BKLTLMAC.RVW  940118
 
Peachpit Press
2414 Sixth Street
Berkeley, CA  94701
800 283-9444
510 548-4393
fax: 510 548-5991
tbooth@peachpit.mhs.compuserve.com
"The Little Mac Book", Williams, 1993, 1-56609-052-0, U$16/C$23
 
The preface (entitled, "Read Me First") says that this book has gotten bigger
over the years.  In a sense, it doesn't look it.  The information here is basic
and fundamental.  I would have no problem recommending this to anyone starting
out with a Mac.
 
For experienced Mac users this book probably doesn't hold many secrets.  On the
other hand, it does contain a lot of information, and it may just point out a
few tricks and shortcuts you haven't learned yet.  At the same time, Williams
gives some creative tips you won't find in any standard documentation.  One
example is his way of grouping and ordering items on the Apple menu (found on
page 158).
 
The first part is called, "The Basics" and it is really a list of basic
computer concepts as applied to the Mac.  Specifications, startup, desktop,
mouse, menus, special keys, windows, icons, folders, selecting, trash can,
opening, typing, saving, printing, and closing are all covered here.  The
second part is more Mac-specific, dealing with the system folder, fonts, desk
accessories, apple menu, control panels, aliases, finding, networking, and
others.  The third part brings out some conceptual clues and information which
might be beyond neophyte Mac users, but is likely very handy to those coming to
the Mac from other systems.  The remainder of the book is rather miscellaneous,
but contains the glossary, tutorial, and index.
 
Neither pompous in tone nor cute, Williams either avoids or at least clearly
explains *all* computer jargon--including that of the Mac culture.  (Think the
concept of "clicking" is obvious?  Williams, quite correctly, doesn't.)  If you
have newly purchased a Mac and have a friend willing to sit at your shoulder
and tell you what to do--get this book anyway.  You'll probably learn more.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1994   BKLTLMAC.RVW  940118

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DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733
DECUS Symposium '95, Toronto, ON, February 13-17, 1995, contact: rulag@decus.ca