I am a new Mac user. Not a lover, so far. Surely some whiz here will answer all your questions, but one thing I found very quickly is that Help is useless for most things. But if I google my question, I always find an answer somewhere! I just type a regular question and be sure to include Mac in it. "how do I change to landscape mac", etc. (by the way, it is File, page set up then click on the icon that shows landscape. That part I know. Good luck, I'll be interested in reading the answers you get and finding out who the mac experts are.

Barb - Have you tried simply Googling your questions? DH and I recently converted all our systems over to Mac, after being PC-based for years, and I'm usually able to get answers that way. For example, if you search "how to change default printer on Mac," you'll bring up several tutorials.

I'd also recommend using the MacRumors forums - they can provide fast answers to the most technical questions. The link is below.

When you print, a printer icon should show up along the bar at the bottom of your screen. If you open that up, you can cancel the print.

To change the page orientation, go to the top of your screen and click open the File drop down menu. Go to Page Setup, and you'll see where you can switch to landscape.

Here is a link that might be useful: MacRumors Forums

Not an expert by any means, but I have been using Macs for about 15 years, along with PCs.

What version of the Mac OS are you running? My answers are based on OS 10.6. If you are running an older version, the text in the windows might be a bit different, but you should be able to do all the steps.

Here's the info on how to delete a printer:

Deleting a printer
If you no longer use a printer, you can delete it from your list of available printers.

To delete a printer:

Choose Apple menu > System Preferences and click Print & Fax.

Open Print and Fax preferences
Select the printer in the list at the left, and click the Delete (-) button.

If you delete the printer that's set as your default printer, Mac OS X selects another printer as your default. If you want to use a different printer as the default, choose its name from the "Default printer" pop-up menu in Print & Fax preferences.

In Numbers, you can undo your last change by going to Edit and clicking Undo. You can click Undo multiple times if you want to undo many changes. However, it can only Undo up to the point where you last saved the file.

In Numbers, you can automatically create a backup file before you start making changes.

To automatically save a backup version of a spreadsheet, choose Numbers > Preferences, click General, and then select "Back up previous version when saving."

The next time you save your spreadsheet, a backup version is created in the same location, with "Backup of" preceding the filename. Only one version--the last saved version--is backed up. Every time you save the spreadsheet, the old backup file is replaced with the new backup file.

To revert to the last saved version after making unsaved changes, choose File > Revert to Saved. The changes in your open spreadsheet are undone.

If I know I'm about to make major changes to any document, I just make a backup copy of the file, usually on an external hard drive. That way, if the whole thing gets completely messed up, I have a copy that I can retrieve.

I think the DPI is determined by the printer. What is the make and model of the printer you are using? There should be a way, either in the print window that pops up when you click Print, or in the settings of the printer, to determine the resolution. But how you do that may be determined by the printer driver--do you have a manual for the printer that you can check? If you don't have the manual, you can probably find it on-line. For my printer, I can chose in the print window if I want draft quality, fast draft quality or best quality, but I have a pretty basic printer. Also, what word processor are you using? That could make a difference, too.

The Apple web site has a ton of information under "Support." They have the manuals for hardware and software--I found the Undo info in the manual for Numbers on the Apple site. They have articles on how to do things that aren't covered by the manuals. And they have forums where you can submit a question and get answers from other Mac users, which I have found to be very helpful. And when I'm completely stymied, I google the question, i.e. How do I uninstall older versions of software? There's usually an answer out there somewhere.

Camlan, thank you very much for your reply. What an afternoon- the book The Missing Manual said that there are no uninstall programs in the Mac and all you have to do is click and drag the application to the trash basket. I did that and then changed the new printer to default. No luck.

I checked the Help in the computer and got nothing.

Then went online. One site wanted to charge $38.00 to answer the question. Forget it. So went to Apple support and got the answer to go to Applications then Utilities, then Printer Set up utility. Only my computer has no Printer Set up Utility in Utilities.

Then I posted here and in the computer forum at GW. And both you and someone there gave me very clear concise directions on how to change the printer. THANK YOU!

