Switching to the Mac

July 1, 2003
While there is no shortage of guides to Mac OS X (LJ 4/1/03), these two target Windows users who switched to the Mac. Switcher's Guide provides detailed instructions on moving files from the PC to the Mac, "switcher diary" interviews, an annotated top ten reasons to switch, and discussion of using PCs at work and Macs at home, as well as basic coverage of OS and completing common tasks. Appendixes include keyboard shortcuts, useful web sites, and a transition glossary. The more thorough Missing Manual contains a useful chapter addressing the Mac equivalents of several popular Windows programs and explaining (when applicable) how to import data, plus an introduction to the Mac's freebie programs. Its troubleshooting instructions and information on day-to-day Mac usage are much more detailed than the same material in Switcher's Guide. Both are appropriate for public libraries, but go with Missing Manual if you can only afford one.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.