At the moment each person in my family has an email address,(not a webmail one, it came from the ISP) but the only problem is they can only be access on computers that have their details saved. And if more than one PC has their details then the emails will appear on which ever computer has clicked send /receive first. Is there some way of downloading them all to one PC and then from a browser or something on the other computers be able to login and view their own emails, then eventually be able to access the emails over the internet? (the ISP has a webmail on it's website but it's rubbish)?
Jonathan
You may check for a 'leave mail on server' option on your mail application
This way each one will be able to download all mails even if someone else already get them
The next step is to go onto each PC and then on the mail account of the owner and do not 'leave mail on the server' for this one. So this way he'll be able to download his mail and delete them
Another way is to have everyone his own windows account, which have only access to his own mail account
Everyone has their own windows account, except they are on separate PCs, so you still can't access your email on a different PC, and having an account for each person on each machine (1 laptop and 2 desktops) doesn't seem feasible. Also I have had the leave mail on server option ticked before but have kept getting emails that our quota is too full. Really it'd be great if they could all be downloaded to a main computer and then each computer goes to that PC to get the emails.
Jonathan
The last feature you mention is called "a mail server" - and it must be running continously, and have a static IP, if the "other" computers (the "clients") must be able to access it throgh the web - and not just through the "intranet".
Web-based mails (gmail, yahoo) are the best, these mail servers are better for companies.
I use hotmail for most of my email. But sometimes I have to use my ISP's one (what is that called?) because stupidly not allowed to send email to hotmail address from school. And will take a while to switch everyone who knows our email addresses to a new webmail one (though the advantages of webmail are obvious)
I have looked at a Mail Server, but it seemed that it was a different new email address, that could only be used on a network (not the internet).
Jonathan
I'm pretty sure your ISP mail have an option to automatically forward mails to another address. I'm pretty sure you can forward thoses mail to your hotmail account, which gives you a one point access to all your mail
And why do you say you can't have an account for everyone on every PC ? If you don't have an account on a PC it seems reasonable you can't access your mail ( security reason ). I have the same configuration as you ( 2 laptops, 1 desktop ), and apart from my own laptop, the 2 others have a window account for every family member, which in turn have only access to their own mail account.
But if there was an account on each computer how would the accounts have the same files and settings etc as each other? I'm guessing that the files could all be put on a network share. But how would you get the settings, like wallpaper etc to be the same on each PC?
Jonathan
Actually I made my accounts for mails only. I don't have an account profile sharing setting.
From what I understand of your configuration and usage, the best way would be to redirect your ISP mail to hotmail
Going to buy my first Mac, second hand because I'm never going to be able to afford a new one.
So is it better to get a PowerPC or Intel based Mac? There is a mac Ibook laptop based on PowerPC and a MacMini based on Intel both currently in my price range.
I don't currently have a laptop (would love one) so that's a big advantage to me. And the Mac Mini has higher specs than the Ibook, so that's also an advantage to me.
Also the Ibook is currently £20 cheaper than the Mac Mini
Jonathan
Quote from: Jonathan on September 07, 2009, 11:56:49 AM
Going to buy my first Mac, second hand because I'm never going to be able to afford a new one.
So is it better to get a PowerPC or Intel based Mac? There is a mac Ibook laptop based on PowerPC and a MacMini based on Intel both currently in my price range.
I don't currently have a laptop (would love one) so that's a big advantage to me. And the Mac Mini has higher specs than the Ibook, so that's also an advantage to me.
Also the Ibook is currently £20 cheaper than the Mac Mini
Jonathan
Without a shadow of a doubt, Intel. However, the Mac Mini is a bit of a waste of money and is a bit of a cop-out by Apple to get into the cheaper end of the market. What's your budget? Look around for Macbooks as you may be able to pick one up second hand reasonably.
My budget, is under preferably under £100 definately under £200.
It's probably asking loads, if not impossible, judging by the price of the new Macs.
