Editorial Reviews:
Book Description
Apple says that Mac OS X 10.3 introduces 150 new features--but that's not really true. In fact, "Panther" includes many more than that. It's faster, more polished, and much more efficient. But it still comes without a manual.With 300,000 copies in print, the first two versions of this book became industry bestsellers. Now David Pogue brings his humor and expertise to this completely rewritten, greatly expanded edition. It covers: - Getting started. The early chapters demystify the Dock, windows, and the unfamiliar Mac OS X folder structure--an ideal introduction.
- New technologies. Mac OS X 10.3 brings breakthroughs in window management (Expose, the Sidebar); security (File Vault, Secure Empty Trash); and productivity (faxing, Fast User Switching).
- Bonus software. Panther comes with over 50 free programs--and this book gives you expertise in all of them. This beefed-up edition includes all-new mini-manuals on iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, iChat AV, and Safari.
- Basics of Unix. You can completely ignore Panther's Unix core. But if the command line intrigues you, this book offers a gentle introduction.
- Finding familiar features. Two "Where'd It Go?" Dictionaries make it easy for Mac OS 9 and Windows refugees to look up a traditional feature--and find out where it went in Mac OS X 10.3.
As always, Mac OS X: The Missing Manual offers warm, witty writing, and bursts with the shortcuts, surprises, and design touches that make the Mac the most passionately championed computer in the world. |
Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
 Bilingual, May 2, 2023
I'm becoming bilingual--I'm learning to speak Apple as well as Windows. I just got a new iMac G5. Apple basically tells you to learn the system by pushing all the buttons to see what they do. Yeah, right. I also have the XP Missing Manual. This is a good series, a lot better than the Dummie series, if you really are a dummie. The organization is good and there is a lot of information, starting with the basics and going from there.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
A superb book., Apr 25, 2023
In section 3.5, David Pogue writes "In some ways, just buying a Macintosh was a renegade act of self-expression...", I believe it says it all! :)
David really knows what he's talking about. I've tried almost every tip/trick/gem he gives in this superb book and it worked. The missing manual is great book for a stunning operating system and a fantastic computer.
This book is highly recommended for folkes who are really interested in knowing how to work with Mac OSX. Worth the $.
Cheers.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Save your time -- This is the only book you need, Mar 30, 2023
I recently decided to make the switch from PC to Mac. The last time I had a Mac was 1997, which was the era of System 7. I have browsed seven -- count them, seven -- books now on Mac OS X Panther, and I can tell you without a doubt that this is the only book you need if you're new to Mac and/or switching from Windows (or Linux, for that matter).
Most of the other books (including Mastering Mac OS X and the Robin Williams Mac OS X Book) provided nothing more than ancillary, high level information that a third grader would know. None told you anything that 15 minutes playing around wouldn't, and 85% of most targeted new users. Seriously, do you really need to know the top of the mouse is called the "button" (graphic included) and how to "click" and/or -- wait for it -- double-click this button? Seriously, it sounds crazy, but these other books actually spend chapter after chapter on elementary concepts such as how to click the mouse and how to drag-and-drop an icon.
The Missing Manual (this book), instead seems to target the average computer user. I found the writing much easier to read (mainly because I didn't have to browse through pages of elementary instruction), and important information like keyboard shortcuts and using the terminal were easier to find. When I'm reading a 700+ page book, it's very important for me to be able to browse (or speed read) quickly. I found this book very condusive for that.
If you're a software developer (like me), I might suggest two other books that build on the foundation covered by this book. Learning Unix for Mac OS X Panther is a great book for transitioning to the terminal/console included in OS X. Mac OS X Panther in a Nutshell is another great book because over half of it is spent on Unix tools like vi and bash, and includes a full reference of commands at the end. Like all the books in the Nutshell series, the sections are tabbed on the side, making it very easy to flip to a particular section. However, I do not recommend either of these books for non-developers or for someone looking for a foundation of Mac OS X.
If I could give this book ten stars and burn the rest, I would.
I hope the information proves useful.
12 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
 still missing, Feb 2, 2023
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This book is as much an advertisement for OSX as it is help. Pogue starts by introducing OSX as "the best personal-computer operating system on earth" - which it very well might be - and keeps on singing his ode to Apple on the remaining 750 pages of the manual.
Don't get me wrong: I am an Apple fan myself. After having used Windows for over a decade, two years ago I finally got myself a G4 Powerbook and I swear by it. I am now a walking ad for Apple, short of tattooing one on my forehead. I have learned to use OSX without a manual and decided to get myself one just to be on the safe side.
I spent a whole day reading through different OSX manuals in the store before picking "The Missing Manual" and, unfortunately, as of today do not have an alternative recommendation. I am also aware of how hard it must be to write a good manual. However, in absolute terms, this one still sucks.
OSX is mainly self-explanatory and, where it is not, this book rarely helps. It is not useless, just very incomplete, full of praise and poorely organized.
I use my Powerbook for video-editing, I network, use AirPort and a few other gadgets and usually manage with the help of my regular genius brain and Apple's resources. I did learn a few tricks from this manual as well. However, I would need a manual that helps me (just a tiny bit) with troubleshooting. This one does not.
I am glad I bought this volume and it may very well be the best on the market. But who cares? The fact that there may be no better book out there does not mean we have to waste all our stars on this one. If you find the manual we are still missing, please let us know your name - the place on my forehead is still vacant.
5 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
Mac aint so easy and this book helps, Feb 1, 2023
Contrary to popular belief, the Macintosh operating systems is not so intuitive, especially Mac OS X.
Fortunately, David Pogue comes to the rescue with Mac OS X: The Missing Manual. This is a very helpful reference.
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Based on 29 reviews.