Mac OS X: The Missing Manual (Missing Manuals)

Pogue, who's written about Macs for years writes about Macs at the user level with clarity. He's also quite good at dealing with the numerous options and variations that apply to Mac procedures, and makes very good use of sidebars for clarifying details. In a section on printing, for example, Pogue explains why there's no longer an option to turn off background printing (true multitasking has rendered the option obsolete). There's also good coverage of the online iTools, tailored to people unfamiliar with integrating remote resources into their personal computing environments. --David Wall

Topics covered: Apple Mac OS X for people who will use the operating system, either on a standalone computer with Internet access or on a computer that is part of a home or organisational network. Running applications (in Classic mode as well as in native Mac OS X mode), printing, networking, multimedia, security (including Keychain), and utilities are all covered.

David Pogue writes Mac books in a serene and reassuring way. His writing did a huge amount to keep the Apple flame alight over the years. He knows his stuff and can also communicate it expertly. Whenever you read one of his tombs you are silently absorbing more than you realise. He is the master of integrating the overview with a geeky attention to detail that makes all the difference when it comes to making progress.

That said, this book is not completely user friendly. The index is, as usual with books of this kind - often ineffectual. This usually dawns on you when you are trying to resolve something in a hurry and every variation of a term you can come up with is absent. Often it's simpler just to just go online and use Google - there are a lot of amazing Mac helpers out there with sites full of useful information, all carefully indexed by Google.

As with other books from PoguePress/O'Reilly there is no actual accompanying CD but you can download a virtual one from the publisher's site. This seems to be possible even if you don't actually buy the book as I was not required to enter a password. You don't get to see what is included on the CD till you complete the download - then will wonder why you bothered. Half the apps mentioned in the book are not on it. I have previously bought Pogue's authoritative "Macworld, MacSecrets, 6th Edition" (2001) which promised both free online OS X update chapters and the virtual CD. Cheekily this resource has been terminated some time ago - without a word to registered users. So if you want to see what's on the CD, don't leave it too late is the safest policy.

Finally, as I am in 'picky' mode - iPhoto. The Writer devotes just one paragraph to this interesting OS X application, which he himself calls 'remarkable'. Just enough time to press the reader to buy "iPhoto: The Missing Manual"! (Published by you-know-who.) Ouch! Shameless, or what? Just a couple of pages on iPhoto would have been a great help but nope, nothing. So, OK, here's a tip of my own on when using iPhoto: when you rotate your images from landscape to portrait you end up with two copies of the same photos - the pre-rotated versions are slipped into a folder called 'Originals'. Be aware - that will eventually result in an invisible cache hundreds of MBs in size.

Ok, that's enough carping, cos along with Mac guru Robin Williams, David Pogue is the most relaxed, upbeat company you could ask for as a user-guide helper - so if you decide to buy this book you will definitely have the odd frustrated moment but you will also definitely have many very enjoyable and enlightening ones.


A Required Reference   March 19, 2004
A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.com (Glen Ellyn, IL USA)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

If you are reading this review, you are like I am, a devoted Mac fan. Furthermore, you probably own a David Pogue book. It is time to buy another.

"Mac OS X: The Missing Manual" is a necessary addition your technical libary.

Technical manuals for the Mac OS are abound, but Pogue manages to steer clear of the techie-talk that so often plagues the other books. In keeping with the tradition of Apple, and the creative nature of Mac users, he approaches "Mac OS X: The Missing Manual" with a tongue-in-cheek sensiblity.

Pogue sorts out the pros and cons of OS X, while acknowledging the future of the Mac OS. He keeps his explanations simple, honoring the basic truth that Macs are easy to use.

Users new to Macs will be pleased as Pogue points the way to a transitioning to from a Windows-based OS. No reason to be intimidated by the 400+ pages. The book is organized well, and will be comfortable to use either as a manual, or as a reference book.

I fully recommend "Mac OS X: The Missing Manual" by David Pogue.


Excellent for easing the way onto Mac OS X   December 17, 2003
Mrs. S. Lee (Bournemouth UK)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

You don't have to be a computer buff to read this book. It is written in everyday language with a good dose of humour thrown in, to ease your passage onto the Mac OS X. It makes learning fun and removes the sweat and tears usually associated with "text" books. I rate this book highly, it helped me understand the new OS X when I switched from the PC. Work through each section and see what fun learning can be. Great for anyone wanting to get to grips with their Mac OS X without struggling with all the usual "gumph" and technical terminology.
Buy this book and enjoy your Mac.


The "bible" for OSX   June 3, 2003
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I'd been using OS9 for many years, but was totally confused when I bought a new powerbook. I found the instruction book totally inadequate. I don't have a great computer knowledge, but I'm not a beginner and the thin manual that came with the computer didn't give the advice I needed. I found that with this book and The Missing Manual for Office I've been able to set the computer up and understand how it all works. The book explains everything in logical order and in simple terms - I'm so glad I found it!


Pretty essential even for macheads   March 22, 2003
M. Davies (East Yorkshire, UK)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

If you want to get to know every nook and cranny of the best OS around read this book. It covers everything with good humour and takes time to walk you through even the toughest points. For the tech head it peeks into basic Unix stuff. I found the best stuff was the way it showed me how to really exploit the power and versatility thats easily tapped. And as a reference work it's unbeatable. If you've bought OSX then do yourself a huge favour and buy this. I don't think you'll regret it for a second.