But I really don't need some hyper-modern Mac, just of the line. I don't need massive power either.
Seeing as the difference between Mac Minis (who come up with that name it's sounds like something from MacDonalds :) ) and the higher range is just more power and a massive price tag, which for is not worth it.
Jonathan
Ok...your budget kind of limits your options somewhat :-) However, have a look at this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-Mac-Mini-Core-2-Duo-2-0GHz-2GB-RAM-Extras_W0QQitemZ260473377189QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Apple_Desktops_CV?hash=item3ca56c51a5&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Sadly that went for £420, so I didn't buy it. But I bought an iBook for £176.
It seems a reasonable spec, but there is only 512MB of RAM, which is ok but ideally 1GB. So is there a way to upgrade the RAM? How easy is it(I have built my PC, but I understand you can't build your own Mac so what about upgrading) If there isn't it's fine, just as an extra it would be ok. and of course the price is the biggest factor.
What's the laptop model exactly and what type of RAM? You can find out by going to the Apple menu (top left) and selecting About this Mac. Let me know what what RAM it requires (DDR2 etc) as I may have spare memory that would fit.
If the RAM wasn't upgraded already, it's probably this one: http://support.apple.com/kb/SP43
If it's that machine, it'll still be a PC2700 DDR chip....I'll have a look and see if I still have one. The problem with laptop memory is "additional RAM" generally means "replace the current chip" so I have loads of the bloody things..no point trying to ebay them.
The Laptop hasn't arrived yet (I only won the auction just before I posted, and it's due tommorrow) So I don't know the exact model etc.
But it is a iBook PowerPC G4 1.2Ghz(or 1.3Ghz) CPU, and 512MB RAM, and 12" screen
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130329596984
Judging from the graphics chip, it's the one I linked above. :)
Thanks Andreas and Cal,
Cal, I'm not sure about the RAM upgrade anymore as I need to upgrade the OS to 10.5(Leopard), Looking at the minimum requirements for the OS it seems I can upgrade. So can I just buy a disc off ebay, or will certain only work on certain Macs? (I heard something like that) Also is it important if the Leopard disc is part of a "boxset", does that limit instalation?
Sorry for all the questions, but I have never used or really thought about macs before.
Jonathan
What sort of "box set"? Normally with OS X if it's a disk that's shipped with a computer it's restricted to that type of computer.... i.e. A disk for an Ibook won't install on an Imac. Only standalone OS X disks or upgrade disks will work across the board. As for the RAM, see my PM. Also, Leopard will be the last version of OS X you will be able to install...Snow Leopard (OS X 10.6) is Intel only.
Edit: This is what you will need:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mac-OS-X-Leopard-v10-5_W0QQitemZ150371822083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Software_Software_SR?hash=item2302dbea03&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Thanks for the link, would this one also work: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250495323378&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:GB:1123
Just it's cheaper and as the auction is ended with seemingly no buyer I can get it faster than 3 days.
Yep, should be fine :thumbsup:
Didn't manage to get that item, so if anyone knows where to buy the OS at a fairly reasonable price (given that it is not the latest Mac OS) that will work on a G4 ibook?
I desperately need to upgrade it, maybe if anyone has a copy I'd willing to pay for it.
You could watch this one
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Apple-MacOS-X-10-5-Leopard-Retail-Box-mint_W0QQitemZ300348197302QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_Software_Software_SR?hash=item45ee25c9b6&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
All my OS disks are for Macbook Pros and Powerbooks...
Thanks,
I'll keep an eye on it :)
Btw, another question, still Apple related, my friends iPhone screen got smashed while in his pocket playing football. Would that be covered by the standard warranty, and is there consumer laws (?) that if it isn't could get him a new one without paying hundreds of pounds.
