the major cities including David Jones and Myer stores in various locations.

http://www.streetwise.com.au

What to do when you get your new Mac

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

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

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!…. I  have the Hardware and Software to do this for you…. Just contact Ken on the Contact Us page.

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.

Have a look at these links, they should be useful

LEARN HOW A MAC WORKS! This site tells you all you need to know to master your Mac and all it’s  applications http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/
Make sure that you get the following FREE Applications so that you can open any video files that PC friends send to you in .wmv format
And the Uninstallers as it is recommended you Uninstall any current version before updating to new versions
Useful Extensions which work in Safari 5
CosmoPod for downloading video.  This also requires SIMBL installed   http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/18351/simbl
AdBlock for Safari Block annoying adverts.   Donation ware, please support our amateur software writers
Click To Flash Block Flash Animations, also conserves battery time on laptops and leads to fewer crashes caused by Flash Player
Apple Support/Software
Maintenance Tips/Backup
For the more adventurous

Really Useful Mac Help Sites

Mac Magazines

Most can be found in the Centro and other  Newsagents. They have a surprisingly very good collection of Mac magazines in Hervey Bay

Australian MacWorld Magazine

Screen shot 2009-11-03 at 6.12.09 PM

Our own Australian Mac Magazine

http://www.macworld.com.au/

MacFormat,

In my opinion, the best print Mac Magazine ( from UK) but very expensive to subscribe to here in Australia

Screen shot 2009-11-03 at 9.19.07 PM

http://www.macformat.co.uk/

Apple QuickTime Movie Trailers

http://www.apple.com/trailers/

To see every Mac that has been made and find details about yours http://www.mactracker.ca/

See the complete range of Apple and Mac Computers since the Apple II 1977 to date at
Also

Apple Mac Users Groups Australia

aulogo

http://www.appleusers.org/

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