Chapter 1

Adventuring into the Mac World

In This Chapter

arrow Discovering why your computer is special

arrow Conversing with your computer

arrow Introducing iLife

Forgive me for getting too personal right off the bat, but next to your spouse or significant other, is there anyone or anything you touch more often than a computer keyboard? Or gaze at more intensely than a monitor?

If this is your initial dalliance with a Macintosh, you are probably already smitten — and quite possibly at the start of a lifelong affair.

Despite its good looks, the Mac is much more than a trophy computer. You can admire the machine for flaunting intelligent design, versatility, and toughness. A Mac can take care of itself. As of this writing, the Mac has avoided the scourge of viruses that plague PCs based on Microsoft Windows. Apple’s darlings are a lot more stable too, so they crash and burn less often.

Mac-Spectacular Computing

You shouldn’t be alarmed that far fewer people own Macs compared with PCs. That’s like saying fewer people drive Ferraris than drive Chevys. Strength in numbers is overrated.

Besides, as a new member of the Mac community, consider the company you are about to keep. Mac owners tend to belong ...

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