The iMac for Dummies

Despite Apple's emphasis on simplicity, the publishers of the Dummiesseries feel that iMac users could still do with a helping hand. Bundledinside this distinctive yellow cover are hints and tips on how to get themost from the colourful little computer.

Anyone who has unwrapped a brand new iMac will know that it comes withboth an easy-to-follow manual and a handy troubleshooting guide. But ifyou're still struggling, or want to get that little bit extra from youriMac, then this is the book to turn to.

It kicks off by outlining the basics for iMac novices - and when we saybasics, we mean just that: this first step takes you through turning thething on. The simple instructions are accompanied by clear screenshots togive you an idea of how things should look on-screen.

To help you follow the text, and to stop you from getting bogged down inunnecessary detail, the pages are littered with helpful icons. These pointout technical information, useful shortcuts, hands-on exercises,explanatory notes, and features found in Mac OS 8.5.

While this book is ideal for absolute beginners, don't throw it out assoon as you've mastered the fundamentals. It holds your hand through allthe software you get with your iMac - though the US bias is evident hereas it explains Quicken finance software, which isn't available for the Macin the UK. It also takes you through key packages from Microsoft - Wordand Excel 98 - that you might want to load up.

Other chapters enlighten you on the mysteries of the internet,connectivity options offered by the USB and ethernet ports you'll find onyour iMac, and gadgets you can plug in to add extra functionality. Butperhaps the most useful chapter is the one that covers troubleshooting,because the easy-to-follow instructions really come into their own whenyou're faced by an inscrutable error message.

The perfect companion to your iMac, this book's user-friendly stylemirrors that of the computer. The 358 pages should take you from iMacinnocent to aficionado.