I've just bought an iMac and am using it for the first time...

[Horsebox]

The keyboard feels rather nice..I'm not sure how to use the rest of it though.

Anybody else switched from PC to Mac and have any useful hints on how to do pretty much everything on it? :X

[MadWorld74]

IMac is a confusing world. Rather like being blinfolded in the bush and told there's a salt water croc lurking behinde that tree over there, that you have to, blindedfolded, try and give it the 'death roll'. Game over. Unless you're into design IMac is pointless.

But I hope you enjoy your new found journey.

[Horsebox]

Hmmm, I'm trying to enjoy it.

The keyboard feels rather nice...but I may have already mentioned that.

Can't see no saltwater crocs but then I've not found the button for many functions so I'll just keep plugging away.

[Marmora Man]

I've been using iMac or 4 years - not one single virus or crash has occurred which is great. If you prefer Mirosoft software it can now run on iMac -= eg Office / Outlook etc.

Very good for editing photos & videos.

Better search facility to track down files, docs, photos etc that you have forgotten title of.

The Apple Store in REgent St (and probably the one at Bluewater) run free seminars for different aspects of iMac applications.

[Ellwood]

I love my mac, I've been let down by PC's and windows many times in the past. and although it took a little getting used to, I think the mac OS is much more user friendly. I've only had it for 1.5 years but so far no major problems at all.

[dave]

As someone who switched at home about 7 years ago, and hasn't really looked back, I'd say that it takes a while to decompress and realise that you don't have to worry about the locations of files and things (most of the time) and that in 99% of instances the Mac will just work.

Depending on what you want to do, you'll probably find your way. The biggest problem for me was always that I tended to do things quickly and missed my right mouse button - the Mighty Mouse goes some way to rectifying this (as does plugging in pretty much any generic PC mouse), but there's some legacy things that you can still only do using left-click + the Apple key - opening new tabs in Safari works best this way.

My tips - install Firefox 3, Adium (if you bother with Instant Messenger) and check whether your employer (if you have one) is part of the Microsoft Home Use programme - with this you might be able to get a legitimate copy of Office for the Mac for about 20 quid. Otherwise you can open office docs in iWork, which is about 50 quid, if I remember correctly. You could use OpenOffice, which is free, but to be honest, I wouldn't bother - it's a lot of hassle and undermines the "just working" principle referred to above...

[PeckhamRose]

Isn't there a manual? As in RTFM?

I've been thinking about switching to Mac for years but windows ... just ... Works!

[will dex]

Hi there HorseBox,

i had a tour of the Apple store Regent street last week through work as i buy millions(literally) of Ipods off them. Anyway, there are personal shoppers in there who will take you through how to use your mac. Everyone gets the same treatment and they are very knowledgeable.

as above from MM, id really recommend popping down there (rammed on a saturday) and having a chat with them as you'll get so much more out of yer pc (i mean mac..)

if more convienient they are opening a store on covent garden in a few weeks too.

Will

[cate]

I have an iBook and prefer it to my former PC. Wouldn't say that I am a whizz with it, but it feels better and like Marmora Mana, haven't had any crashes or viruses. I am glad to hear they are opening up a new Apple store in Covent Garden. Mine is about 4 years old and I want to update it. And just think, you aren't helping Bill Gates get any richer!

[OutOfFocus]

And just think, you aren't helping Bill Gates get any richer!

But Apple are a commercial company too. If you don't like Microsoft, why support Apple?

[will dex]

The funny thing is, as u may know, Gates is giving all(yes all, he doesnt believe in passing it to children) his money to charity now, and has retired, so we should all be buying pc's .....

think about it, i cant see steve jobs (apple ceo0 doing the same soon..