New Mac OS User...Can I get some Help?

[poster]

I think this is the right place to put this, if not please move. I just bought an iMac and really like it. Just wondering about a couple of things that maybe some experienced Mac users can fill me in on.

In Windows, I always partitioned my hard drive. I did the same thing yesterday with my Mac HD, but when I tried to install a program (Office 08) to a partitioned portion of the hard drive, it told me that I could not do that and that I had to place it on the partition with the operating system.

Do all programs have to be installed in this way on the Mac OS? I always create a partition for my programs, games, etc. Just wondering if I am missing something?

Also when installing something can it be defaulted to install to a specific location? Any help or philosophies on using this new OS would be great. I appreciate it.

[LetsGoPitt]

Re: New Mac OS User...Can I get some Help?

Generally, applications tend to be installed into the Applications folder in whatever partition your system is installed in. In fact, some apps (like Office) insist on being put on the System disk. I used to partition my drive like you did, but now I just have it broken up into System and Files. All of the apps go into the System partition because regardless of where you install the actual app, there will be files that go on the System partition (mainly preferences and things like that). If I were you, I'd just go with the flow and install things in the Applications folder.

IMO, there really isn't a need to partition things like in Windows, because you won't have to do much drive maintenance (i.e. defragmenting), so having a large drive won't be an issue.

If you have any other questions, I'm happy to help

Welcome to the Mac...you won't miss Windows, believe me.

[poster]

Re: New Mac OS User...Can I get some Help?

Generally, applications tend to be installed into the Applications folder in whatever partition your system is installed in. In fact, some apps (like Office) insist on being put on the System disk. I used to partition my drive like you did, but now I just have it broken up into System and Files. All of the apps go into the System partition because regardless of where you install the actual app, there will be files that go on the System partition (mainly preferences and things like that). If I were you, I'd just go with the flow and install things in the Applications folder.

IMO, there really isn't a need to partition things like in Windows, because you won't have to do much drive maintenance (i.e. defragmenting), so having a large drive won't be an issue.

If you have any other questions, I'm happy to help

Welcome to the Mac...you won't miss Windows, believe me.

Thanks bro, I appreciate the reply. After reading up on it a bit, I was leaning this way. Liking it alot so far, and wanting to go home and play with it some more!

[LetsGoPitt]

Re: New Mac OS User...Can I get some Help?

Thanks bro, I appreciate the reply. After reading up on it a bit, I was leaning this way. Liking it alot so far, and wanting to go home and play with it some more!

No worries...it's actually pretty easy to figure out most things. The biggest thing is to do as Yoda once said and, "unlearn what you have learned." Things like the fact that the green button is not a maximize button (for some reason, a lot of Windows switchers can't come to grips with that one).

Going back to partitioning, I forgot to mention that there is a utility out there called iPartition (how original ) that lets you change partition sizes and even delete or add them without having to reformat your drive...which comes in handy when you're still trying to organize your system.

[poster]

Re: New Mac OS User...Can I get some Help?

Ha, it is a little tough at times, but I am learning the nuances of the OS. Thanks for the link and the thoughts. Much appreciated!

[Heelfan71]

Re: New Mac OS User...Can I get some Help?

No worries...it's actually pretty easy to figure out most things. The biggest thing is to do as Yoda once said and, "unlearn what you have learned." Things like the fact that the green button is not a maximize button (for some reason, a lot of Windows switchers can't come to grips with that one).

.

yeah, the green button. do you have to drag every window to maximize it. And what does that green button do ?