The Little iMac Book Book

The i in iMac stands for Internet, so it is fitting that The Little iMac Book divides its time between explaining the specifics of the Mac and the ways of the World Wide Web. The author explains larger concepts (such as the difference between analogue and digital) as well as practical Mac-user advice. (For example, get a surge protector to prevent your iMac from a lightning- storm zap.) Robin Williams is an expert on and proponent of the Mac, and her enthusiasm bubbles over into her explanations. She encourages her readers to play with the applications, to make drawings on the screen, and not to be afraid "to make something dorky." Her tone is a good match to the philosophy espoused by Apple through the years: that the computer is a tool that should be accessible to all. The book extends beyond just Internet exploration to show users how to set up a database and maximise the preinstalled applications, such as ClarisWorks and the Williams-Sonoma Cooking Guide. She does provide ample coverage for first experiences on the Web, from setting up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to sending e-mail and using search engines. A strong beginner's primer, The Little iMac Book is as welcoming as the machine it's based on. --Jennifer Buckendorff, Amazon.comRead More