Jonathan
Depends on whether his contract has an insurance policy (I pay an extra £5 per month for this). If it's a PAYG, then it's doubtful he could get a replacement free of charge. His best bet is to claim for it on house contents insurance, as long as it covers accidental damage outside of the house. It certainly won't be covered by Apple's warranty, which only covers for item failures, as outlined in the Sale of Goods Act.
btw, I've found a 1GB PC2700 DDR chip that should work in your ibook, so I'll send it to the address you gave me :thumbsup:
Thanks,that's great!
I just hope it isn't too hard to install.
I just lost out at that Mac OS so off to find another one, and found this;
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mac-OS-X-10-5-Leopard-Full-UK-Retail-Single-License_W0QQitemZ160362942410QQcategoryZ80258QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSI%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BUA%252BFICS%26otn%3D10%26ps%3D63
If it says retail then that means it can be installed on any mac/laptop? Only discs that come with Macs can't be used on any mac?
"Retail" is the common term for hard- or software that you can buy as a box in a shop, so you should be able to install it on any Mac.
I just realised my cousin has a Mac, which most likely has Leopard on it. If she has the disc, would I be able to install (upgrade)my mac laptop with it? Or would it be illegal?
I think it would be possible (I did something similar with Windows XP) but I don't know about how legal it is
What Mac does she have? Any OS X shipped with a machine is locked to the machine range (as I mentioned before).....
Will post the RAM on Monday....Fitting on the Powerbook is a doddle. Under the machine is a plate held on with 4 very small screws...under there is the RAM expansion slot. :thumbsup:
She has some sort of desktop, I guess theres no way to unlock it and if there was it would be illegal?
I have an iBook G4, so did you just type it wrong? I'd hate to find you went to all the trouble of posting the RAM for the wrong machine :)
Jonathan
Is it white, not silver? If so, watch this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-3406L3yL0
The RAM itself should be compatible, according to the Apple specs. You will need to remove the 256MB chip in the expansion slot to give you a maximum of 1280MB.
Thanks for the vid, it is the same one as in the video. It seems quite simple.
I bought a Mac OS X Leopard, so hopefully I'll be able to use the Mac better this week.
Thanks very much for all your help!!
No worries...and despite the lack of an Intel chip and only being 1.2Ghz, you should enjoy using the Mac. What will you be using it for, if you don't mind me asking?
Well 3 reasons, 1) I've always used Windows, so was just plain curious 2) half needed/wanted a laptop 3) and more than that wanted to take a look at iphone apps(I realise about the whole official only-on-Intel thing, but as I understand it you can use the SDK on a PowerPC (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_7-10115416-233.html))
But there are some differences(like maximising, isn't actually maximising. and that FireFox doesn't really maximise properly on some websites) that will take some getting used to (though after spending a whole day on the Mac and the going back to PC I keep pressing Ctrl+Left click instead of just right clicking :) )
Little hint... OS X will use a 3 button mouse in the same way as a PC does (left/right click plus scroll wheel) and they are dirt cheap these days :thumbsup: And working with both is a bit of a pain with the keyboard shortcuts.
Thanks Lee, the RAM arrived today and I installed it, the machine is now much better, though I notice that once turning on and seeing how much RAM was installed, it says 1.25GB, even though the stick was 1GB?
Turning on was much faster as is loading programs! So thanks loads!!
Jonathan
There is 256MB RAM onboard....the slot is for expansion. 256MB plus the 1GB gives you the 1.2GB system RAM. The good thing about Apple is that the GPU RAM is not part of the system allocation so apps have full access to the installed RAM..that and the fact that the OS is Unix based and not overly bloated. It's a pity you couldn't stretch to an Intel machine, as Snow Leopard is something else....3GB less disk space and so much faster than previous OSes.
Welcome to the Brotherhood :thumbsup:
Yep I wish I could of got an Intel machine, I was looking at them but they all went for ~£200 more than PowerPCs did.
Hopefully i'll enjoy being part of it!
Jonathan
So I upgrade to 10.5.
