A few more mac questions

[imported_Shivetya]

I won an auction for a less than year old iMac (24" 7600gt variety) so I am in the mac world once it arrives. That being said


1. Are there programming tools (like visual studio) If so, where and how much?

2. Normally 3gb should be better than 2gb for system memory, but isn't this chipset geared to matched pairs ? I assume I can survive easily on 2gb.

3. Extended warranty, apparently I can still get it. Should I? Its discounted at some places online.

4. iWork, is this Apple's equivlanet of Microsoft Works?

5. Sound out. It appears this has a single connector out. Suggestions for good 5.1 or similar? (or does an iMac even have that capability... . my current speakers rely on 3 connections to the PC)

6. Vent and Skype. I use both with WOW and figure on running WOW on this as well. Any conflict between the 3 on an iMac? (I don't want to dual boot for WOW on this machine... )

7. Speaking of WOW, can I just copy my wtf/addons folder to the iMac once I install WOW on it?

8. Internet, just hook it to my network and go? I have open connections on my switch as well as wireless.

9. E-Mail. I doubt I can export Agent to the Mac... but what are my email options?

10. I know firefox exists for Mac, but I heard safari is ok as well - which do you prefer. Do firefox plug ins work regardless of platform?

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: Shivetya
I won an auction for a less than year old iMac (24" 7600gt variety) so I am in the mac world once it arrives. That being said


1. Are there programming tools (like visual studio) If so, where and how much?

2. Normally 3gb should be better than 2gb for system memory, but isn't this chipset geared to matched pairs ? I assume I can survive easily on 2gb.

3. Extended warranty, apparently I can still get it. Should I? Its discounted at some places online.

4. iWork, is this Apple's equivlanet of Microsoft Works?

5. Sound out. It appears this has a single connector out. Suggestions for good 5.1 or similar? (or does an iMac even have that capability... . my current speakers rely on 3 connections to the PC)

6. Vent and Skype. I use both with WOW and figure on running WOW on this as well. Any conflict between the 3 on an iMac? (I don't want to dual boot for WOW on this machine... )

7. Speaking of WOW, can I just copy my wtf/addons folder to the iMac once I install WOW on it?

8. Internet, just hook it to my network and go? I have open connections on my switch as well as wireless.

9. E-Mail. I doubt I can export Agent to the Mac... but what are my email options?

10. I know firefox exists for Mac, but I heard safari is ok as well - which do you prefer. Do firefox plug ins work regardless of platform?

1) Depending on what you will be programming in...
Eclipse: java based SDK for C, C++, Java and others
JGrasp: Similar to Eclipse, personally I hate it on IntelMacs
XCode: Comes on the DVD that should come with your Mac. Very powerful IDE with which you can develop just about anything.

2) I have heard conflicting information on this. I only have 1 GB in my system, and I almost never experience slowdowns. So depending on what you are doing, 2GB should be fine.

3) That is solely upto you. Since it is not a portable, i would be less inclined to get the warranty, but conversely, should hte screen go out on your iMac... is there an Apple Store near you?

4) It is not quite Works... sort of in between Works and Office really. The new iWork 08 is really nice IMO, and unless your work, or school or anything else demands that you use Office, then I would say use iWork or NeoOffice. But if iWork is already there use it.

5) I think you have to get an adapter, the line out does support 5.1 though IIRC

6) I am pretty sure all three work on there, but you might want to go poke around their websites quick

7) No idea

8) Just connect and go, either over wireless or wired.

9) I have no idea what Agent is, so I don't know if you can or not. I personally like Mail, which comes with the OS. It's easy to set up, easy to organize it, and do all sorts of things. Integrates well with the OS (of course) and other Apple made apps.

10) I like Safari (specifically Safari 3), but not everyone does. I feel that Firefox on the Mac is an after-thought, sort of like the developers felt that they had to make it for the Mac, but they weren't happy about it. However, if that is what you are used to, and what you like, then by all means go for it. Extensions should work on every OS.

11) Something you will find when you swtich. Things are different, they just are, so hopefully you are willing to adjust. For example, when you download FireFox it will be a .DMG (Disk iMaGe). This gets mounted to your system just like an ISO. Once it is mounted, it will autoplay and a new Finder window will pop up with the Firefox icon and another icon in it. Click the little oval in the upper right corner of that Finder Window to reveal the Sidebar and Toolbar. Then, drag the Firefox icon to the Applications Folder on your sidebar. There, you just installed it. I am working on a guide for users new to the mac, which I plan on posting here once it is done, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

 

[randomlinh]

Stu seems to have hit everything... I will add that Firefox 3 should be native for OS X... so it'll be better. I use BonEcho, a specialized compile of firefox that seems to feel more at home with OS X than the official release.

Personally, I hate Safari, heh. Mostly to my familiarity with firefox and IE... and the need for extensions (makes browsing at home/work far easier on me, and syncs nicely for bookmarks).

 

[Megamorph]

Originally posted by: randomlinhI will add that Firefox 3 should be native for OS X... so it'll be better.

ETA for Firefox 3?

 

[randomlinh]

unfortunately, I think it's late Oct/Early Nov before we'll see it.. assuming everything goes on schedule, heh

 

[imported_Shivetya]

my iMac arrives Friday .... which means I have the weekend to set it up....