Apple says that Mac OS X 10.3 introduces 150 new features--but that's not really true. In fact, "Panther" includes many more than that. It's faster, more polished, and much more efficient. But it still comes without a manual. With 300,000 copies in print, the first two versions of this book became industry bestsellers. Now David Pogue brings his humor and expertise to this completely rewritten, greatly expanded edition. It covers:

• Getting started. The early chapters demystify the Dock, windows, and the unfamiliar Mac OS X folder structure--an ideal introduction.

• New technologies. Mac OS X 10.3 brings breakthroughs in window management (Expose, the Sidebar); security (File Vault, Secure Empty Trash); and productivity (faxing, Fast User Switching).

• Bonus software. Panther comes with over 50 free programs--and this book gives you expertise in all of them. This beefed-up edition includes all-new mini-manuals on iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, iChat AV, and Safari.

• Basics of Unix. You can completely ignore Panther's Unix core. But if the command line intrigues you, this book offers a gentle introduction.

• Finding familiar features. Two "Where'd It Go?" Dictionaries make it easy for Mac OS 9 and Windows refugees to look up a traditional feature--and find out where it went in Mac OS X 10.3.

As always, Mac OS X: The Missing Manual offers warm, witty writing, and bursts with the shortcuts, surprises, and design touches that make the Mac the most passionately championed computer in the world.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 34 Ratings

Panther help is on the way! - 2005-09-12
Reviewer Rating:
This is not the first user manual, by David Pogue, that I have purchased. I rely on these publications to not only give me the basics, but also a more advanced understanding of new and unfamiliar Mac operating systems. Get to know Panther with the help of David Pogue!

Missing Manual for Panther OS X.3 - 2009-08-06
Reviewer Rating:
The book was advertised as used but turned out to be almost new. I had loaned my old one and did not get it returned I was making a slide show and had forgotten some of the fine details. Great buy.

Very good transaction - 2009-03-16
Reviewer Rating:
Very good transaction. The book arrived promptly and in perfect condition. Better than I expected.

No Better Books About OS X Exist - 2008-12-11
Reviewer Rating:
Quick and to the point: The Missing Manual is a MUST BUY for anyone just getting into Mac OS X. It's also extremely handy for old Mac-heads who just want a nice reference around. The writing is good, the details are deep, and the book covers EVERYTHING in its particular edition of OS X.

They really should work out a deal with Apple to include these with every new Mac.

Not especially advanced - 2008-06-25
Reviewer Rating:
This is a thorough book that covers all of the operating basics for the OS. Having just received my first Mac, I bought the book to bring me up to speed. Most of the first half was review for me. As a Windows developer checking out the Mac, I wanted extensive instructions on how to setup a new development environment and really get into the guts of the system. This book has a couple of chapters reviewing the basics of *nix commands which were great, but I wanted a lot more. The end of chapter 16 and some of chapter 17 were of use to me, but most of it was reviewing *nix basics that I already knew (navigating directories, listing content, copying, etc.).

Ultimately, I think the fault here lies with me. I should have bought a more advanced book, perhaps in ADDITION to this one. A good OS scarcely needs any explanation on the basics (ideally) and I've found that to be true with OS X. I guess I just thought many of the first ten chapters were for people who've rarely used a computer.

Concluding, I'm glad I have this book for general reference and I think it's a thorough survey deserving of 4 stars. But if you're a more advanced user looking to really get into the guts of the system, something more advanced would be better.

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