Do I now I have to pay to upgrade to say 10.5.7? or are the 10.5.x updates free?
Also is there an equivelant to the Win+D keystroke to show the desktop?
And one other thing is there a way to see which files are taking up the most space on the HDD?
And another thing, to uninstall an program I just delete the file in the Applications folder? There's no equivelant of the Uninstall programs in Windows?
last one, how to change the computer name?
Jonathan
Quote from: Jonathan on September 23, 2009, 11:01:26 AM
So I upgrade to 10.5.
Do I now I have to pay to upgrade to say 10.5.7? or are the 10.5.x updates free?
Free...and automatic. To force a check, click on the Apple symbol top left and select "Software Update". It'll scan for any updated Apple software and ask you to install.
Quote from: Jonathan on September 23, 2009, 11:01:26 AM
Also is there an equivelant to the Win+D keystroke to show the desktop?
use Exposé which I believe is fn + F11 (toggle) The FN key is used on a laptop as the F1-F12 keys are mapped to hardware controls...in my case F11 reduces the volume.
Quote from: Jonathan on September 23, 2009, 11:01:26 AM
And one other thing is there a way to see which files are taking up the most space on the HDD?
Generally when viewing the HDD, I have mine set to panes, but if you open a window you will see only the files show the sizes....to tell OS X to calculate folder sizes, click on View in the top menu bar and select "View Options". Down the bottom you will see "Calculate all sizes"....turn this on
Quote from: Jonathan on September 23, 2009, 11:01:26 AM
And another thing, to uninstall an program I just delete the file in the Applications folder? There's no equivelant of the Uninstall programs in Windows?
That's pretty much it. Some software installs preferences and support files in the various libraries dotted around so a full clean uninstall is a manual process :-(
Quote from: Jonathan on September 23, 2009, 11:01:26 AM
last one, how to change the computer name?
Jonathan
The HDD name or your User account name? Generally the computer name can be changed in the System Preferences > Sharing panel
Thanks, that's really helpful
I have now tryed to move some stuff to an external Hard Drive (USB), and it says I don't have permission, and I can't find out how to change the permission, there is no button to allow me in the Get Info window.
Try changing the permissions of the internal HDD to read/write and apply to all enclosing folders. Also make sure that your user account has full read/write privileges...
Well in the info panel of the external HHD it says the external HDD is read only. And anyway I don't know how to change permissions on any folder?
Thanks for the tip about the mouse. I put synergy on the ibook and can now use it with my desktop mouse.
Jonathan
Aha....is your external HDD formatted for NTFS? If so, have a read of this:
http://danstechnstuff.com/2008/03/22/how-to-read-and-write-to-external-ntfs-drives-from-a-mac/
Thanks I'll try it out, but I'm getting a bit irratated about the MacOS.
Theres no address bar so I can't copy and paste file locations.
No Up button to go up a directory
Closing all an applications windows (quite often only 1 window) doesn't close the application.
The zoom/maximise button doesn't work properly on web browsers on websites.
Being unable to access the Finder Menus without switching to Finder first.
And the right click thing (even though I'm using a mouse surely it should have been built into the laptop?)
Shutting Down, can be stopped by open applications, so you find that when you come back the next morning it still hasn't turned off.
I don't know if any of these can changed?
Also would it be alright if I sold the iBook,I'm thinking about it atm? Or do you want the RAM(I don't mind if you do at all)
So I could shell out a bit more for an Intel based Mac.
Quote from: Jonathan on September 25, 2009, 11:00:15 AM
Thanks I'll try it out, but I'm getting a bit irratated about the MacOS.
Theres no address bar so I can't copy and paste file locations.
No Up button to go up a directory
Closing all an applications windows (quite often only 1 window) doesn't close the application.
The zoom/maximise button doesn't work properly on web browsers on websites.
Being unable to access the Finder Menus without switching to Finder first.
