Oliver
Scrapple
Level: 137
   
Posts: 4702/5007
EXP: 30760350
For next: 112583
Since: 20.6.02
Since last post: 2900 days
Last activity: 2894 days
|  #1 Posted on 10.8.13 1811.36
Reposted on: 10.8.20 1811.49 | ...and I really don't know what to do with it. My knowledge of Apple tech is predominantly limited to iPhones, iPads, and the like.
I'm more familiar with Windows computers, so this is taking some getting used to. My best friend's analogy (to be best of my memory): "Mac and Windows is like the Canada and Australia: They both speak English, but they take some time to understand since they're different in so many ways. Even though they both speak English, there's accents, nuances, and that pesky driving on the opposite side of the street thing"
So, I have a few questions.
1: Installing Windows 7 via Bootcamp: how well does Windows work on a Macbook Pro?
2: What are some must-have apps and programs for this OS? So far, I've downloaded VLC for video files, and Firefox for my general Internet use.
3: Is an anti-virus program necessary?
4: How can someone upgrade the memory?
5: Where's the Right Click on the trackpad?
I'm really not sure what to make of this computer yet. This thing is bloody slim! There's no optical drive: I thought that was a feature of the Macbook Air. I do love the AC adaptor charge cord, though.
Thanks for your time. Any little tips and tricks would be very much appreciated.
-Oli
| Promote this thread! |             | Mr Heel II
Lap cheong
Level: 83
Posts: 1422/1559
EXP: 5384770
For next: 47474
Since: 25.2.02
Since last post: 1477 days
Last activity: 1213 days
|  #2 Posted on 10.8.13 2244.35
Reposted on: 10.8.20 2245.18 | Mac does not have a right-click. Most functions you'd do in Windows with a right-click are done on the Mac by holding the Control key and clicking.
My experience with learning Mac was a lot of "Why can't I do this", followed by an online search trying to find out how to do what I wanted, followed by "Wow. Why didn't Microsoft think of that". | SchippeWreck
Banger
Level: 107
Posts: 2373/2862
EXP: 13044795
For next: 46558
Since: 26.3.03
From: Glendale, CA
Since last post: 1692 days
Last activity: 599 days
| #3 Posted on 11.8.13 0031.35
Reposted on: 11.8.20 0033.53 | Originally posted by Mr Heel II
Mac does not have a right-click. Most functions you'd do in Windows with a right-click are done on the Mac by holding the Control key and clicking.
My experience with learning Mac was a lot of "Why can't I do this", followed by an online search trying to find out how to do what I wanted, followed by "Wow. Why didn't Microsoft think of that".
Not entirely true. They don't have two-button mice, but they do have right-click functionality. The current mice and trackpads can sense which side you're clicking on and react accordingly. | TheBucsFan
TheChiefsFan
Level: 117
Posts: 3354/3428
EXP: 17619921
For next: 228027
Since: 2.1.02
Since last post: 3102 days
Last activity: 3102 days
|  #4 Posted on 11.8.13 0228.24
Reposted on: 11.8.20 0228.33 | Originally posted by Oliver
3: Is an anti-virus program necessary?
No. Not for now, anyway.
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/features/security/3418367/do-apple-macs-need-antivirus-os-x-security-explained/
4: How can someone upgrade the memory?
If you mean the RAM, you can access it by removing the battery. If you have one of the new ones with a battery that can't be removed, I would buy the RAM at the Apple Store and have them install it for you (or go to some other specialist, but you risk voiding your warranty then).
But you can take the bottom off your laptop and do it yourself. Here's instructions for doing it:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1270#link1
5: Where's the Right Click on the trackpad?
Click with two fingers at once.
(edited by TheBucsFan on 11.8.13 0422) | Oliver
Scrapple
Level: 137
Posts: 4704/5007
EXP: 30760350
For next: 112583
Since: 20.6.02
Since last post: 2900 days
Last activity: 2894 days
| #5 Posted on 13.8.13 0033.40
Reposted on: 13.8.20 0033.52 | Playing THE SIMS 3 on the Macbook is a real challenge - if for any other reason, a real learning curve using the track pad and varied buttons.
My pastor suggested using Parallels to run Windows, but when I found Rosetta Stone was available for Mac, I don't think I need to have Windows on it.
I'm quite happy with this computer so far. | Guru Zim
SQL Dejection
Administrator
Level: 151
Posts: 5903/6190
EXP: 42819700
For next: 476876
Since: 9.12.01
From: Bay City, OR
Since last post: 20 days
Last activity: 1 day
| | ICQ: |  |
| | Y!: |  |
|
| #6 Posted on 13.8.13 0218.59
Reposted on: 13.8.20 0219.02 | Plug any regular USB mouse in for a right click button.
| Caliban
Chipolata
Level: 27
Posts: 107/117
EXP: 110113
For next: 6047
Since: 18.5.02
From: Orlando
Since last post: 2872 days
Last activity: 2543 days
| #7 Posted on 13.8.13 0744.43
Reposted on: 13.8.20 0744.48 | Parallels is fine for running Windows, but it costs around $80, if my memory serves. I wouldn't run anything really resource intensive with it because, since you're running within an application running in OSX, you don't have the full power of the hardware behind it. So for those things, Bootcamp is the better choice.
VirtualBox by Oracle is a pretty decent Parallels substitute, in my experience and it's free. | Leroy
Boudin blanc
Level: 99
Posts: 2138/2335
EXP: 9882192
For next: 117843
Since: 7.2.02
Since last post: 1308 days
Last activity: 1303 days
| #8 Posted on 13.8.13 1024.14
Reposted on: 13.8.20 1025.00 |
My general feeling about running Windows within or along-side another OS is that you really don't need to do it unless there's something WIndows-based that you absolutely need to use and there's no viable OS X option - which is really down to only a handful of programs (and maybe some games). And if you already have a Windows machine, it really is redundant.
Personally, I wouldn't pollute my beautiful MacBook Pro with something as uncomely as Windows, but that's me,
| Oliver
Scrapple
Level: 137
Posts: 4706/5007
EXP: 30760350
For next: 112583
Since: 20.6.02
Since last post: 2900 days
Last activity: 2894 days
| #9 Posted on 14.8.13 0657.34
Reposted on: 14.8.20 0658.48 | I've decided against running Windows on the Macbook. If for any other reason, my Windows laptop is still in decent shape.
I was able to get Word for Mac: let's see how well that works. | | ALL ORIGINAL POSTS IN THIS THREAD ARE NOW AVAILABLE |
| | | | | | | | | |
