The IMac Book

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Don Rittner

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Pages: 472 (Paperback)

ISBN: 1576109348

Pub: Coriolis Group,U.S.

Pub date: 2001-02-28

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 1435876

Editorial Review:

This revision of The iMac Book, a popular guide to what may be the friendliest full-featured personal computer ever, adds a lot of substance to what was already a fact-packed volume. With coverage of Mac OS 9.0.4 (not the most current version of the system, but pretty close), this book retains the sense of fun and focus on community that made the first edition so popular. Coverage of iMovie 2, with FireWire support, is an important addition to this book, as is a guide to the iTools suite of utilities. It also includes coverage of all current and historical iMac hardware options.
iMacs often represent a user's first foray into personal computing, so the book takes time to explain such details as electronic mail signatures and virus protection. It also emphasises the social aspects of owning a Mac--communication is a big part of personal computing, after all. So everything from using electronic mail to setting up mailing lists on Internet-connected servers is explained. The book also makes lots of references to online Mac resources, ranging from the very technical to the happily social, so further research is easy and often fun. --David Wall
Topics covered:
Personal Computing for the iMac
Internet Connectivity
AppleWorks
iMovie 2
iTools
Internet Resources
Netiquette
Communities of Mac and iMac Users

Reader Reviews:

invaluable resource for anyone new to computers (1/1 people found this helpful)

"The iMac Book" is an invaluable resource for anyone new to computers or to the Macintosh platform. This new book written by long time Mac community member Don Ritter, with contributions from Guy Kawasaki, covers an incredible breadth of topics ranging from setting up and Internet connection to running alternate operating systems on your iMac.

Keeping the "i" in iMac as a major focus of the book, "The iMac Book" offers comprehensive information about how the Internet works, how the iMac interfaces with the 'Net, a guide to the Macintosh on-line community, and how to do effective research with your iMac. Did I mention that it has scores and scores of excellent links? I may be a bit biased, but I found their link to the Apple Wizards website to be most valuable indeed! :)

Computer newbies will love "The iMac Book" for its down-to-earth language and explanations of common Macintosh problems. Basic troubleshooting techniques will empower new Macintosh users to feel comfortable with and in control of their computers.

Despite my raves, I was initially disappointed that one important, yet technically intimidating topic was left out of the book. The topic in question is taking the iMac apart in order to upgrade RAM or VRAM. Sure, dismantling the iMac is a task that is best suited for the more adventurous, but it is not so daunting that it cannot be accomplished by your typical iMac owner. I asked author Don Ritter about this concern, and he informed me that he had in fact, planned to include such a section, but unfortunately the Mac website that was compiling that information was unable to meet the publisher's deadlines.

All told, I strongly recommend this book to all beginner through intermediate iMac users. Even if you aren't a beginner, "The iMac Book" with its attractive Bondi-Blue hardcover, translucent dust sleeve, and archive of resources is the perfect addition to anyone's library or Apple literature collection.

"The iMac Book Not For Everyone" (1/1 people found this helpful)

If you bought the iMac Book expecting to find a little more on the "how the iMac works" type of information, you might be a little disappointed. This stuff is dealt with briefly, but most of the book is focused on getting on-line and what to do once you're there. And that's fair enough-after all that's what the iMac is all about.

The iMac Book is an excellent reference work for using your iMac on-line. But if it's more technical stuff you need on how your little coloured beastie works, then iMacs for Dummies is probably a better buy.

Awesome Book for All Mac Users (and PC Too) (0/0 people found this helpful)

It's been a LONG time since OWB reviewed a book--- that's because there just haven't been any worth reviewing--- until now! Don Rittner's "The iMac Book" (The Coriolis Group...) is a treasure-trove of internet information, so-much-so that you'll keep the book real handy, even if you're not ready for the iMac!

Don has published more than 12 books on science, computers, and the

Net. His writing style is user-friendly, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth and easy-to-follow (i.e., "Get The iMac Book!"). We like it so much we keep it right next to the old PC!

In 10 chapters, the book gives readers a solid foundation on the operation of the iMac and the Internet, from a complete description of the iMac itself to a laundry list of websites that will turn you and your machine into an internet tiger! (Again, take note, even if you are using a PC, the information in Don's book is a cut above anything you could surf for and sort through and hope to find on your own! This book is written in non-technical language and covers a wide variety of topics including how you can actually run Windows programs on your iMac!

When you take your new iMac out of the box, Don's book will prove invaluable (maybe they should pack a copy with each iMac shipped) as he walks you through the most common problems associated with the iMac and how to correct them. There's a chapter devoted to troubleshooting that names some of the many online tech support Web sites that will help you if you get into trouble while offering the best maintenance tips for keeping your iMac healthy and sound.

"Throughout this book I direct you to a variety of places on the Internet to obtain resources for making your computing experience a pleasant and productive one. I also have created an area on my Web site, The MESH - Inside Cyberspace...that links many of these resources. Feel free to use it, and please let me know how it can be improved. You can reach me at drittner@wizvax.net, or themesh@global2000.net."

Don ordered his first Macintosh in January, 1984. Soon after receiving it, he and friends started Macintosh Enthusiasts Club of the Capital Area, (MECCA), one of the oldest Mac User Groups in the country, which he still runs. In 1985, he became a columnist and User Group Editor for Macazine, an early national Mac magazine writing for Apple user groups and in 1988, he was the user group editor/columnist for Mac Horizons, another national Mac magazine. He has written for numerous other national magazines over the years. In 1988, he created MUG News Service, a computer news service that reaches half a million Mac users worldwide. Today, Don writes a weekly computer column for THE RECORD newspaper (Troy, NY).

A great resource for using your iMac and the Internet. (0/0 people found this helpful)

Mr. Rittner has put together a well thought out book that helps you make the most out of the Internet using your iMac.

Among other things, he goes through a step-by-step procedure on setting up your iMac so you can get on the Internet; what to do once you have an active Internet account; the features of the Internet; and a wonderful troubleshooting and resource guide.

A great addition to your computer library. This book isn't just for the *newbie*. Mr. Rittner explores all the nuances of the Internet. The resources he provides alone is worth the price of the book.

Highly recommended for anyone who has purchased an iMac. Unlike other computer books, whose focus may lie elsewhere, Mr. Rittner focuses on the *i* in iMac.

A great addition to your computer library, along with MacSecrets.