[tina_bobena]

Hi,
I just purchased an iBook G4 off ebay but it only came with OS X 10.4 and nothing else.
What programs do i need to install on it?
I know that i should install iLife 06....but what about a typing program or something?
Thanks in advance!!
Tina

 

[shyataroo]

it comes with typing programs goto Macintosh>Applications>
thats where you will find them.

if you want a fancy schmancy word processor/toaster get iWork and iLife

 

[VegasACF]

More information would prove useful to answering your question.

For word processing, calendaring, spreadsheet work, Microsoft Office is the standard. That said, there are alternatives that are compatible therewith, some of which are free (Open Office, for example--just make sure you save the doc as Office-compatible!).

iLife will likely take care of most of your photography, music and home video needs.

What else are you looking to do with this machine?

Are you into recording your own music? iLife includes Garage Band, which is passable as an audio/MIDI recording platform for the casual user, but there are plenty of other options out there that are vastly more powerful. I recommend getting (at least) an el-cheapo USB-equipped keyboard/controller, as pointing and clicking takes the creativity straight out of the equation for most users (though, I must confess, there are times when I'm composing a drum track that I rely on this method).

Are you into games? What sort? My personal favorite is the FPS (first person shooter) type, as typified by the Unreal series, the Doom series, the Medal of Honor series, the Call of Duty series, and the Quake series. If you're more into strategy games there are a host of options, but I'm not the best person to ask, as I find these games most frustrating. If you're into role-playing (Dungeons and Dragons kinds of things) there are a host of titles available as well, but, again, this isn't my cup of tea. I'd recommend a visit to Inside Mac Games for the latest in gaming news on the Mac.

Just let us know what kinds of things you're wanting to do, and we'll be forthcoming with more options than at which you can shake a stick.

 

[shyataroo]

I forgot what the standard word processor on OS X is called ..but I know that it reads and writes MS-WORD

 

[tina_bobena]

More information would prove useful to answering your question.

For word processing, calendaring, spreadsheet work, Microsoft Office is the standard. That said, there are alternatives that are compatible therewith, some of which are free (Open Office, for example--just make sure you save the doc as Office-compatible!).

iLife will likely take care of most of your photography, music and home video needs.

What else are you looking to do with this machine?

Are you into recording your own music? iLife includes Garage Band, which is passable as an audio/MIDI recording platform for the casual user, but there are plenty of other options out there that are vastly more powerful. I recommend getting (at least) an el-cheapo USB-equipped keyboard/controller, as pointing and clicking takes the creativity straight out of the equation for most users (though, I must confess, there are times when I'm composing a drum track that I rely on this method).

Are you into games? What sort? My personal favorite is the FPS (first person shooter) type, as typified by the Unreal series, the Doom series, the Medal of Honor series, the Call of Duty series, and the Quake series. If you're more into strategy games there are a host of options, but I'm not the best person to ask, as I find these games most frustrating. If you're into role-playing (Dungeons and Dragons kinds of things) there are a host of titles available as well, but, again, this isn't my cup of tea. I'd recommend a visit to Inside Mac Games for the latest in gaming news on the Mac.

Just let us know what kinds of things you're wanting to do, and we'll be forthcoming with more options than at which you can shake a stick.

I got the laptop for school as this year im studing media so i need imovie.....
Also for english typing up essays and speeches.
Apart from that thats all i really need it for.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...MEWN:IT&viewitem=&item=220069157674&rd=1&rd=1
Thats the one i got.
What do you guys think?

 

[exegete]

Text Edit is the standard that should be included as part of OS X install.

BTW, did you get the original OS X install CD/DVDs? You will need that, especially to do any kind of troubleshooting, re-install, repair permissions, etc.

 

[shyataroo]

yeah text edit can open edit and save .doc format.

 

[Cal UK]

yeah text edit can open edit and save .doc format.

I'd still recommending open office though. Textedit is just like notepad, OK but only for very casual you can't format or present your text easily.

 

[VegasACF]

Indeed. TextEdit is fine for leaving notes for yourself, but for any kind of real word processing you'll need something with better capabilities.

OpenOffice is a great choice, offering most of the features of Microsoft Office, for the low, low price of zero dollars/pounds/euros/whatever. Just be certain that if you submit something electronically you save the file as Office-compatible. If you do not it will not be easily open-able, which will translate into a lower grade on your assignments!

 

[tina_bobena]

Thank you guys for all your help!! i ended up buying Microsoft Office for Mac its just what i needed!!
Thanks again!!