And the right click thing (even though I'm using a mouse surely it should have been built into the laptop?)
Shutting Down, can be stopped by open applications, so you find that when you come back the next morning it still hasn't turned off.
I don't know if any of these can changed?
Also would it be alright if I sold the iBook,I'm thinking about it atm? Or do you want the RAM(I don't mind if you do at all)
So I could shell out a bit more for an Intel based Mac.
OS X is unix based but pretty much fully GUI rather than command line. There is a shell terminal but that's really for hardcore stuff and only if you're familiar with Unix language.
As for the other things, it's something that's probably a bit strange if you've been used to one way of working...I've used both Apple OS and Windows for so long now that it's easy for me to accept the differences. It's easier to navigate with the Columns view (open the HDD, click on the 3rd icon in on the set of 4. If you're using the trackpad, to right click hold down the CTRL key. Only some apps will prevent a shutdown...if there is any unsaved work it'll freeze the shutdown process until saved. However, the Mac is much better at power management and simply closing the lid will standby the machine and it'll go into full sleep mode. I cannot remember the last time I shut the machine down, because the OS is that much more stable.
And by all means sell the ibook for an intel one, with the RAM (it'll help the sale and I have no use for it). An intel based Mac will give you access to faster processing, Snow Leopard and Bootcamp. :thumbsup:
Well, my personal experience with MacOS is limited to a couple of hours, so I can't tell that much about the differences, or even decide which way is better, but it's surely another philosophy, and it takes some time to get acquainted with it. Don't give up now, though - it looks like a nifty piece of hardware, and the form factor is surely nice.
Did you test for how long the battery still runs? If it's still more than 2.5 or 3 hours, it would be a value that only the recent Windows-based notebook generation can achieve. And I'd say it's a nifty piece of hardware for travelling as well, or maybe you can use it at school now and then.
So just read through some tutorials (I'm sure there are a lot of articles specifically intended for Windows users who are using a Mac for the first time), and once you grasped the basices, there shouldn't be much difference to use MacOS rather than Windows. Of course there will be always some things that work more elegant in Windows, but there are other things which work nicer on a Mac. :)
Yes the only problem with getting an intel based Mac means it will be a Mac Mini, so I loose the laptopness. The Battery is quite long indeed, much better than my Dad's Sony laptop (which lasts about 10 minutes on a full battery)
I can see why so many people like Mac more than Windows, but I don't understand why they do (if that makes any sense).
So is there no way to get an address bar?
Jonathan
You have to remember that the disk structure is HFS+ rather than Windows NTFS or FAT32 and stores information completely differently. There is no disk letter and folders can have up to 255 characters. It's all presented in a visual format (always has been) whereas Windows file structures are a throwback to the old DOS days.
The vast majority of Mac users have always been Mac users, if that makes sense. The newcomers like yourself generally react the same way but after a little bit of time they "see the light" so to speak. There is so much more to OS X than you can actually see....And the hardware itself is extremely reliable. Battery consumption on laptops is not so much down to the hardware, but software. I have a Macbook Pro (new model) which I use with Snow Leopard and XP (via bootcamp). OS X gives me 3 hours and 52 minutes of normal operation, including video playback via Youtube, whereas if I'm in XP that's down to 2 hours 15 minutes doing pretty much the same activities.
So I'm planning to sell it in order to get a Intel Mac or some kind.
But I bought MacOS Leopard seperatly then installed it.
Should I leave it installed and put the disc and ibook in the same auction. or leave it installed and sell the ibook and leopard seperatly (so the ibook would only have 10.3 discs) or downgrade (if possilbe) to 10.3 like i bought it, then sell the ibook and leopard seperatly.
Or make somesort of recovery disc for Leopard (if possible) and put it with the ibook, and sell the Leopard on its own?
I'm going to set a reserve so I don't make a loss, I'm going to need as much profit from it as possible to be able to afford an intel Mac, so which one would be best?
Jonathan