The IMac Book [Illustrated] (Paperback)

Keeping the "i" in iMac as a major focus of the book, "The iMac Book" offers comprehensive information about how the Internet works, how the iMac interfaces with the 'Net, a guide to the Macintosh on-line community, and how to do effective research with your iMac. Did I mention that it has scores and scores of excellent links? I may be a bit biased, but I found their link to the Apple Wizards website to be most valuable indeed! :)

Computer newbies will love "The iMac Book" for its down-to-earth language and explanations of common Macintosh problems. Basic troubleshooting techniques will empower new Macintosh users to feel comfortable with and in control of their computers.

Despite my raves, I was initially disappointed that one important, yet technically intimidating topic was left out of the book. The topic in question is taking the iMac apart in order to upgrade RAM or VRAM. Sure, dismantling the iMac is a task that is best suited for the more adventurous, but it is not so daunting that it cannot be accomplished by your typical iMac owner. I asked author Don Ritter about this concern, and he informed me that he had in fact, planned to include such a section, but unfortunately the Mac website that was compiling that information was unable to meet the publisher's deadlines.

All told, I strongly recommend this book to all beginner through intermediate iMac users. Even if you aren't a beginner, "The iMac Book" with its attractive Bondi-Blue hardcover, translucent dust sleeve, and archive of resources is the perfect addition to anyone's library or Apple literature collection.

The iMac Book is an excellent reference work for using your iMac on-line. But if it's more technical stuff you need on how your little coloured beastie works, then iMacs for Dummies is probably a better buy.

Don has published more than 12 books on science, computers, and the

Net. His writing style is user-friendly, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth and easy-to-follow (i.e., "Get The iMac Book!"). We like it so much we keep it right next to the old PC!

In 10 chapters, the book gives readers a solid foundation on the operation of the iMac and the Internet, from a complete description of the iMac itself to a laundry list of websites that will turn you and your machine into an internet tiger! (Again, take note, even if you are using a PC, the information in Don's book is a cut above anything you could surf for and sort through and hope to find on your own! This book is written in non-technical language and covers a wide variety of topics including how you can actually run Windows programs on your iMac!

When you take your new iMac out of the box, Don's book will prove invaluable (maybe they should pack a copy with each iMac shipped) as he walks you through the most common problems associated with the iMac and how to correct them. There's a chapter devoted to troubleshooting that names some of the many online tech support Web sites that will help you if you get into trouble while offering the best maintenance tips for keeping your iMac healthy and sound.

"Throughout this book I direct you to a variety of places on the Internet to obtain resources for making your computing experience a pleasant and productive one. I also have created an area on my Web site, The MESH - Inside Cyberspace...that links many of these resources. Feel free to use it, and please let me know how it can be improved. You can reach me at drittner@wizvax.net, or themesh@global2000.net."

Don ordered his first Macintosh in January, 1984. Soon after receiving it, he and friends started Macintosh Enthusiasts Club of the Capital Area, (MECCA), one of the oldest Mac User Groups in the country, which he still runs. In 1985, he became a columnist and User Group Editor for Macazine, an early national Mac magazine writing for Apple user groups and in 1988, he was the user group editor/columnist for Mac Horizons, another national Mac magazine. He has written for numerous other national magazines over the years. In 1988, he created MUG News Service, a computer news service that reaches half a million Mac users worldwide. Today, Don writes a weekly computer column for THE RECORD newspaper (Troy, NY).