Product Description

Best-selling Mac author and contributing writer for MacHome magazine explains all the 50+ new features and capabilities of OS 9. You'll learn to install and configure hardware, software, and peripherals, connect to the Internet, and let Sherlock 2 search the Web for you.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #965736 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 916 pages

From Amazon.co.uk
At nearly 900 pages, it's safe to say that after reading Mac OS 9: The Complete Reference, you will have learnt all you need to know about Apple's operating system. Gene Steinberg, author of several Mac-related books, has provided an all-encompassing guide to OS 9, though it isn't for the faint of heart.

Although Steinberg covers the basics (installation, setting user preferences), this book is geared more toward users who are already familiar with Mac OS and want to take their knowledge to the next level. Steinberg gives ample space to such topics as networking and AppleScript. He also gives special attention to setting up a PowerBook or iBook, including a lengthy, helpful explanation of configuring an AirPort Card for wireless Internet access.

Steinberg is particularly adroit at handling common issues such as installing a removable drive, adding input devices and performing periodic data backups. The glossary of terms in the back of the book is likewise thorough and well organised.

Mac OS 9 newbies will probably want to check out a less intimidating guide. But for those who wish to take full advantage of Apple's operating system, Mac OS 9: The Complete Reference should reside right next to your candy-coloured iMac. --John Frederick Moore

From the Back Cover
Maximize the power of Mac OS 9—the best Internet OS ever—loaded with more that 50 new features. Mac OS 9: The Complete Reference explains how to install and configure the new operating system, use all its components, customize your environment, and take advantage of the Web-enabled capabilities. You’ll learn to use the built-in, state-of-the-art technologies, such as Sherlock 2 for Web searching, AppleScript for file sharing, Voiceprint Password for speech recognition, OpenGL for enhanced 3D graphics, and so much more. This is the perfect companion for every Mac user! Install and configure Mac OS 9 on an iMac, iBook, PowerBook, or any Power Mac. Password-protect your Mac environment for multiple users. Install removable drives, scanners, printers, and other devices. Use the latest graphics, desktop publishing, and video production software. Exchange documents among computers without formatting problems using AppleScripts. Share files, folders, and data with other Mac users over the Internet via TCP/IP. Use Sherlock 2 for online shopping, e-mail address lookup, and multiple search engine searches. Get the latest software updates and system enhancements automatically via the Internet. Play games that take advantage of Mac OS 9’s enhanced gaming features. Backup and troubleshoot your system.

About the Author
Gene Steingberg is an accomplished author with a number of Mac books to his credit. He is a contributing writer for MacHome, a columnist for the Arizona Republic's Arizona Central Computing page, and a regularly featured guest on Craig Crossman's Computer American radio show. In addition, he and his teenaged son, Grayson, have developed a new science fiction adventure series, Attack of the Rockoids.

Customer Reviews

This Book Is Filled with Great Information
I read Michael R Berry's review and cannot believe he actually read this book. It is filled with information that I never knew before, and I'm far from a Mac beginner. There were pages and pages on cross-platform networking, using Apple's Internet file sharing features, customizing Sherlock 2's search tools, enhancing the look of usefulness of the Mac System 9 Finder, configuring ColorSync and managing e-mail filters. And that was only the beginning.

I learned more about the Mac and the programs you can get for it from this book than almost any other I have read. I heartily recommend that you buy this terrific book; it's all that it promises to be and much more.

Not Impressed
Sorry to say, I was not impressed. With this book being so new, and so large, I expected more. I can't really say I learned anything that I didn't already know, and I don't consider myself a Macintosh expert. I felt that each of the many topics (the book does cover many topics) was only touched on. I was looking for more depth into each. I am sorry I bought it.

A True Manual Replacement
I bought a copy of Mac OS 9 from The Apple Store, but was afraid to install it, because it contained just a bare bones manual. Instead, I bought a copy of Gene Steinberg's "Mac OS 9: The Complete Reference."

This book is what Apple should have supplied with its operating system. Mr. Steinberg's book is a wonderful way to learn the ins and outs of Mac OS 9. It starts with detailed instructions on installation, including the dreaded clean install. Then it goes on to explain, step by step, how you set it up for best performance.

The book also includes an extensive overview of popular Mac programs and how to get the most out of your Internet access.

I learned many things I never know about Macs from this book, and my experience with Mac OS 9 has been excellent. This book is highly recommended.