Read This First

This book is intended for Windows users who are considering or have already purchased an Apple Mac mini computer. It begins by describing what a Mac mini isthe first consumer Macintosh since the late 1990s that doesn't include a built-in displayand ends with descriptions of some of my favorite Mac applications.

I encourage you to start with the chapters that address your most urgent needs. If you've already decided to purchase a Mac mini and plan to use it side by side with a Windows PC, start with the discussion of sharing a display, keyboard, and mouse in Chapter 4, followed by networking in Chapter 6, printing in Chapter 7, and security in Chapter 8.

If you haven't already purchased a Mac mini, I recommend that you read Chapters 1 and 3 first. They introduce you to the Mac mini and explain how and where to purchase one. I then suggest reading Chapters 9 and 10 to familiarize yourself with Mac software, especially the collection that's included with the Mac mini.

Chapter 2 is a collection of frequently asked questions that summarizes and sometimes expands upon the other chapters. Chapter 8 is a visual tour of the Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger operating system specifically intended to help Windows users quickly orient themselves in Mac OS.

This book also includes two special features, neither part of the book itself but both valuable to readers:

All of the URLs listed in this book can be accessed at the book's Web site: www.peachpit.com/coursey. If the URLs change, the Web site will reflect those changes as I become aware of them. Bookmark this page, and you'll never have to manually enter a URL from this book.

Also, I will do my best to answer any and all reader questions. If something in the book doesn't make sense to you or is found to be incorrect, please tell me. I'll do my best to help solve the problems. I will post this information (or a link to it) on the Web site as well. I am not intending to become an all-purpose help deskyour best source for help is Apple's extensive Help systembut if you've tried everything else, I'm happy to lend a hand.

Thank you for purchasing this book and have fun with your Mac mini.

David Coursey
[e-mail]