Mac OS in a Nutshell: A Power User's Quick
Reference
Reviewed by Bob Rivkin
Washington Apple Pi Journal, January/February
2001, p. 20, reprint
information
Although the descriptive title "A Power User's Quick
Reference" accurately announces the essence of Mac OS in
a Nutshell, it does not even hint at the wealth of
information available to its readers.
As expected, the publication's 19 chapters cover
everything from the Mac's interface, menu bar, control
panels and extensions to files, storage, utilities,
accessories, AppleScript, Sherlock, color management, fonts,
multimedia, networking, the Internet, and just about
anything else one can conjure up relating to the Mac
Operating System.
Ms. Lewis includes what's new in Mac OS 9, discussing
such topics as compatibility issues with Mac OS 9, multiple
users, keychain access, and Apple encryption among many
others.
This is as comprehensive a reference as can be imagined,
yet one that is comfortably accessible both to the
experienced power user or to the beginner, or rather, to the
beginning power user.
Material is covered in a straightforward,
non-intimidating style that uses excellent and copious
screen shots to insure that explanations can be followed and
understood. I particularly like the generic explanations of
the Mac OS, as opposed to a chronological/numerical listing
of the various systems as they exist. There are thoughtful
reminders along the way that "your screen may appear
different depending on your Operating System." In addition,
there are icons used to emphasize important points: a large
turkey serves to introduce a warning; an owl announces an OS
tip. There are many of both, all useful.
My favorite aspect of Ms. Lewis's work is its numerous
short histories of topics such as the evolution of the Mac
OS, Macintosh type/fonts, and Macintosh hardware. These
sections, although the hurried reader can skip them, are
much like a story, both factual and entertaining at the same
time. I personally looked forward to coming upon each one.
I tried to find a topic that isn't covered in this book.
I couldn't. I tried to cite weaknesses. There really are
none. Nitpickers may find a few small items, such as the
omission of the ImageWriter II's ability to print color. I
did not find this upsetting. [I would, however, change
the turkey and owl's icons to something else--those used
remind me a little too much of stern images from
superannuated textbooks.] This reviewer finds no
failings here.
Mrs. Lewis's writing style is concise, clear, admirably
organized, while technical enough to satisfy the hoary power
user and not so technical as to confound the new user. If
you use your Mac, use this book.
Rita Lewis with Bill Fishman, Mac OS in a Nutshell: A
Power User's Quick Reference
O'Reilly & Associates, June 2000,
$24.95 ISBN 1-56592-533-5
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