And thank you for telling me about "Undo." That will be a life saver. I know I should back up stuff but I am not sure how to even eject an external hard drive. I tried to this summer and again, spent an hour trying to figure out how, and then just finally pulled it out in frustration. I'm not sure how to eject my iPod either. My DS said that there is a small triangle on iTunes, but I have clicked on it and then pullied the ipod off and I get a message that I haven't ejected the ipod correctly. I just don't know why Apple can't make things easier to do.

At this point, about all I use the MAC for is to browse on the internet and to shop. I get a sick feeling in my stomach when I have to do something like change printers because I know it will be nothing but several hours of complete frustration.

And thank you Olychick and Goldgirl. I think the problem with portrait is that the numbers program doesn't give you an option.I was trying to change a small spreadsheet I had done on numbers. I did find the page set up on the pages program. And I will look at the the bar at the bottom next time I print something. I have wasted so much paper with the MAC not knowing how to cancel printing.

Thank you all for your help. I will also check out MacRumors.

The things you do on a PC are generally much more simple to do on a Mac, but it takes some time to learn where things are. Your brain is still in PC-mode, which can get frustrating - you're so used to doing things one way, and the Mac-way just doesn't make sense. But when you look at it objectively, the Mac is more intuitive.

I was PC-based for more than 25 years, and even though I worked on a Mac in graphic design years ago, I still can't always figure out how to do something.

To properly eject your iPod, click on the Finder icon at the bottom of your screen - that's the square icon with smiley faces. Look at the left side of the window that opens, under Devices. You should see your iPod there. Click the little triangle pointing up to the right of your iPod name, and that will allow you to disconnect your iPod. However, if you don't wait until your iPod is done synching with your laptop, you'll get the error message.

Barb, I'm glad I could help.

I've used the old DOS PCs, Macs and Windows. Over all, once you get into the Apple mindset, I've found Apple computers and OS to be easier and more intuitive than Windows. Okay, when I first used Windows, I had to ask someone how to shut down the computer. "Click start," was the answer. "No, I need to shut the computer OFF," was my reply. "Click start."

Yep, for years, the way to shut off a PC running Windows was to click the Start button. So, to me, Windows has just as many quirks as Apple computers do. It really depends on what you are used to.

As for the iPod--I eject mine from iTunes. On the left side of the window, where it has Library and Store and Playlists, you should also see Devices. Your iPod should show up there, with a small triangle to the right of it. Click on the triangle and the iPod should eject. But this is also going to depend on which version of the OS you are running, which iPod you have and which version of iTunes you are running. I just upgraded to an iPod touch, and I don't need to eject it. I just can unplug it, as long as it has finished syncing. You shouldn't unplug it while it is syncing, as GoldGirl says.

I actually bought the MAC because it does have a reputation for being more intuitive or user friendly. I do not have a type of brain that wraps around technology very well and that was a strong selling point for me.

All I can say is that it may be more intuitive for some, but sadly not for me. I am much more inclined to look for a button that says "delete" than I am to see a small "-" sign at the end of a column. And it never would occur to me to look for a picture of a printer at the bottom of a screen to cancel printing. I have scoured the pulldown menus looking for a "cancel" to no avail.

I have had this MAC for several years and it is really not becoming easier. And I was pretty comfortable with Excel and figured I could handle Numbers, but Numbers is much harder.

Camlan, my DS told me to do the same thing to eject my Ipod Nano, but I still get the warning that I have done it wrong. I have the OS 10.5.8 operating system. I have pretty much avoided using my ipod for many months because of fear of causing damage to my computer, but I will pull it out today and give it another try. Perhaps I have not waited long enough for the "synching?"

I just wish there was a good book or a good help section on the MAC to help someone like me. "The MIssing Manual" has led me down the wrong path several times.

I do have to say that overall the computer itself has held up well and I have a long time to use on battery alone. And so far, no viruses (knock on wood). But when it does finally need replacing, I know I am going back to a PC. For me, they are more compatible with how my particular brain works, the Help section built into the computers is just so much better on a PC, and I can do miuch more on them than just cruise the internet and shop.

Again, thank you for all the help.

I'm with you on Excel vs. Numbers. Excel is much easier and more logical in a Windows environment. Numbers is the pits. Check out Excel for Macs - I believe it's just been introduced and is available on amazon. I'll be buying it very soon.

