The iMacTM For Dummies, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

So while this may be a great book, it may be worthless to you if you are buying a new Mac.

... It took me a LONG time to read this book, because when it comes to tools this powerful, one cannot be too careful - and I tend to be a VERY careful person, especially with complicated and sophisticated technology. ...Anyway, it takes time to read this book, because you gotta read it when you are sitting in front of your computer. So, just accept that fact, and then GO AT IT!

... I love the sense of humor of this guy - David Pogue. He really makes a dry topic a fun read. Any book that mentions The Smashing Pumpkins is fine by me! ... You will learn A LOT! ... One EXAMPLE: on page 327, David teaches you how to do what is called: Rebuilding the Desktop File. ... I did it. (As I did just about ALL of the motions he puts you through. I thought I was back in Driver's Ed again!) I can unequivocally state that after having done what he said to do, the damn computer ran MUCH faster - and I'm packing 256 megabytes of RAM, 30 gigabytes of ROM, with a 500 megahertz Apple G3 Power Chip, over AT&T Cable Road Runner ISP service! ... The tips he gives you are great! You will NEVER regret having spent the time to read this book - and don't be misled by other reviews: it WILL take time; but it's WORTH it.

... I also bought FIVE other Apple iMac books: My iMac / 2nd Edition by Andrew Gore; I'm Turning On My iMac, Now What? by Chris Sandlund (which I already read as a "dip your toes in the water" introduction); How To Do Everything With Your iMac / Second Edition by Todd Stauffer; Sams Teach Yourself The iMac in 24 Hours / Second Edition by Gene Steinberg; and The Little iMac Book / Second Edition by Robin Williams. Like I said: I'm a real CAREFUL person! (I also WORK in a BOOKSTORE - so I get a discount, thank goodness! : ) I have only SKIMMED through most of these books, but they ALL look great, and I hope to read ALL of them. (Lord knows WHEN?! : ) I'll let you know what I think when I do.

... Anyway, if you want to learn how to do more than just e-mail and surf the web; if you REALLY want to know what makes your computer tick - inside & out - and have a hankering to get into the guts & gears, and nuts & bolts of understanding how this baby (or beast?) runs; then grab this book - and keep it BY your computer at all times; because there is NO WAY you are ever going to REMEMBER all the stuff in this book (at least not right away - if ever! : ) ... The iMac does NOT come with a MANUAL. Now, maybe this NEW, paisley-print / tie-dye / hippie, iTunes, Music-oriented one does ("Jeez! If I had only waited another six months!" - Same Old Story : ), but I doubt it. So, you're going to need SOME kind of book like this so you don't drive the guy at the computer store CRAZY with all your questions! (Thanks, Rick! : ) ... Just sit back, put on The Grateful Dead, pretend you're back in college, crack open the book, press that ON Button on the front of your iMac, and get ready to learn HOW to DO things with, and FIX things in, your beautiful new computer. This book makes it easy to wade through the trees and see the forest for what it is: a real silicon jungle WITH PATHS that go through it - if you KNOW where to look. ... LOOK HERE! ... YOWZA! - The Aeolian Kid