Barb, you won't damage the computer if you remove the iPod too soon, but you might do something to the iPod. However, I've removed my iPod too soon more than once, and nothing's happened. At least that I can see.

One thing you might do is go to the Apple menu and click on Software Updates and see if there's an iTunes update you can download. If you are properly ejecting the iPod, there might be an iTunes issue that could be corrected by updating the software.

Does anyone use Open Office on their Mac? I was convinced to download it (for free) by my young geek friends after I complained about there being no word processing program except Text Edit on the Mac. I didn't want any Microsoft products (or as few as possible) because that's why I bought a Mac to get away from MS.

It is GREAT and it looks like there is a spreadsheet program with it that mimics Excel. I haven't used it yet, but wondered if anyone has.

Olychick, don't you have Pages?

I had to buy an iWork package that was an extra charge when I bought my MAC. The iWork package had Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (which I actually forget what it is as I have never used it.)

Open Office?? A free download with a program that looks like Excel?

I would love to hear some feedback by anyone who has used the spreadsheet program. Right now I am considering just using my DH's PC which has Excel on it, during the day when he is gone to work.

Barb; why not go to Newegg & buy a copy of Windows for $100 & install it on the Mac? It's something I've been wanting to do. I have a Mac mini; I also have a huge Windows computer that's dual boot with XP & Vista. All I do is push a button on my monitor & I can use the Windows PC.

The only thing I like about the Mac is that it's quick with the net. Don't really use it for much more.

Here is a link about OpenOffice. I don't have good enough excel experience to be an advocate for the OO program. I love the concept of this project; professionals and users creating software for free (you can contribute toward costs), improving it as needed, and distributing for free to everyone - just for the public good, no profits involved. I hadn't heard of it until this last fall, but it's been around for over a decade. It is an org. and not a .com!

http://about.openoffice.org/index.html

Here is a list of features on their most recent release.

Natal, I don't think I have "Pages". I haven't ever seen it and just searched finder for it and nothing shows up. Where would it be?

Here is a link that might be useful: openoffice

as long as I'm singing its praises, here is better info than what I wrote about its origins and structure. It's been around longer than I said....

Check it out. I talked to all my geek friends with Macs and all had only good to say. I was worried about viruses, but it's apparently not a problem.

I'll stop talking about it now!

Here is a link that might be useful: More on OpenOffice

Pages is the word processing part of the iWork package.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pages

I also looked in mine; apparently my mac doesn't have it but Apple would be glad to sell it to me. They also would like me to upgrade my OS for $30; which I may do. If I upgrade the OS; I think I'd like a fresh install

Oh, thanks Natal. I refused to buy any more software from Apple than what came with it. It was so expensive in the first place and I thought the default word processing program would be adequate for my needs (an occasional business letter) but I was wrong. Text edit is worthless for anything. So I was complaining about it at a mac love-fest with a large group of friends and they all use openoffice and convinced me to try it. I was scared! But now...well, take THAT Steve and Bill.

I can't imagine buying any computer without a word processing program. To me it was worth the extra bucks.

Me neither. I assumed what was on it when purchased would be adequate (I knew I didn't need anything with too many bells and whistles) and when it was completely inadequate, it made me so mad I wouldn't give them any more $$. So I got something better for free.

Mine isn't that old; hub bought it after we moved in; so late 2008.
According to what I read at Apple; if I upgrade to the newest OS there's more features that lets you download free programs. I didn't look into it more then that.

I agree text edit is worthless. A lot of the programs on mine are worthless as they all want money when I open them

"if I upgrade to the newest OS there's more features that lets you download free programs."

This is the new App Store. It's like the App Store for the iPhone, iPod and iPad, but for Apple computers. Some of the software is free, and some of it is the regular software for Macs, iLife and iWork, which you have to pay for. It's the same software, as far as I can tell, just an easier way to search for it and buy it. I do think that Apple is hoping that new apps will be written for their computers, now that the App Store is open.

Okay, I just went to the App Store and checked--there are a lot of free programs. But Pages and Numbers are $19.99 each.